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5 Essentials for Homeschooled Students Applying to College

5 Essentials for Homeschooled Students Applying to College
College Requirements for Students Who Are Homeschooled

With homeschooling on the rise, students and parents often wonder how colleges feel about homeschooling during the application process.

With the number of homeschoolers in the U.S. exceeding 2.3 million and still rising, homeschooling is becoming a more mainstream choice for families seeking a tailored educational experience. Despite being non-traditional, homeschooled students have solid chances of college admission.

For homeschooled students, college applications can initially seem daunting, but the process is quite similar to that of traditional students. However, specific components need particular attention to present a comprehensive application.

Whether homeschooled from an early age or recently, you might wonder about the college application process. You’ll need to gather items such as accreditation, school reports, and transcripts—documents typically provided by traditional schools.

Every year, numerous homeschoolers gain acceptance into their dream colleges, thriving academically and socially. If you're homeschooled, your unique background can help you stand out in the application process.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ARTICLE:

  1. How are College Applications Different for Traditional and Homeschooled Students?
  2. Do Colleges Want Homeschooled Students?
  3. What do Homeschooled Students Need on Their Application?
  4. How Can a Homeschooler Get Accepted to College?

Traditional vs. Homeschooled Students: How Do College Applications Differ?

The popularity of homeschooling has surged significantly in recent years. Attracted by its convenience, an increasing number of parents are opting to educate their children at home to have greater control over the curriculum. Additionally, many parents are choosing homeschooling over private schools due to the lower costs involved.

Despite the convenience of homeschooling, homeschoolers may encounter challenges during the college application process. Without the assistance of a college counselor to compile necessary documents, homeschoolers must rely on their parents, a homeschool co-op teacher, or a legal guardian to ensure all application requirements are met.

Although the college application process for homeschoolers is similar to that of traditional students, certain aspects can be more complex.

FOR TRADITIONAL STUDENTS:

Traditional students often have administrative support for compiling application materials. Their schools manage transcripts, school reports, and recommendations, making the process more straightforward.

Traditional students also have easier access to college fairs, teacher recommendations, and extracurricular opportunities, all contributing to their college applications.

FOR HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS:

Homeschooled students must be more proactive, gathering documents like transcripts and school reports themselves or with the help of their educational supervisors. They also need to seek out extracurricular activities, college fairs, and recommendation sources independently.

This self-reliance can be advantageous, demonstrating to colleges a student's initiative and independence.

Are Colleges Interested in Homeschooled Students?

Contrary to some beliefs, colleges are open to homeschoolers, often finding their diverse experiences intriguing. Homeschoolers typically have opportunities for travel, work, internships, and varied social interactions, enriching their educational background.

Many homeschoolers engage in unique field trips and community activities, gaining life experiences that can be attractive to colleges. However, colleges will evaluate them differently, considering their distinct educational paths and ensuring they had ample social interaction.

Some colleges particularly welcoming to homeschoolers include:

Application Strategy For Homeschooled Students

Although the college application process for traditional and homeschool students is very similar, there are some specific components that homeschoolers should pay attention to.

TRANSCRIPTS AND GPA

Homeschoolers need accredited transcripts meeting state educational standards, including valid test scores. Accreditation can be achieved through homeschool programs or independent review. Transcripts must detail course lists, grades, GPA, credits, and other relevant educational information.

Alongside accreditation, your parents or homeschool program administrator is responsible for making your transcript. There are four primary ways most homeschool administrators go about this process:

  • Using an umbrella school and commissioning them to make one for you 
  • Creating a transcript on their own
  • Using a homeschool transcript service
  • Using a homeschool group where someone is appointed to handle everyone’s transcripts

Sometimes, homeschool curriculums aren’t very straight-forward. It can be difficult to translate class experiences and courses into “credit hours”. Homeschooling often looks like a very fluid thing filled with experiences outside of a typical classroom. Regardless of your experience with homeschooling, there are some specific things your transcript must have: 

General Information:

  • Your name
  • The name of your homeschool or homeschool organization as well as its address and phone number

Educational Information:

  • Your high school course list organized by grade 
  • The institution where each class was taken, whether it be a homeschool, public school, online school, or community college 
  • Your overall GPA and explanation of your homeschool’s grade scale system
  • Credits per course
  • Expected graduation date
  • Parent signature and date

PERSONAL ESSAYS

Homeschoolers should highlight their unique educational journey in their essays. Describing unique experiences, life lessons, and extracurricular activities can help colleges understand the benefits of their homeschooling background.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Colleges typically require 2-3 recommendation letters. Homeschoolers should seek these from non-family members such as external teachers, coaches, or mentors who can attest to their academic and personal qualities.

Note that your parents shouldn’t write your letters of recommendation. If you’ve taken classes at an outside institution, ask your teachers from there. Other great options for who to ask for your recommendations include a coach, mentor, or older friend who has either already graduated from college or was able to work with you in a professional environment.

HOMESCHOOL STUDENT STATS: STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

SAT, ACT, and possibly SAT Subject Tests are crucial for homeschoolers. These scores help colleges gauge a homeschooled student’s readiness for college-level work.

Standardized testing is used by the US education system to hold all US students up to the same standard. This is why your scores as a homeschooler will tell colleges if you’re ready for the rigor of collegiate academics.

A SCHOOL REPORT

Homeschoolers need a comprehensive school report, which includes:

  • Grades
  • GPA
  • AP classes
  • Test scores

The Common App can help compile this information if provided accurately.

BONUS: EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS

Probably the biggest concern colleges have about homeschoolers is the student’s ability to interact with other people and their amount of experiences outside of their homeschool environment.

To address concerns about socialization, homeschoolers should document all extracurricular activities, sports, community service, and any awards or accomplishments. Make sure to write down any sports, theater experience, bands, or clubs you were apart of during your time as a homeschooler.

All of this shows the college you’re applying to that you had both a well rounded education, as well as a thriving social life.

How Homeschoolers Can Get Into College

Homeschoolers are successfully gaining admission to top colleges. Researching each college’s specific requirements for homeschoolers is essential, including extra essays or SAT Subject Tests. Accurate transcripts and documentation of extracurricular activities will showcase a well-rounded education.

Most colleges view homeschooled applicants favorably, recognizing the value of their unique educational experiences. For personalized guidance, consider consulting with professional college counselors. For assistance with the supplemental essays for your college application, check out Admit AI, a platform that provides zero-wait feedback on your college essays.

Ultimately, homeschooling opens numerous opportunities, preparing students for successful college experiences!