As others have mentioned above, most of the senior military colleges have this option. Students in these leadership programs often go through the same overall program as the other student cadets but without any assumption they will enter military service upon graduation. I believe at VMI you end up taking ROTC courses for two years and can then drop ROTC and focus on pursuing your degree. VMI also has a training program for EMTs and volunteer firefighting with opportunities to practice these skills as a student.

When you look at the National Mythology exam check the award levels. If I recall correctly, starting around 10th grade the "prizes" are for perfect exams or nothing. For a child new to this program that might be discouraging. That said, my kids have greatly enjoyed the preparation work for these exams over the years.

Ok-take a deep breath. This is all do-able. My kids did 2 and 3 years of high school each while overseas. Neither had dual-enrollment courses, outside sports options were limited, etc. William and Mary, my kiddo with 3 years overseas, totally home schooled, no dual enrollment, no SAT II scores, was admitted and even given a scholarship. My advice: don't panic about the recommendations for the most part. The big questions are did she complete a typical program ie 4 years of math, science, english, social studies (or close to 4 years), and foreign language. If a student a W&M has not completed 4 years of language they might be required to take language while a student there. Make sure you have a clear transcript that shows what courses your child has taken in high school and grades for those courses. Be sure to include relevant test scores (ACT, SAT, AP) and designate any AP or honors level courses. Write course descriptions that explain what was studied in each class and include a brief list of major works studied (ie text used, primary books read, etc.). Write a counselor letter that explains your child's unique situation. Whenever possible go to a tour and schedule an on-campus interview. If she plans on athletics and ROTC try to meet with coaches and staff to discuss these options, they can be great advocates with admissions. This should apply to all selective school she is interested in attending. Service Academies-Start the application now if she is a senior. It is a long multi-step process. She'll also want to be in contact with the members of congress she will seek nominations from to get on their lists for nomination panels/interviews/etc. The potential nomination source will need the same transcript/course description/test score information the colleges want. Visits, speaking with admissions, interviews, meetings with coaches are all important. There are a few people on the boards who have worked with service academy admissions both as parent and representing the academy, if you search threads you'll probably gain from their insight. ROTC-start the NROTC scholarship process now as well. There are a few boards throughout the year and she will want to make herself eligible for as many of them as possible. There will be physicals, fitness tests, eye exams, etc. that they will arrange and you need to give yourself time for all of this. Be sure to look at the requirements for declared college majors etc. You will also need 5 schools, I believe, that you are applying to that have the ROTC service program of your choice. Not all schools have all the services represented. There is a preference for having at least one school you are eligible for in-state tuition at. VMI-Kiddo #2 is at VMI so I promise it can be done. First, try to get there for a fall admissions open house. This will give your child a clear view of what being a cadet, especially during the first year, is like. There are also many hours of presentation for you and your applicant on admissions, student life, ROTC, academics, etc. More information than any other school attempted to give us. I highly recommend you also schedule interviews with admissions, someone in the NROTC program (or service of your choice) to discuss the ROTC program, admissions, and scholarship options at VMI, and the relevant athletic coaches. All can be advocates with admissions. VMI is challenging, especially the first year, they try very hard to be upfront about it, don't presume that as a military family your child is already prepared and therefore be dismissive of what they are saying, that is a mistake some families make. I'm happy to go on at length about VMI if you would like to contact me directly. Letters of Recommendation-obviously one from you. After that I would encourage your student to discuss their situation with each relevant admissions office. Find out what alternatives they might suggest. You can get letters from employers, coaches, scout leaders, volunteer supervisors, etc. But clear communication by the student about the problem with the relevant schools is important. ASVAB-If your child is considering college why are you worried about this exam? I do not believe it is a requirement for any of the options you've discussed. Finally, you have a very academically proficient, hard working, involved kiddo with a unique story. Be sure you tell that story in the application materials, the counselors letter, and possibly the student's essay. That story not only explains who your student is but why they don't fit the norms of what an admissions office expects of a homeschooled student. Best of luck!

