When going into uncharted territory, some people like to read and do research to get information, while others prefer to talk to friends who have experience. Here is the best of both worlds: a series of articles written by homeschool parents based on personal experience with college-age children. Subtitled "Seasoned Homeschoolers Share Their Experiences," this 119-page e-book is written for parents who are homeschooling high schoolers and anticipating college as the next step for their children.

Part One contains three articles that emphasize character, relying on God and His plan for our children, and a validation of homeschooling the high schooler who is college-bound. Part Two focuses on preparing for college during the high school years. It includes information on what to teach your high schooler, when to take which tests, and how to prepare spiritually; choosing the correct college route for each child; a "what we wish we'd known" article, how to write a high school transcript with an example, and the importance of grammar in high school and college. Part Three contains two inspiring and encouraging stories about learning-challenged students and how they succeeded in college. Part Four has a thoughtful discussion of whether or not college is the right choice for your child and includes some assistance in making this decision; it also relates the journey of a relaxed homeschool family.

Two college grads who were homeschooled through high school share their personal stories in Part Five. One followed a traditional route; the other not so traditional (early college, on-line college, CLEP exams, and international travel). Part Six has two points of view (the father's and the daughter's) on one family's homeschool high school graduation experience. While it is interesting to read the two perspectives, I would have liked to read more than one family's story on how people celebrate this milestone.

The appendix has three components, the first of which is long list of high school learning projects, such as keeping a spiritual journal, attending a play or concert and writing a review or evaluation, making a PowerPoint presentation, and keeping a "book of the centuries" timeline. There is also the authors' recommended resource list divided by books / CDs, curriculum, and websites as well as a list of TOS resources grouped under the headings General Helps, Highschool/College Prep, Transcripts, Christian Ed / Bible, Writing, Business / Life Skills, Communication. Many of the authors' recommendations and all of the TOS recommendations are hyperlinked.

If you are homeschooling your high schooler, you will want to get College Success Begins at Home as soon as possible to get the wise advice of all these homeschool parents.

Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November 2010