July 9, 2025 – Preparing Your Child for College

Dara Halydier

A Lifetime of Preparing

Preparing your child for college starts in elementary school. Good reading, writing, and math skills are necessary, as well as good life management skills, emotional and spiritual maturity, and determination.

Academics can be taught even at the college level, but life skills and maturity, determination, and perseverance take a lifetime of habits to form. If you want your child to attend college, start with consistent discipline and jobs that require diligence and excellence. Anything worth doing, is worth doing well has always been our motto. Discipline is not punishment, but consistent training of daily habits, moral habits, and thought habits.

Unemotional conversations about everything, asking questions to make your child think rather than telling them, and critical thinking skills will prepare your child for the rigors of college. Our boys were shocked with the breadth of their pool of knowledge compared to their college peers. We read good books constantly, talked about current events, and studied about the good, bad, and ugly of history. When a teacher referenced a literary or historical character, our boys followed right along. The ability to write concisely with correct grammar helped them to outrank their peers as well. Upon entering college, your child should be able to write a well-formed five‑paragraph paper with an intriguing introduction, a thesis statement, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and gives an opinion. Frode Jensen’s Format Writing was a great writing curriculum for college prep. 

For more ideas on college prep, see The Practical Guide for Homeschooling High School by Dara Halydier, which includes a transcript template, college options, questions to ask to  make sure college is the right next step for your student, a list of life management skills, and more.

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About the author

Dara Halydier is a Bible teacher, a conference speaker, a mentor, author, mom to five boys and grandma of eight. She is the director of Abiding Truth Ministry. Dara teaches with humor, wisdom, and vulnerability as she reaches out to encourage and equip the next generation.

Guest Contributor

Building a Faith That Lasts: What Parents Should Know Before Their Teen Goes to College

What happens to a teen’s faith when they step onto a college campus for the first time?

For many, it begins to fade. Studies reveal that nearly two-thirds of young adults who regularly attended church in high school stop going once they start college. This can be hard to hear, especially for homeschool parents who have dedicated years to nurturing their child’s spiritual growth and Biblical foundation. Yet college life introduces new freedoms, strong cultural opinions, and constant pressure to question or even abandon long-held beliefs.

Most students don’t walk away from their faith out of simple rebellion. Instead, it often happens slowly and quietly through unanswered doubts, overwhelming schedules, or a lack of nearby Christian community. Without intentional preparation, even the most committed teens can find themselves drifting.

This is why preparation matters now more than ever. As homeschool parents, you have a unique opportunity to guide your children spiritually before they ever leave home. Start by having honest, open conversations about faith and doubts. Encourage them to express questions and wrestle with tough topics. Teach them how to think critically and Biblically about the world around them. Most importantly, help them understand that their faith is not only true but also deeply relevant and practical for the challenges they will face on campus and beyond.

 CTA:

A powerful way to do this is with RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum, a 40-lesson video Bible study for high school students taught by Ray Vander Laan. Through engaging visuals, cultural insights, and Scripture, it equips teens with confidence and clarity in their faith before college begins.

Explore more at: https://sf.fotf.com/cpr7wv

Apply today for Bible School at Capernwray Harbour to discover Jesus Christ, and experience the transforming power of His indwelling Life. More info at capernwray.ca.

Todd Wilson

College?

Why are homeschooling parents so terrified of their kids getting into college? They ask me all the time, “Did your kids get into college?” Like that’s the mark of successful homeschooling. I think it’s the wrong question.

I think the right question to ask yourself is, “Does God want my child to go to college?” The answer will be different for different children. If you believe that is God’s plan for your child, then relax. God will get him or her there.

The really important thing isn’t whether your child goes to college or not; the important thing is to enjoy your child and let him enjoy you and being home . . . for now.

The truth is, college isn’t that hard to get into. I even asked my college professor brother what his university would do with an adult who came to his school without a high school diploma and asked to go to his school. “If they really wanted to go to our college,” he said, “we’d let him in.”

There you have it. If they really want to go to college, God wants them to go to college . . . and you have the money, they’ll get in. So, relax.

But again, I think the question should be asked and never taken lightly, “Does God want my child to go to college?”

I wrote a book addressing all the after-graduation options called “What’s Next? Affirming God’s Plan for Your Highschooler.” It’s sure to help you cheer your child along any path God has for them.