As another family who is now going through the ROTC experience I'd like to place some emphasis on previous comments and add a few thoughts. First, neither ROTC or military service is without risk. Risk is inherent in both the ROTC program and in military service. Second, ROTC programs come in a variety of flavors, some provide scholarship opportunities, some allow a commitment between the student and the individual service to commission as an officer upon graduation (with no scholarship having been granted), some are simply courses and exercises that students participate in but there is no guarantee of future military service/employment. While there are program standards, different schools and different services participate in different training activities. ROTC can have a different flavor at different colleges. The program typically includes coursework, physical training, and other activities/military exercises outside of class. For those on scholarship there will be approximately 30 days of service during the summer. Third, there are several military programs around the country who offer their students the ability to go through a ROTC program as a leadership program student rather than as a future military officer. They may live and study in a military environment, participate in military style exercises/activities, take leadership courses and have the opportunity to be part of their organizations student leadership, but there is no expectation that they will serve in the military upon graduation. Fourth, if your plan includes limited participation in ROTC as sort of a test to see if your student enjoys the lifestyle/work/activities/etc., then do your research carefully. The greatest benefits to those participating in ROTC are offered upfront, during the high school, as part of the application process. While some benefits can be obtained later there are more choices early in the process. Furthermore, a student considering commissioning or gaining a scholarship later in college needs to look at the requirements for college courses/majors. It can be very difficult to play catch-up in later years. Some services have both course and major requirements; sometimes these can be waived or changed but not always. Fifth, do not believe any recruiter that tries to sell your student on enlisting rather than attending college as a path to college or service academy admissions if that is what they desire. They seemed to universally attempt to discourage my child from becoming an officer, attending college, etc. Research the services your student is interested in and then the colleges and specifically their ROTC programs, try to meet with them if possible. If your student is interested in a scholarship or academy plan on beginning the application process before the start of senior year. The earlier the application the greater the chance of success. Finally, do not underestimate the need for physical fitness in order to successfully participate in these programs. Start training in high school. Also, having been homeschooled is not a bar to participation in ROTC or college admissions. In conclusion-I have a kid who is very happy being a part of ROTC, regrets nothing. Somedays it is hard for me to watch what these kids do, I know it is hard for their classmates parents as well. But I am also a very proud mom. Happy to discuss the specifics of my kiddo's program were it to be relevant.

I don't think any of the schools my kids applied to made a fuss about subject tests in the end. A solid SAT or ACT score gave them all the info they wanted. I think providing a clear transcript and course descriptions (with assigned major works/texts listed) went much further in helping them gain admission and scholarships. However, be sure to time when you take subject tests carefully and research this up front. The tests are given the same day as the SAT, you are limited in the number you can take on one date, and for some subjects limited to specific dates. I think the most challenging request I saw as we look at colleges was from Washington and Lee who wanted 5 subject tests in specific areas.

Here is the list of what my kids used for Brit Lit (there was also poetry mixed in but we pieced that together rather than using a set anthology). I should also add that this is for two kids, there was some overlap between them but also adjustments based on what they had each previously read. I'm not suggesting that reading the entire list is appropriate for every student. FWIW-they both enjoy Shakespeare, my daughter love Once and Future King, my son quite enjoyed Heart of Darkness and Shelly's Frankenstein. (He had read Frankenstein for a class earlier in high school but it could easily be read here as well.) Another selection would be some Conan Doyle stories, both had read those earlier as well. I should add that I did feel strongly that poetry study should be included as well as reading at least one Shakespeare and one more modern drama. Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Eliot, T.S. Murder in the Cathedral. Heaney, Seamus (Trans.).Beowulf. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Shakespeare, William. Richard III. Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Tolkien, J.R.R. (Trans.). Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. White, T.H. The Once and Future King. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Ishiguro, Kazuo. The Remains of the Day. Orwell, George. 1984. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. Shaw, George Bernard. Pygmalion. Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. Tey, Josephine. The Daughter of Time.

