Book Review of And What About College?

From time to time I will be including a book review of books that I feel are pertinent for most unschoolers. I hope you enjoy this first review and find it helpful. I've had the privilege of attending a workshop given by Cafi Cohen and I found her advice and knowledge to be inspiring.

And What About College?, By Cafi Cohen, Published by Holt Associates, ISBN 0-913677-11-6

Some of us may remember the never-ending maze of college admission preparations. Many of us haven't a clue. At any rate, preparing the homeschooler for the admissions process is quite different than having the highschool counselor send transcripts. Cafi Cohens's book, And what About College, makes the whole process far less daunting and mysterious for homeschool parents.

Cohen has experience in this arena and she shares it freely. She has two children, one at college, the other in the US Air Force Academy. By sharing her family's experiences and tips she guides you through the process with foresight and sound advice.

" Even though our transcripts, cover letters and resumes resulted in our students winning admission to their first-choice colleges, I urge you not to copy them exactly. Why? You will do a better job if you read about our process and then change it to fit your situation. My emphasis is not on telling you exactly how to do it. Instead, I hope to give you ideas that help you help yourself. Always customize your homeschooling, your records and your college applications according to your students' interests and goals."

These words end the first chapter of Cafi's book. Knowing what an individualistic lot homeschoolers are, she doesn't tell us what to do, instead she gives hints, suggestions and good advice.

Did you know that you should begin keeping records in junior high? Or that the coordinator for the volunteer work your child does should be asked for a letter of recommendation, even if you are still years away from college? With chapters entitled, "Guidelines for Highschool and College Prepatory Work" and "Record Keeping and Transcripts," She helps the homeschooling family make wise decisions on keeping records and putting together portfolios. The back of the book boasts a question and answer chapter and plenty of examples.

This book is a major encouragement to families whose teens may be college bound. It might also be helpful in relieving the fears of those who feel homeschoolers might be unable to get into good colleges.

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