Be real,

Todd

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About the author

Todd Wilson is a dad, granddad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and down to earth realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions, retreats, and churches across the country. As founder of Familyman Ministries and the Smiling Homeschooler, his passion and mission are to remind dads and moms of what’s most important through weekly e-mails, podcasts (The Familyman Show & The Smiling Homeschooler), seminars, and books and products that encourage parents. Todd, and his wife Debbie, still homeschool two of their eight children (six have graduated with four married) in northern Indiana. You can read more at www.familymanweb.com.

At Judson College, we offer Biblical and practical training for wherever you’re called to equip you to live all of life for Christ. https://judsoncollege.com/

Alexandria Letkeman

College Prep for Any Child

The goal of homeschooling is to launch our children out into the world, whether toward college or career. But even teens who aren’t aiming for college can benefit from a college preparatory education. Teens change their minds all the time (remember, “Mom, I’m never dating anyone. Gross!”) and we need to be able to prepare them for what’s ahead even as the target moves around. So, here’s what we need to do. 

Academic Preparation

A solid academic foundation covers a multitude of weaknesses. A strong core in reading and math will take them far. Prioritize core subjects: four years of English, math, science, and social studies at your child’s ability level. Add two to three years of the same foreign language and round things out with at least one course in PE, arts, and electives. With this academic foundation, teens are set up for both college and career paths. 

Testing & Documentation

Even though the acronyms can be scary, don’t avoid college admission testing! Most colleges still require the SAT or ACT for admission. Have your student take the PSAT in 10th grade for practice, then again in 11th grade for National Merit scholarship consideration. Then, in the spring of 11th grade, take the SAT or ACT, with focused preparation using official practice materials beforehand. 

With all this academic preparation and standardized testing, colleges need to actually see these awesome achievements! Your job is to put all the information together into comprehensive records including a transcript, course descriptions, reading lists, and activity/awards lists. 

Finding “The” College

Now you’re ready to explore options and find the college. Visit college fairs, match colleges to your teen’s interests and career goals, and consider finances early. Research scholarship opportunities: merit-based, need-based, and homeschool-specific options. With a strong foundation and clear records, your student can pursue college with confidence, even if it wasn’t the original plan.

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About the author

Alexandria Letkeman began homeschooling with her family in middle school and has recently graduated with honors in 2020. Together with her husband, she has developed a passion for financial literacy, classical writing, and the freedom that homeschooling provides. In pursuit of those passions, she and her husband aim to continue the legacy of The HomeScholar and continue helping homeschool parents homeschool with confidence. One day, Alex plans to start a homesteading farm in Texas featuring mini cows.

Carroll Sue Priddy

Success in College

Students’ success at college is something I consider on a daily basis. Having taught at Montreat College for more than twenty‑five years, I have seen that students thrive when they’re equipped spiritually, academically, and socially. As a proud parent of two alumni, I’ve seen firsthand how intentional preparation sets the stage for a fulfilling college journey.

1. Ground Them in Faith
A strong spiritual foundation defines your student’s character and offers comfort when they feel lonely or isolated. Encourage regular Bible study and prayer, both individually and together. Faith-based campus groups and chapel services provide immediate community and support during challenging semesters.

2. Teach Conflict Resolution
College life inevitably brings misunderstandings. In your homeschool environment, model healthy communication by talking through disagreements and brainstorming solutions. Emphasize the importance of addressing issues promptly rather than letting resentment build.

3. Build Academic Skills
Provide your scholar with a reliable laptop and help them master productivity tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. From the start, enforce firm deadlines for assignments to instill time-management habits. Practicing realistic due dates at home makes juggling multiple courses far less stressful once they arrive on campus.

4. Maintain Connection
Periodic outreach can combat homesickness:

• Write a personal letter or card with words of encouragement.
• Schedule a quick phone call or video chat every couple of weeks.
• Rally other family members and friends: care packages at exam time, birthday cards, and Valentine’s Day notes remind your student they’re loved and missed.

5. Lean on Scripture
Help your student navigate campus temptations by memorizing Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Romans 8:28 reassures us that God will turn every experience—even mistakes—into growth for our children’s good and His glory.

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About the author

Carroll Sue Priddy lives near Asheville, NC, with her husband of 30 years, Philip. They have two children (one married, one engaged) and one grandson. Connect at “Time to Call Carroll Sue” on Facebook with questions or encouragement!

Is your teen ready for what comes after high school? Get a head start with practical resources like The Warrior Class: College Prep Apologetics. This course will help students build confidence and skills for the college journey.