Two resources for teaching Shakespeare are Gibson's Teaching Shakespeare and Shakespeare Set Free from the Folger. There is also How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare. My Favorite copies of the plays are paperbacks done by the Folger, they make regular appearances in used book stores and library sales. (The Amazon links are just for reference purposes, I'm not profiting from them.) Shakespeare Set Free is a whole set, I just linked one volume. Some of the most fun my kids had was doing read-throughs of the plays with another homeschooling family. We drew lots, assigned parts at random, stocked up some drinks/snacks/pizza, nabbed a few props/costume items just for fun and performed for ourselves (parents were as active as the kids). I highly recommend combining live performances and video performances. It can be helpful to watch one version of a play before the read through and another after. Another route we took was to watch a more traditional film of the play first (think anything by Brannagh, Gibson's Hamlet, Elizabeth Taylor's Taming of the Shrew) and then watched a more contemporary or complete resetting of the play (Stewart's Macbeth, McKellen's Richard III, Tennant's Hamlet, and one of my personal favorites, Tennant and Tate's version of Much Ado About Nothing as a romp through the 80's). Can't leave out a recommendation for the Hollow Crown series either. You can also go with stories being told that parallel but don't use the exact Shakespearean dialogue such as King of Texas. Depending on the ages of the kids or your family's personal sensitivities, I found the British comedy series Upstart Crow to be hysterical. It is available on YouTube last I knew and while sometimes bawdy (lots of Shakespeare sounding cuss words that aren't used currently, and many if not all are actually made up, but the parallels to modern English are unmistakable). Also, I recommend this video to anyone studying Shakespeare, it is a fascinating look at how language/pronunciation has changed and how that has removed so many of the double entendres and rhymes. There are a variety of documentaries on Shakespeare's life, some studies of his gravesite, and several (including two Frontline specials) on the authorship question if that rabbit hole is of interest to anyone.

No, I would not grant a history credit for AP Art History. While art is informed by history and current events, the goals of art history and history courses are not the same. They don't attempt to cover the same themes or have the same goals. That said, I'm a huge advocate for studying art history; it is a fantastic accompaniment to history, literature, and music studies. I should also add that AP Art History is a solid college prep course.

The point of my post was to say that there were colleges in Virginia that were giving easy opportunities for students who had been accepted to Tech to get courses under their belts and attend college while they waited to be able to be physically present in Blacksburg, if they were not permitted to enroll next fall (forced to defer). My intent was not to get myself (or Sweet Briar) beaten up for offering alternatives to what is a ridiculous situation created by Tech themselves. I'm well versed in the costs and opportunities at VA colleges, since I'm busy paying tuition to two of them right now.

If my choices were between community college and automatic admission to an accredited engineering program I would not be taking community college classes. Yes, it is Tech's problem and they need to honor their commitment to the students they accepted. However, my point was there are options out there that would allow students to spend a year studying and transfer to Tech (which I understand is their plan for those who defer admission).

FWIW - Sweet Briar College (all women's college near VT) is offering guaranteed admission to their fully accredited engineering program to any one with an acceptance letter from VT. The overbooked Tech students have options.

Eat the meal plan rather than ordering out. It's surprising how few students take advantage of this.

If your kid will be applying via common app then start on the essay while there is no pressure from other course work. A quick google search should turn up the topics for the year. Many applications open in August and you can start creating accounts and filling in all the forms. If you are considering any military academies or ROTC scholarships, the applications are probably already open and you should be starting down that path ASAP. Best of luck!

I would also do your research, some of the college exams require you to cancel your score prior to seeing the score (IIRC). Be sure you know their timetable beforehand.

Yes, it absolutely does mean that. We also sent no "official" scores except to the schools where they enrolled. Although, none of the schools they applied to required AP scores as part of the admissions process. If you think about it, many AP classes are only taken by seniors. During the admissions process they have not finished the course or taken the exam. Admissions decisions will already be out when they take those exams.

