Navigating the Path to College: Strategies for Alternative Educational Journeys 

Are you supporting a gifted student through an alternative educational journey and worrying about how that could affect their college admissions? While each path is unique, experienced guidance is available. Join college consultant and veteran homeschool parent Michele Evard, PhD, as she demystifies the college admissions process specifically for families who have designed their own educations. In this presentation, we will cover the required elements of a college-prep high school education and address ways that non-traditional approaches can meet those needs. You will learn how your gifted student’s unique experiences can create a compelling narrative for college admissions committees, understand how documentation can demonstrate required skills, and receive an introduction to the nuances of testing and financial aid. Whether your child is beginning their high school years or approaching application deadlines, this session will provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to support their future educational options. Come gain the essential knowledge to reduce your stress and ensure the college door remains open.

Michele Evard, Ph.D., is an educational consultant who assists families of learners who homeschool or attend online schools. She helps design and document unique K-12 educational options, and assists homeschooled students during their college search & application process. Her book “College UnMazed: Your Guide to Design & Document Your Homeschool” is for homeschooling families and consultants who support them during the college application process. She is a member of IECA, NACAC, NEACAC, DLAC, NPEA, SENG, and NACAC, and the board chair of the nonprofit Barrier Breakers, Inc. Michele is a lifelong learner whose degrees are from a variety of institutions: BS in Math & BA in Computer Science from Andrews University, a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Oregon, and a Ph.D. from MIT. While a member of the Epistemology & Learning Group of the MIT Media Lab, she studied learning, helped develop new technologies, and worked on ways to increase diversity and depth in learning within traditional schools. Michele chose to homeschool her three children to provide them with individualized learning opportunities in diverse environments. During her 21 years of homeschooling, she held founding and leadership roles in two inclusive homeschooling cooperatives, designed & implemented a variety of programs and studies, and enjoyed mentoring learners of all ages. Now she specializes in assisting families of other neurodiverse young people as they seek personalized educational options.

Learn more at: https://www.evardconsulting.com/blog