Homeschooling 101

Lesson 6: Creative solutions for difficult situations

College Admissions

In order for your child to get into college, you should keep good records, develop your own transcripts and have your child take the college entrance exams - SAT, ACT, and CEB. You can obtain information about these tests from your statewide homeschool organization.

Check into the colleges your child wishes to apply to and obtain their specific requirements. Many private colleges in the US rely on interviews as well as written recommendations to determine the student’s ability to shoulder the school’s workload. Homeschoolers are welcome at many institutions and they do well in college.

One completely legitimate way to enter a four-year is to have your child take junior college classes as a high school student. Once s/he has acquired a proper number of credits, it may be possible to transfer right into a four-year college as a junior. The junior college will not ask for high school transcripts because your child is technically a high school student, not seeking full entry into the junior college. This works well for many families since junior college systems in most states allow high school students to take courses without being formally enrolled as full-time college students. When a student transfers to a four-year school as a junior, all required paperwork comes from the junior college; therefore the fact that a student has been homeschooled doesn’t usually come up.

Another way to get your child into college is to keep your own transcripts, have your child take the admissions tests (SAT, ACT, and/or CEB, depending on the requirements of the university), and perform the standard application process required of all prospective college entrants. Many homeschoolers score very well in college entrance exams, and that fact alone can guarantee them a place at some schools. Other schools will also require transcripts, usually written in "educationalese." Usually it does not matter whether or not your high school work is from an accredited school. Every major college and university accepts homeschooled students; some even seek out college-bound homeschoolers because they are typically serious about learning and do not attend college to party. Recently, a university rejected a homeschooled student on the grounds that the student had not attended an accredited high school, despite the fact that his transcripts and SAT scores would have gained him admission to Harvard. The applicant took the school to court and won admission.

Depending on your state’s laws, your child will probably be able to get a high school diploma - if you seek to obtain one. But check first. Generally speaking, your child can acquire a GED diploma through your state, or you, as principal of your own certified, private school (if you establish one), can create your own high school diploma. You may also use a nationally recognized, certified correspondence course to obtain a diploma. Check with the parent-run organization in your state to find out firsthand your state’s requirements and guidelines.

Financial Aid for Homeschoolers Financial aid and admission to college are two distinct functions at all colleges. (i.e., ability to pay does not affect admission status). Financial aid ground rules are nationally standardized, so they hold true for all institutions. Be aware that the financial aid field is a prime one for illegitimate companies seeking to separate you from your money by "finding" you scholarship money for a "fee."

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