In my experience the AP Class and the AP Exam serve two different but linked purposes with regard to college admissions. The AP Class: It can give a bump in GPA if you submit a weighted GPA. The AP class can be taken without taking the AP exam in some cases. Some instructors require their students to take the exam as part of the course. The AP class may only be listed on the transcript as an AP course if the instructor has submitted a syllabus to College Board's AP Course Audit process and been approved. As a home school instructor you may create and submit as many AP course syllabi for your students as you wish. Don't be afraid of this process, there are lots of ways this can be accomplished and homeschoolers have, in my experience, been successful in getting approval for multiple courses. In my opinion, the purpose/benefit of having an AP course on the transcript is to indicate a commonly understood level of work. Admissions departments are familiar with AP requirements and view them positively in terms of level of difficulty. AP courses can be helpful in meeting that nebulous admissions concept of pursuing the "most difficult course work your school offers." The AP Exam: This can be done without having taking an AP course. Its main benefit is drawn from having achieved a top score (typically 4 or 5 but at some schools/for some subjects a 3 can also help) that allows the student to receive college credit or higher level placement when entering college. In my opinion the AP exam alone does not show that the student pursued high level course work over the school year, it show proficiency in a subject. Showing proficiency in a subject can go a long way in verifying that grades in that subject on the transcript do not have a "mommy bias" but are true indicators of the students knowledge and performance. Be sure to begin the school year by looking for a school willing to give your child the exam. The experience varies by school district and sometimes even individual schools, seek local advice if possible. I am of the opinion that taking the exam in conjunction with the course is the best of both worlds. Also, for a few schools there is an expectation that a homeschool student will submit more standardized exam scores than just a SAT or ACT as part of their application packet in the fall of senior year. AP scores, along with SAT II and CLEP scores often fulfill that requirement. If you are considering a college that requires this be sure to plan ahead to have these scores as once senior year arrives it is nearly impossible to complete. It is my understanding you can retake an AP test the following year but that both scores would be reported. AP/Honors grades and test scores: AP and Honors level courses typically bump up a GPA if you submit a weighted GPA. There are two types of GPA-weighted and unweighted. Different schools have different requirements for what they wish to see. I prepared my kids' transcripts with both GPAs. I gave an explanation in the supplementary materials as to which courses were weighted and why. Usually it was for courses that I had submitted an AP syllabus, the outside provider had an AP designation or an outside provider had listed the course as honors or AP (or in one case as college level). I chose not to submit any AP scores directly from College Board for my kids except for to the school they enrolled in, we never submitted scores without seeing them first (even though that was the more expensive option). If I considered the score high enough it was reported on the transcript. Planning: Plan your testing location well ahead of time if you intend to include a test. Be sure you are doing the preparatory and background class work to support any AP classes you intend the kids to have. Don't be afraid to plan and submit your own AP syllabus. IF it were to be returned you have the opportunity to edit and refine your syllabus to meet the objections of the reviewers and resubmit. Best of luck and don't over think this, focus on providing a quality high school education with plenty of course work in the subjects they are interested in studying in college. If you do that then AP courses will fall into the mix somewhat naturally if you desire them.

My kids both did AP Environmental Science with lab. They didn't have any push back from colleges about counting it. That said, neither was trying to be accepted as a STEM major.

As I said, I think each state has its own quirks in the process. The course requirement in Virginia may be to Boys State's advantage in terms of their own education component and I think US/Virginia history is part of the state standards in grade 11 so its the perfect tie-in.

My son went to Boys State two years ago. I will say that there is probably some variation between states. That said, he enjoys leadership events like this and had a good time. I think it helped him in a wide variety of ways: his own leadership skills and understanding of government were increased, it aided in his understanding of group living, he knew what living in a dorm with other guys would be like before college, he received multiple offers of college admissions and scholarships (without ever completing an application), and several of the scholarship programs and colleges he was applying to looked very favorably on his having attended Boys State. There are some light requirements as far as transportation and clothing but most everything is provided to the boys at no cost. Here in our area transportation was actually covered, we chose to pick him up and see their final event. Finally, a word of warning, there is an expectation (I think nationally but certainly in Virginia) that an applicant will be completing US history and government (possibly state history and government as well) during their junior year in high school. Fortunately, my son is a history buff and was able to answer most of the interview questions on these topics but we had saved US History and Government for senior year and that made things a bit awkward.

