<p>Some of the college admissions officers I have spoken with want some evidence that homeschooled dd can interact well with other people (i.e. that she is socialized). Her sport is a year-round individual one so there's no proof there. She is extremely social but I'm having trouble finding group activities in our community in which she can participate. They seem to either be through the high schools (I've checked and they won't allow her to participate if she's homeschooled) or they require crazy amounts of time that don't allow her to participate in her sport (such as theater which she loves but the rehearsal schedule requires 4-12 hour rehearsals almost every day for many weeks and then almost daily performances). How do I find group activities which are not through the high schools and which don't require every free moment such that she can't do any other activities?</p>
<p>I sure wouldn't try to invent something just to "prove" she's socialized. Does her sport allow interaction with others, either in competitions or practice? Does she have a good sportsman-like attitude? Is she involved in activities at church?</p>
<p>Really I think the best way for colleges to see that our children are well socialized is through a personal interview and possibly overnight at the school. That's one place we can prove what's on paper is legit.</p>
<p>I really agree with Highland Mom here. Once college admissions officers meet homeschoolers there are usually no further questions about the "s-word". </p>
<p>However, the best activities we've found have been associated with our local support group. Are you a member of a local support group?</p>
<p>Another thought -- I made our ds make <em>all</em> contact with the colleges. That he did do that - and could do that - I think takes care of the socialization issue...</p>
<p>You will need to do the counselor letter for your child. Without sounding like you are talking about socializing, work in that she is a social person.</p>
<p>A few ideas:
1) a part-time job;
2) summer sleep away camp;
3) dual credit classes at the community college;
4) church youth group; and
5) girl scouts.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! We don't appear to have a homeschool group here. I've checked everywhere I can think of. The community college classes are definitely something we will do and probably the sleep away camp though I'd love some sort of a group or "team" activity during the school year. If anyone knows of any theater or government involvement for teens, please let me know. I appreciate all of your help.</p>
<p>I'm not quite sure what you mean by government involvement, but if you're looking for a program, there's this thing called TeenPact. It's a Christian program designed to educate students from all types of schools (mostly homeschoolers) about the government and how it works. It's basically a week long camp spent taking classes in the capital, creating a mock legislature, and touring the other important governmental agencies (your state supreme court, for example). I will warn you that it's a very conservative, and completely Christian centered approach. So if you hold different beliefs, I wouldn't really recommend it. They also hold elections within the groups. They elect a group governor (which I won here in Florida), and several representatives. It's not as great as a team sport or student government, but it shows interaction with other students dealing with important issues. They also have alumni events, like a mock trial tournament (I went to that as well). Anyway, that may not be what you're talking about at all lol, but I hope it helps. Not to mention, the quality and intelligence of the kids I've met at these events, especially the mock trial tournament, have been unmatched by any other thing I've been involved in. And of course, dual enrollment shows that your child can function in an academic setting, and that your grades aren't fudged. </p>
<p>Is there some sort of community service group your child could get involved in? That may help too. But I think the best suggestion I've heard so far is to have your child do all of the communication with the colleges, and visit the college and meet your admissions rep. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I'd be a little suspicious of college admissions reps asking for "proof" of socialization. That's so dumb. But if you want to appease them --I have to say both my kids were homeschooled and are now in college and this <em>never</em> came up, anywhere-- maybe her coach could write an additional letter of rec about how she's a great sport, a rold model for younger athletes, a leader in her dealings with competitors, and so forth.</p>
<p>I also agree with the others, let her do the interviews, and so on and help relieve the anxiety of the dolts that wanted "proof". I'm not sure any college that said something like that would be a college I'd give much consideration to, though.</p>
<p>YMCAs have some sort of student government/leadership type program-- sorry I can't remember what they call it. I do know that homeschoolers participate. Venture Crews, which are part of boy scouts, but are co-ed, for ages 14 to 21 (I think) are an option. There are Venture Crews for a wide range of interests; sailing, technology, robotics, medical careers, law enforcement careers, etc. </p>
<p>Homeschoolers sometimes participate in Civil Air Patrols or Sea Scouts. </p>
<p>If your daughter takes community college classes, then she can ask for letters of recommendation from her profs. They can comment on her leadership in the classroom, etc. That should convince those out-of-touch doubters that she can survive "out in the world" : )</p>
<p>SchoolSurfer--</p>
<p>If you like, PM me with your state and town and I'll give you some contacts for your state -- we know folks in homeschool leadership in just about every state and many countries.</p>
<p>I would make sure that your child does an interview at each and every school that is concerned about socialization. (Well, I would try to do an interview at EVERY school she applies to, but that may not be possible.)</p>
<p>Ultimately the best proof that your child can handle social situations is an interview, where a college admissions couselor gets to interact with your child in person. Intangibles like facility dealing with other people and a sense of humour as well as personality traits like enthusiasm and determination show up clearly in an interview.</p>
<p>Umm, this may seem obvious, but why don't you just have her talk about what exactly she does for group work or play? Is she sitting at home with a pile of books all day? Doe she have friends? These are the questions people have about homeschoolers, and I do think that they need to be addressed. If your daughter is not interacting with people, then you do have a problem that needs to be corrected. </p>
<p>FWIW, my son with Asperger's isn't a real social guy, but he was able to list several volunteer positions that required a lot of interaction, homeschool teen group, and dungeons and dragons club , as well as group classes and community college work. I felt that his extracurriculars were his weak point, and if I could turn back time, I would nudge him harder to do more.</p>
<p>Girl Scouts.</p>
<p>I think that volunteer work in the community or a paying job are two great ways to demonstrate socialization, if it comes up. Your student would demonstrate community spirit/responsibility as well as social skills. We live in a small town without many groups. However, we will drive to get to places, and there are cool volunteer activities here. The library is a good place to start, and 4-H has many great ambassador/leadership training programs as well as other programs.</p>
<p>When you're trying to make friends, I would suggest bringing up topics such as: string theory, quantum mechanics, or basically any aspect of theoretical physics. These topics are particularly conducive when trying to befriend frat guys.</p>
<p>You'll be accepted in no time!</p>
<p>Well, Transferkid, I am not sure what your point is, but most of my son's socialization in high school was with kids who could discuss very advanced math topics. I cannot undertsand him, but his friends can. He had no trouble getting into colleges that want that type of kid.</p>
<p>wow, MIT?! that's impressive..good for your son</p>
<p>TK seems to be trolling, but since he asks, yes MIT and Caltech - both early admittance. Also, UCLA and Berkeley.</p>
<p>They want evidence that she is socialized? That cracks me up. I would be tempted to ask them in return what evidence they have that any of their public school applicants can interact well with other people. I suspect most applicants interact very well with members of their own clique in high school, but would be hard-pressed to provide evidence of interaction with people outside that clique.</p>