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Faculty Friday Spotlight: Interview with Dr. Marianne Modica

We recently interviewed Dr. Marianne Modica, chair of the Education department at the University of Valley Forge and a distinguished author, on the release of her newest book, a novel called Green World Gray. Along with her newest release, her three previous works, Race Among Friends, The R Word, and King Me! can all be found here on Amazon.

UVF: You have published multiple novels in the past few years. What is it about writing fiction that appeals to you? 

Dr. Modica: Someone once said “fiction is the lie that tells the truth.” To me, fiction is the best way to explore the experiences of people across time and place. When we enter into story, we can learn more deeply what it means to be human in the world that God created. Jesus knew the importance of story, which is why he often spoke to his followers in parables.

UVF: In three of your books (Green World Gray, The R Word, and King Me!) you write about young people experiencing challenges in a pivotal season of life. What draws you to this theme?

Dr. Modica: My stories are about young folks who grow as they face life’s dilemmas and learn about themselves and others. I’m drawn to write about characters who are as flawed as I am, yet who eventually overcome and live their best lives.

UVF: What advice do you have for students who are facing decisions – big or small?

Dr. Modica: My advice to students, or to anyone facing life decisions, is to relax and trust the Lord. When I begin writing a novel I don’t necessarily know the ending, but I’ve learned to trust the process. Life is the same—we can’t always see where it will take us, but if we stay on track and follow the Lord, we know he will always be with us (even when things go wrong, as they will).

She also added, “Green World Gray is different from my previous novels because it is my first work of science fiction. In it, my characters discover a device that allows them to travel through time and, as you can imagine, all kinds of adventures follow. At the core of the story though, is the idea of longing. It asks the question, what things do you long for and what would you do to achieve them? As Christians, I think we instinctively long for a better world, the world God originally meant for us. Although Green World Gray is not overtly Christian, the underlying themes help us to explore that sense of longing that pushes us to want more than what this temporal world can offer.”

We love that Dr. Modica is part of our UVF community – congratulations on your newest accomplishment!

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.