-- What led you to homeschool? My oldest had completed Kindergarten and 1st grade at a very expensive, private, international school. I was deeply unsatisfied with the quality of her education and how unkind and irresponsible the teachers had been. We were set to move to a less than desirable school and I would be putting my middle kid into school there as well. After spending two weeks on vacation with some great friends who homeschooled their similarly aged kids where the other mom and I talked "school" and made endless lists of resources, I ordered WTM and read it cover to cover with pen in hand, mostly on a transoceanic flight. I don't think I'd have made it so far without this board, my dear (and still endlessly patient) friend and mentor, and that first copy of WTM. -- How was your child homeschooled in the high school years? (Did you use WTM as a guide? Did your child take out of the home, online classes, or college classes?) Two graduates so far. Both were home educated from elementary through high school. I would say we were WTM/classically inspired with a smattering of Charlotte Mason principles and some Montessori influences in the early years. I tended to look for the curricula that best suited the kids and accomplished our college prep goals. During high school they did a combination of online coursework and regular home schooling courses. I frequently wrote my own AP syllabi which we submitted to College Board. One took JROTC at our local high school for two years (he would have happily done all four if we had lived in the area sooner). We also participated in language classes as a family while overseas and one of the kids had some private tutoring to accompany one of their online courses (it was a course with little teacher presence and one that was beyond my ability to teach effectively). -- What did your child do after graduating? What is your child doing now? Clemmie, the oldest, is about to start her senior year in college. She has been incredibly active in student government, participated in a international academic conference, taken on a variety of student leadership rolls, worked on college committees with faculty, administration, and the president, participated in sports and acted as team manager, and now works for admissions. She is spending the summer working in an internship in her chosen field. She disproves daily the homeschoolers are unsocialized myth. Spencer, the middle, is about to start sophomore year in college. He attends his number one choice school on a Marine Corps option NROTC scholarship. He's spending a month with us this summer before heading off with the other ROTC students for their summer program and then immediately returning to school to help lead the new students through their orientation period (it's a military school so it's more like boot camp with moments of academic advising). Winston, the youngest, is still at home working through middle school. (Yup-there is a huge gap.) Our intent is to homeschool him through high school as well. Depending on the school district we may look into more options for him to take a course or two at a local school or even add Dual Enrollment to the mix. We'll just have to see where we are in two years.

AP Art History is definitely a full year course. Khan Academy is one of the best prep sites for it. However, if you are looking for college credit you need to know two things, first, not all colleges will award credit for this course and second, if they do, you usually have to get a five, though a few will give credit for a 4 while a 3 won't usually grant any credit. We submitted our own syllabus to AP for this course rather than use an outside provider.

Google is a commonly used calendar app, even by workplaces and schools. If I were already proficient at iCal I think I'd just create a "calendar" category for applications and set alarms or reminders. I also really like Fantastical for Apple users, all devices can sync. But it's not cheap.

