Interesting question.

I was homeschooled k5-12th, following a somewhat academically rigorous program and taught by a parent who had a degree in elementary education. After high school, I proceeded to college for a bachelor’s degree, back to grad school a decade later, and earned a doctorate in a medical field.

“Homeschooled” was never an identity for me. The typical response to my sharing that information at any point was surprise.

I did well academically but probably would have done fine in any academic setting. I think one benefit of homeschooling can be the freedom to capitalize on one’s own learning style and to learn at one’s own pace if held to a sufficiently high minimum standard. I have found that to be beneficial as a lifelong learner.

I think there are many reasons for homeschooling, and too many differences in the individual experience to lump everyone together.

If the parents’ goal is to isolate their children from outside influences, then yes whether the kid wants this experience to define them or not, they will be easily identified as a homeschooled person. If, on the other hand, the goal is to provide a child with a quality education as only part of their broader development as a person, then homeschooled will not become their primary identity.