Joe:
Many of our members worry that their kids will not do as well, because they feel they are not prepared to teach as well as a "professional" teacher. What is the experience of homeschooled kids as compared to their traditionally-schooled counterparts in terms of objective criteria that colleges and other schools will accept?

Linda:
Plenty of colleges and universities will work on alternative criteria
Many homeschoolers have found that plenty of colleges and universities are willing to work with them on alternative criteria, or otherwise help them meet the school's needs creatively.
(see our college FAQ)

Flexibility and communication are key.
If your child has some idea of which colleges s/he would like to attend, speak with admissions personnel beforehand. They can provide you with a "map" of the route they want your child to follow, then it's up to you and your child to decide if this is, in fact, a desired route. There are also colleges that comprehend homeschooling well enough to realize that subjective criteria can replace objective criteria. These are more willing to take a look at "the big picture," and understand the educational value of the homeschooled child's life experiences. They're more willing to accept a portfolio, a parent-generated transcript, or maybe an additional essay. In any case, homeschooled children can take the widely accepted SAT and ACT tests and, if scores are good, they can help sway skeptical administrators. There's also a lengthy list of "ability to benefit" tests a growing number of schools are willing to accept in terms of both admission and financial aid. Even as homeschoolers worry about such things, admissions officers nationally are taking a long, hard look at their practices because they realize the growing number of charter schoolers and home schoolers present unique challenges they must either accommodate or risk losing. And they no more want to risk losing the income a good student will generate than a homeschooling family wants to risk the opportunities college attendance could provide.

Opening up communications
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC, Alexandria, VA) has opened up communication with a handful of home educators across the country in an attempt to address the changes in a manner acceptable to both colleges and families. With the passage of time, coupled with the growing number of homeschoolers attempting to enter college, I believe this aspect of homeschooling will only grow easier, not more difficult. With all that said, please let me gently remind folks that college isn't necessarily for everyone, nor is it always the most direct route to a life of fulfilling work and happiness for a particular individual.

It's also not something I'd worry
about while children are 3-8 years old!
At this stage, it's much more important the children experience the joy of learning and learning as its own reward. As a child grows, interests and inclinations will reveal whether college is either necessary or desired in the future. Our "graduating" homeschoolers are proving every day that perceived hurdles in this direction are challenges that necessity and desire can overcome.

Joe:
Are you working on a new book? What is the new premise for the book and how can homeschooling parents get involved with you?

See Linda's Answer

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Parents and educators often view a child's middle years as the 'magical' years--when innate talents and abilities really begin to flourish. They have reached the stage where they understand the fundamentals of most subjects and are still excited to learn more. Homeschooling: The Middle Years helps parents make the most of their children's crucial middle years by providing exciting ideas and activities that cultivate each child's individual interests.