Service Academies are very competitive. I don't think they look for applicants with a particular passion or kids who are well rounded. I think they have a set of criteria and look for kids who meet all the criteria or exceed it. They end up with plenty of those to choose from. That fact should not persuade anyone from applying. Research should begin as early as an interest is expressed. Course and exam selection in high school will factor into it, athletics (both team and personal fitness are huge), extracurricular activities and leadership are also important. This is one set of applications that requires the applicant to set out a plan for meeting all the requirements in a timely fashion and follow through on that plan. There are some who feel that completing the application early is important and gives the applicant more chances to be admitted, being recruited by a sports team would also increase one's chances. Also, one little talked about source of a nomination is JROTC units. Some of the nation's top units are permitted a limited number of nominations for their students. Physical Fitness-being able to clearly explain your personal fitness regimen to an interview board is important. Especially as a homeschooler with out significant sports team experience. Also not that the physical fitness exams and expectations are not the same for each academy or ROTC program. There are slight variations even with regard to what is a correct pull-up. If you are considering multiple service options you need to prepare for and be able to properly execute all the different options. These programs are not looking for kids who barely meet minimums, they are looking for solid fitness scores. Navy/USMC ROTC-If you have a kid considering the Navy or Marine Corps be aware that you cannot apply to both. You must choose between Navy and Marine option. While it is the same application there are different requirements, different physical tests, etc. There are also different requirements during your college years. ROTC Interviews: If the ROTC program you are applying to requires an interview from an ROTC instructor do try to set this up as early as possible. It can be helpful to interview with an officer at the school you most want to attend. ROTC is a long process that often begins at a recruiting station with someone trying to persuade you to skip college and just enlist. The applicant will need to learn how to navigate that politely to get to the next step. Also, in our experience, there isn't much transparency with the application process. You will learn each step after you complete the previous step. Don't assume that this is easy to complete at the last minute. Leave plenty of time. It is also important to apply early, ROTC scholarships are given in cycles and by completing your application before the first cycle you have the possibility to be considered in later cycles as well. Some elements of the application will need to be updated such as transcript and test scores, and the fitness test may need to be repeated. Universities may not have ROTC units for every service branch. You need to check and be sure that the school you are interested has a unit for the service branch you are interested in. You will need to list the schools you are applying to on your ROTC application. Be aware that your child will have to pass medical exams to be selected. They need to be prepared to discuss anything in their medical history that is out of the ordinary and how that problem has been resolved. It may not be your family doctor(s) who perform this exam. It will probably be someone contracted by the military and you will be notified where to go. In short, set up a personal fitness plan in high school, plan a solid academic program that would lead to successful college admission, look at the service branch you are interested in and check their academic requirements (math, science, and foreign language will take the most long term preparation), and finally, be involved in your community, look for opportunities to practice leadership skills. All of this said-if this is a deeply held desire of your kid, do the research and apply. Being homeschooled isn't a bar to successful admission to any of the programs that lead to commissioning in the military.

I didn't want to dissuade you from W&L, it is just one of those schools that should be on a warning list for homeschoolers to prep early. If we can be of any help in answering questions about VMI please don't hesitate to get in touch. Best of luck to your daughter through this whole process!

My son is a classmate of retiredHSmom's son... I think this is a great description of the school. My son has be prospering there and they have a very solid, thought out, organized program that encompasses the entirety of the students lives. One that at the beginning is not always obvious but in the end it all makes sense. It is a very spartan and challenging life style. Students support and respect those who give full effort, in the classroom, in their duties, in their conduct, and on a team (ETA-I re-read this and realize that it sounds like the students expect people to be on a sports team, this would be inaccurate. If you are on a team then you give it your best effort.). Those who cannot commit themselves to this lifestyle struggle far more than those who commit and see it through. VMI is not for everyone and they make a huge effort to point this out to applicants; not to deter them or to imply that they are not capable but rather to be sure that they understand what they will experience and are prepared. That said I see many exciting things happening in classrooms and academic departments that can often be found only at a small liberal arts college. Students participate regularly in international study opportunities, undergraduate research, conferences and symposiums, community service, and academic, athletic, and military competitions (outside of NCAA). For Washington and Lee, please check their homeschool applicants information early. My daughter considered them a couple years ago and we found it impossible to meet their admissions criteria before the end of her junior year. (I just peeked and it seems the same, scores from 5 SAT2 or AP exams, 2 outside teacher recommendations, on campus interview...) Being overseas at the time and not planning for all these exams prior to the end of junior year made it too difficult (I'm not sure they accepted AP exams then). It was one of the most challenging schools to even complete the application for as a homeschooler, the service academies were easier. It is a beautiful campus, I can only imagine their facilities are amazing. If at all possible I would try to visit Lexington while both schools are in session. It is nearly impossible to get a true sense of what they are like when the campus is empty during the summer. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, if I don't know the answer I'll ask my resident expert.