I Dropped Out of College Because I Was Homeschooled

I Dropped Out of College Because I Was Homeschooled

Now, the title might make you think this is a negative story, but I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Transitioning from homeschooling to college was, in fact, a success for me—both socially and academically.

Socially, college introduced me to some of the most important people in my life. I formed lifelong friendships that I deeply cherish. College offered a community I embraced wholeheartedly, but I credit homeschooling for laying the foundation that allowed me to thrive in such a new environment.

Academically, while the shift from homeschooling to a more rigid, structured system might seem daunting, I thrived. My days were jam-packed—mornings filled with workouts, baseball practice, and late nights of extra work—but thanks to homeschooling, the transition was seamless. Homeschooling had equipped me with invaluable skills: self-discipline, self-directed learning, and accountability. These habits allowed me to maintain strong grades and dive deep into the material, even in the midst of a hectic college schedule.

The competitive edge homeschooling gave me wasn’t something you’d find in traditional public or private schools. I had learned how to take ownership of my education. I didn’t need constant supervision or hand-holding to succeed. And that, perhaps, was my greatest advantage.

So, if you’re a homeschooling parent anxious about whether your child can handle the academic pressures of college or standardized tests—rest easy. If your child is committed to excellence and understands the power of knowledge, they will not only survive; they will thrive. Test-taking, like any skill, can be mastered. It’s not a barrier; it’s just part of the journey.

Here’s what you should focus on instilling:

• A deep understanding that knowledge is power.
• A desire to excel, whether in academics or test-taking, as a form of proving mastery.
• The ability to foster self-accountability and embrace self-learning.

With these qualities, your child won’t just keep up; they’ll outshine their peers. Your role is to guide and encourage these traits.

But here’s where homeschooling led me to leave college. I came to a powerful realization: I could teach myself more effectively than any curriculum could. I was pursuing a business degree, knowing I wanted to build my own business. Over time, I recognized that hands-on experience, not classroom learning, was where I thrived. So, I made the difficult but empowering decision to drop out of college and start my own venture.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Since leaving, I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined—much of it through trial and error. But now, I’m living my dream: I’ve built a successful business, I’m financially secure, and I continue to grow and evolve every day.

Final Thoughts
If you’re a homeschooling parent worried about your child’s future, I hope this reassures you. To set your child up for success, focus on these core principles:

• A deep appreciation for the power of knowledge.
• A relentless drive to excel, with test-taking just another way to demonstrate mastery.
• A strong sense of self-accountability and a love for self-learning.

Your child will be more than ready—they’ll thrive. And as for social concerns? Don’t worry. College provides opportunities for connection, growth, and community, just like it did for me.