College without Compromise
Author: Scott and Kris Wightman
Publisher: The Homeschool Sampler Publishing
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com

Written specifically for Christian homeschool families, College without Compromise is so much more than a book about college preparation. The authors begin by encouraging families to consider the need for developing a young person’s character through continued training in the areas of spiritual maturity, purity, a strong work ethic and serving others.  They also bring up many practical points for consideration, including discussing with your child whether college is necessary to prepare them for their future goals and God’s specific calling on their life.  Also, if college is something your family decides is needed, you will find yourself challenged to consider ways to earn a college degree that will allow you to be a wise financial steward and protect your child from the many moral pitfalls associated with college life.  The authors then guide the reader through what may be unfamiliar territory – utilizing credit by examination to acquire the majority of credits needed for an undergraduate degree.  Other methods discussed include dual enrollment and distance learning. 

Along with wise counsel and words of encouragement, this book is packed with useful information.  I am so thankful the Wightman’s took the time to write about their experiences, as well as the experiences of others, who have found the non-traditional route to a college degree not only doable, but satisfying as well.  A large portion of the book is devoted specifically to credit by examination.  The authors provide lists of credits available through testing, advice on finding schools that accept these credits, and information on how a student might go about preparing to take the exams.  My son was especially encouraged as he looked over a chart showing exactly how one young man obtained a bachelors degree in business, almost completely with credit by examination, for under $6,000!  Of course, the authors recognize that not every student will be able to fulfill their chosen degree requirements in this fashion, so they have included chapters on blending credit by examination with taking either classroom or distance learning courses to complete a degree. 

It is exciting to consider the possibilities that are available if one will think outside the box!  College without Compromise provides a blueprint that families can follow to seamlessly move from high school through college graduation that is really a continuation of the homeschooling you have been doing all along.  Although I was somewhat familiar with the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), I really didn’t know where to begin and always thought of credit by examination as something adult learners use to pick up credits when going back to school.  After reading this user friendly guide, I realized that utilizing credit by examination is ideal for homeschool students – and that we can start at a young age gaining college credit, saving much time and money.  More importantly, my husband and I will have more time with our sons to continue guiding and preparing them to be husbands and leaders.  They will also be free to avail themselves to “real life” learning through apprenticeship, volunteering, or through the work force, thus gaining valuable experience that traditional college students do not have the time or opportunity to pursue because of the time required for classroom learning.

College without Compromise is an incredible resource for homeschool families.  Whether or not you have decided about your child’s academic future, this practical guide will inspire and inform you.  If you have a high school student, read this book.  In fact, I believe College without Compromise will be of even more benefit if it is read and reread when your children are in upper elementary and middle school.  The authors have subtitled their book, “An Encouraging Guide to Starting Early, Finishing Economically, and Protecting Your Homeschool Vision”.  To which I say a heartfelt, “Amen!”

Making the Grade: A++
Cost: $13.50
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10