Being home-schooled certainly has its advantages, according to Syracuse University freshman Maxx Berkowitz. Waking up at 10:30 a.m. on a weekday, being in total control of his math grades and taking days off at his own discretion are just a few of the benefits Berkowitz enjoyed in high school.

When it came to applying to college, things weren’t so carefree.

‘I was pretty nervous about getting in,’ Berkowitz said. Not being able to measure up to classmates and having such an individualized transcript left Berkowitz unsure of how universities would respond.

Berkowitz became more independent in his studies at age 14. Until then, he had been taught general subjects by his mother. But in his high school years, he relied on self-study and additional courses at his local community college for his education.

‘There was a co-op that we went to every once in a while,’ Berkowitz said. ‘I actually took classes.’

Education for Berkowitz was a mix of organized classes, self-study in math and languages and independent reading. ‘I read a lot of books, but I never took a real English course,’ he said.

When it came to getting into college, Berkowitz may not have had to worry about his unique educational background. In colleges and universities across the nation, admissions offices are adapting to the increasing presence of home-schooled students.

By giving more specific transcript guidelines and assigning one admissions director to home-schooled applicants, admissions offices allow home-schooled students to be seen in comparison to their peers.

Steve O’Keefe, an associate director in the Office of Admissions, is designated to home-schooled students’ applications at SU.

‘They are not at a disadvantage, certainly,’ O’Keefe said of home-schooled applicants.

The uniqueness of a home-schooled education adds to student individuality. But what matters most when considering acceptance is the student’s academic experience and the admissions director’s gauge of that student’s future success, O’Keefe said.

Although the rate of home-schooled students applying and being accepted to institutions of higher education is increasing, the number of home-schooled applicants each year is still small.

‘The number has been a gradual increase,’ O’Keefe said. ‘But still, this fall there are only about a dozen.’

In the past few years, admissions would only see three or four home-schooled applicants each fall. ‘Many schools are in the same scenario,’ O’Keefe said.

The admissions director assigned to home-schooled students must decide whether the applicant’s educational and extracurricular experiences measure up to the university’s standards.

‘We must make sure they will succeed academically,’ O’Keefe said.

It is required that home-schooled students submit a transcript, detailing courses taken in high school years and grades received.

‘My mom put together a narrative transcript,’ Berkowitz said. The 32-page transcript served as an explanation of everything Berkowitz had done during his four high-school years, detailing what books he’d read, what subjects they fit into and volunteer work at his synagogue.

Berkowitz’s transcript is just what admissions offices want from home-schooled students, O’Keefe said. In addition, home-schooled students are asked to get proof of approval from their local high school district. This confirms to colleges that the student has met an academic standard.

‘Typical home-schooled students today are taking courses at community colleges and high schools,’ O’Keefe said. Participation in clubs and volunteer work are also strongly recommended by admissions.

‘We ask them particularly to meet with us,’ O’Keefe said.

Personal interviews are strongly recommended for any applicant, he said, but with such an individualized education, it is necessary for home-schooled students to be involved directly with admissions.

One of the biggest concerns admissions offices have for admitted home-schooled students is the social transition rather than the academic transition. In Berkowitz’s case, it’s the other way around.

‘Homework was a big thing,’ Berkowitz said. Having work to do every night was not a burden for the freshman during high school, as his studies were started and finished during the day.

Berkowitz is enjoying the new social climate. ‘I like being around my peers all the time,’ he said.

Another benefit of being at a university is the use of its facilities.

‘Having access to equipment and professionals all the time is something you just don’t get with home-schooling,’ Berkowitz said.

Home-schooled applicants are considered on a parallel to any other applicant.

‘They are students we’re familiar with, and we work with each one,’ O’Keefe said.

Published on October 14, 2007 at 12:00 pm