6 answers
mia
Student
Carol Stream, Illinois
6
Questions
Asked
958 views
how can I get into college if im homeschooled?
do I have a disadvantage by being homeschooled or an advantage??
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1698
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Imani !
You have absolutely no disadvantage attending college if you are homeschooled. What you need to prepare will depend on a few things, however. I am happy to share some advice so that you may know the steps you and your instructors for the homeschooling can take.
Ask your teachers if you're being homeschooled according to your School District's protocol. If so, you just may receive a High School Diploma just like the students in the physical school will be getting. This happens in some school districts and not in some, so it is worth being one of the first things you ask your homeschool teachers.
In case the homeschooling wasn't set up through the oversight of your school district, you can prepare documentation for college entrance. You can have your teachers prepare homeschool transcripts which the colleges will want and they understand this type of transcript. All pertinent information should be on the prepared transcript from the time you started being homeschooled till the end. It will contain the courses you were taught and the date/years you were taught particular subjects. I have left a link below for you to read more about your homeschool transcripts. Keep in mind that if you ever feel like taking one class at the school building in person, you are able to do this. The college will need your transcripts from both on site and homeschooling.
You will need to take the SAT or ACT exam to go to college. You can take practice tests early on and then in your Junior equivalent year, take the SAT or ACT at the school you are zoned in. Sometimes, colleges put more into your SAT or ACT score because you were homeschooled, so it will be very important to take this test as part of college admissions.
You will find out how many letters of recommendation your college will require. You should get one from someone who can attest to your education and also one that can speak about your character and values. I am not sure how many of these you need for any particular college, but I would say no more than three. Check with the college admissions requirement, though.
Think about doing volunteer work as soon as you can. Colleges will like to see that you have participated in your community and any volunteer work you do will boost your admissions chances. I have left a link to start you off on finding some volunteer opportunities. Try to pick an opportunity doing something you really love.
Worth mentioning to you is keep in mind that 3.7 million students have been homeschooled so far this year. You're among millions. Out of that, 22% of high schoolers are homeschooled, so you are not alone in this and colleges have progressed in their understanding and acceptance of homeschooled entry students. I would advise you to come here often for any advice about homeschooling so that Career Village can be part of your experience. There are many advisors here who are happy to help out with advice and suggestions as well as information that may help you.
I wish you all the best in all you do !
HOMESCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS AND TEMPLATE https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/high-school-beyond/high-school-homeschool-transcript/
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN CAROL STREAM https://www.carolstream.org/residents/volunteer-opportunities
You have absolutely no disadvantage attending college if you are homeschooled. What you need to prepare will depend on a few things, however. I am happy to share some advice so that you may know the steps you and your instructors for the homeschooling can take.
Ask your teachers if you're being homeschooled according to your School District's protocol. If so, you just may receive a High School Diploma just like the students in the physical school will be getting. This happens in some school districts and not in some, so it is worth being one of the first things you ask your homeschool teachers.
In case the homeschooling wasn't set up through the oversight of your school district, you can prepare documentation for college entrance. You can have your teachers prepare homeschool transcripts which the colleges will want and they understand this type of transcript. All pertinent information should be on the prepared transcript from the time you started being homeschooled till the end. It will contain the courses you were taught and the date/years you were taught particular subjects. I have left a link below for you to read more about your homeschool transcripts. Keep in mind that if you ever feel like taking one class at the school building in person, you are able to do this. The college will need your transcripts from both on site and homeschooling.
You will need to take the SAT or ACT exam to go to college. You can take practice tests early on and then in your Junior equivalent year, take the SAT or ACT at the school you are zoned in. Sometimes, colleges put more into your SAT or ACT score because you were homeschooled, so it will be very important to take this test as part of college admissions.
You will find out how many letters of recommendation your college will require. You should get one from someone who can attest to your education and also one that can speak about your character and values. I am not sure how many of these you need for any particular college, but I would say no more than three. Check with the college admissions requirement, though.
Think about doing volunteer work as soon as you can. Colleges will like to see that you have participated in your community and any volunteer work you do will boost your admissions chances. I have left a link to start you off on finding some volunteer opportunities. Try to pick an opportunity doing something you really love.
