How a Homeschooler Applies to College

As homeschooling grows in popularity, many colleges and universities are putting together special requirements for homeschooled applicants. Learn the answer to the question, "How does a homeschooler apply to college?" Find out what you will need in your student's portfolio and more here.

So...Just How Does a Homeschooler Apply to College?

How does a homeschooler apply to college? It can be tricky to traverse the ins and outs of college admission if you’ve chosen to homeschool your child. With a few simple tips, navigating the way from application to admission can be smooth and successful.

Optimally, you will begin thinking about college admissions in 7th or 8th grade. This is true of homeschooled students and public or private school students; but it is especially true for homeschooled students. The very first step in the application process is researching to find out what universities are homeschooler friendly (there are many, including Ivy league schools and junior colleges alike) and what the requirements are for the high school course of study. Most schools will require high school students to take:

• Four years of English
• Four years of math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry Pre-Calculus or Calculus)
• Four years of science including biology, earth science, chemistry, and physics
• Four years of social science including world history, American history, American government, and one more
• At least two years of the same foreign language

By being sure that you understand university requirements before your child enters high school level work, you can be sure that you can offer the courses that your homeschooler needs in order to apply to college.

The Challenges of Applying

Homeschooled students face many challenges. While some of these challenges are similar to traditionally schooled students in the sense that each college or university has different requirements, homeschooled students face the challenge of proving their education was equal to that provided in a traditional school setting. In order to compare homeschooled students to their traditionally schooled peers in an applicant pool, colleges need documentation that homeschooling has prepared the student just as well as traditional schooling. That means that schools require a transcript that demonstrates what the applicant knows. Some universities require a portfolio of student work. Unless proper documentation is kept, it can be difficult for students to deliver a transcript that is comparable to their peers. It can also be more difficult for homeschooled students to get involved in the extracurricular activities that help fill out an application when they are outside a traditional setting.

Before Applying

Before your student is even applying for colleges, take the time to plan their high school education and start atranscript for them. Investigate the classes that their peers are scheduled to take at the local high school and keep it in mind when planning your curriculum. Of course, you can take the time to build off your child’s interests but try to give them a well-rounded education that covers basics like American literature, biology, or calculus. Properly document the courses your student takes and the credit earned. One credit is usually equal to 36 weeks of instruction. Use a 4.0 grade point scale to calculate an overall GPA.

The actual application for college admission is usually the same for homeschooled or traditional students. However, requirements can differ for different educational backgrounds. Contact schools well in advance to find out their policy for non-traditional students. They may put more weight on test scores or recommendations rather than the transcript. See if the school requires the ACT or SAT and register your student as soon as possible. Also examine the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to see if your student can gain college credit through proficiency examinations.

Be Prepared

Besides registering for standardized tests, there are some other tips to increase marketability. Since many homeschooled students are performing above their grade level, some may benefit from community college courses, allowing them to earn college credit in advance. These credits can often be transferred later and also prove their competency in a variety of subjects.

Involve your student in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Whether it is in the arts, athletics, or altruistic ventures, involvement outside the home helps develop useful leadership skills and student self-esteem. It also increases their well-roundedness and prepares them for the independence they will need in college.

Work hard on the application portfolio. Ask for recommendations well in advance from community members that know your student well. Make sure to gather recommendations from people that know the student in differing contexts. Take the time to write, edit, and revise the application statement and give it a personal touch. Stay in contact with admissions counselors and make personal connections whenever possible; a personal and polite connection will help put a face on the application portfolio. Consider applying early action or early decision to increase chances of admission.

With a little preparation, the process of applying to college need not be a difficult one. The most important thing you can do is contact the admissions office directly and work cooperatively with them to provide information. Remember, they are the biggest advocate for your student so utilize them while treating them with courtesy and respect.