As a homeschool student, your opportunities are not necessarily limited when it comes to college admissions. Homeschoolers can successfully prepare for college of their dreams with some focused prep work in high school. Many colleges and universities, including prestigious ones, actively seek out homeschool applicants for their unique backgrounds and experiences.
The key to being college-ready is in solid preparation, keeping good records, and taking advantage of standardized tests and extracurriculars. While college can feel far away if you’re only starting your freshman year of high school, you should have an idea of what colleges you may wish to attend, so you can check their admission requirements and plan your high school coursework accordingly.
Like other students, homeschoolers will need to submit a transcript to colleges. You should prepare for and take standardized tests. Pre-college opportunities can also be helpful. Here are some important points to keep in mind as you prepare for college:
- Transcripts and Records: Maintain detailed records of your coursework, grades, and extracurricular activities. Colleges will want to see a transcript that reflects your academic history and what you’ve accomplished.
- Challenge Yourself Academically: Take a rigorous course load including AP or honors classes if you can. Colleges love seeing students push their limits.
- Standardized Testing: Start preparing early for the SAT or ACT. Consider taking them multiple times to improve your scores. For some colleges, these scores will be a critical part of your application.
- Strong Essays: Write personal essays that provide context to your application. Showcase your unique experiences and perspective as a homeschooler. Students demonstrating unique passions, leadership potential, a commitment to service, and/or exceptional talents are highly desirable.
- Extracurriculars: Participate in activities such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work to demonstrate a well-rounded profile. Leadership roles are a big plus.
- Explore Interests: Participate in summer programs, internships, or part-time jobs related to your field of interest.
- Homeschool Networks: Join associations and online groups for support and resources. Build good relationships with teachers and mentors because they can provide valuable guidance and connections, and you need non-family members to write your recommendation letters.
- Pre-College Programs: Consider dual enrollment or community college courses to get a taste of college-level work and get a head start on earning credits. Taking higher education classes in high school will prove to admissions officers that you can handle college.
- College Research: Visit campuses, attend college fairs, and meet with admissions counselors to get a feel for the campus and find your best fit.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.
Whether or not you take AP or honors classes, homeschooling high schoolers should aim to cover a broad and rigorous curriculum to prepare for college. Here’s a helpful guide:
- Math: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and possibly an Advanced Placement (AP) science course.
- English: Literature, Composition, and writing-focused classes to hone essay skills.
- Social Studies: U.S. History, World History, Government, and Economics.
- Foreign Language: At least two years of a foreign language.
- Electives: Include courses in the arts, technology, and health, or any subject that aligns with interests or career goals.
- Dual Enrollment: These courses can earn you college credits and strengthen your transcript.
Homeschoolers can and do go to college successfully. With the right preparation and support, homeschoolers can make a smooth transition to higher education. Are you ready to prepare for college?