Worth mentioning to you is keep in mind that 3.7 million students have been homeschooled so far this year. You're among millions. Out of that, 22% of high schoolers are homeschooled, so you are not alone in this and colleges have progressed in their understanding and acceptance of homeschooled entry students. I would advise you to come here often for any advice about homeschooling so that Career Village can be part of your experience. There are many advisors here who are happy to help out with advice and suggestions as well as information that may help you.
I wish you all the best in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Steven Young
Business Owner
27
Answers
Glen Cove, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I volunteer with an organization that helps students find colleges. Right now one of my mentees is homeschooled. Yes, being homeschooled presents a few challenges. For one thing, you won't have the extracurricular opportunities that a traditional student would. You also wouldn't have the opportunity to play sports. These are things that many schools look at to evaluate a potential student. Lastly, you will almost definitely be asked about being homeschooled in any one on one interview with admissions staff. Getting referral letters will probably be harder since you don't have the regular teachers to ask for them. However, the effect of the extracurricular and sports limitations can be lessened by really good grades and essays. Take Advanced Placement classes if possible. If not at least take as many honors classes as possible.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
314
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You should have just as many advantages as anyone else. Perhaps your unique position of being homeschooled has given you additional experiences or opportunities such as volunteer experience or time to travel, visit museums, etc. When you write a college application you can emphasize how your experience has provided opportunities that perhaps you may not have had following the "usual" path.
With every good wish.
With every good wish.
Karen, thank you!
mia
Karissa Helton
Teacher
184
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You will need a GED then start at community college. You will still be able to reach your career goals on time.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
mia
Laura Turkienicz
Consultant
23
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
hi! no, you should not have any disadvantage attending college if you were homeschooled! Many colleges and universities have specific admissions policies and procedures in place for homeschooled students. Overall, with good planning, preparation, and meeting the specific admission requirements, you will be able to attend college without any problems! Good luck!
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Imani,
It’s entirely understandable that you are anxious about applying to college as a homeschooled student, but getting into college as a homeschooled student is entirely feasible, and it can even offer some advantages depending on your individual circumstances. Here’s how you can navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooled student:
Create a detailed transcript that includes all the courses you have completed, grades received, and any standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP exams, etc.). If possible, include a description of the curriculum used and any extracurricular activities or projects completed. Also, you may want to look into creating a portfolio showcasing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any special interests or talents. This can help demonstrate your strengths and accomplishments beyond traditional coursework.
SAT/ACT scores can also be quite significant. Many colleges require standardized test scores. As a homeschooled student, performing well on these tests can help demonstrate your academic readiness and compare your abilities with other applicants.
Letters of recommendation also often have significant impacts on your application. Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and character. This could include tutors, instructors from classes or activities you've attended outside of home, or community leaders who know you well.
While there may be some challenges to navigate as a homeschooled student applying to college, your unique educational background can also be an advantage. Highlighting your strengths, accomplishments, and the unique experiences you’ve had during your homeschooling journey can make you a compelling candidate for college admissions.
It’s entirely understandable that you are anxious about applying to college as a homeschooled student, but getting into college as a homeschooled student is entirely feasible, and it can even offer some advantages depending on your individual circumstances. Here’s how you can navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooled student:
Create a detailed transcript that includes all the courses you have completed, grades received, and any standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP exams, etc.). If possible, include a description of the curriculum used and any extracurricular activities or projects completed. Also, you may want to look into creating a portfolio showcasing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any special interests or talents. This can help demonstrate your strengths and accomplishments beyond traditional coursework.
SAT/ACT scores can also be quite significant. Many colleges require standardized test scores. As a homeschooled student, performing well on these tests can help demonstrate your academic readiness and compare your abilities with other applicants.
Letters of recommendation also often have significant impacts on your application. Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and character. This could include tutors, instructors from classes or activities you've attended outside of home, or community leaders who know you well.
While there may be some challenges to navigate as a homeschooled student applying to college, your unique educational background can also be an advantage. Highlighting your strengths, accomplishments, and the unique experiences you’ve had during your homeschooling journey can make you a compelling candidate for college admissions.