Many families considering homeschooling, especially at the high school level have one question: “Can my child get into college if they are homeschooled?”.
Times are changing. Homeschooling is on the rise, especially after the pandemic. In addition to personal reasons, families are looking for education options that give them control over what their children are being taught.
That being said, whether or not your child can get into college if they are homeschooled is likely to be a question from the past before too long, in my opinion.
Can My Child Get into College If They Are Homeschooled?
As a veteran homeschool mom, I can answer that with a resounding yes! Both of my children were homeschooled from Kindergarten through High School in the state of Maine. My oldest graduated high school and attended his dream school in Texas. My youngest chose to stay close to home and attend a community college.
Neither of my kids set out intending to go to college at the beginning of their high school years. They both decided that college was their next step in the winter of their Senior year of high school.
While getting everything done for them to attend college that fall was a challenge, they got it all done. I say they because I raised my children to be independent learners from a young age.
When my children told me they wanted to go to college, I gave them key points they needed to look into to get them started. They then researched schools and their degree programs, locations, admission requirements, financials, etc.
Just as I did throughout their entire homeschooling years, I was there each step of the way to help when needed and discuss options.
College had to be their personal decision though as it was a big step, a last-minute change that would affect and direct each of their lives. I did not want to influence them one way or the other. So, I did a lot of listening and gave advice when it was requested.
What Does My Homeschooler Need to Get into College?
Since homeschoolers don’t fit the current, typical college admission criteria, there may be a few challenges to overcome during the admission process.
However, we’re homeschoolers. So, we’re used to going against the grain and taking on challenges head-on. We love a good challenge!
Things your child may need for the college admission process
If your child knows that they want to attend college going into their high school years, there are a few steps that are helpful to be aware of from the start.
Transcripts: Colleges will want high school transcripts for your child. High school transcripts are simply a document for recording your child’s subjects, grades, activities and major accomplishments. Don’t forget to include life learning lessons/activities. For information on how to add these to a high school transcript click here. If you’re enrolled in an umbrella school, this is likely something that they will be tracking and providing for you when your child graduates high school.
Filling these out at the end of each high school will help the college application process go more smoothly. However, if your child decides last minute that they want to go to college, like mine did, it isn’t too difficult to put together high school transcripts and a diploma.
SAT or ACT Scores: You’ll need to check with each admissions department or the school website to see if either the SAT or ACT is required. The website or admissions department can also help you with the date/time/location of the tests and information on signing your child up to take the test.
Many colleges are now offering placement tests of their own (typically Math and English related as those are both required courses for all students). Some colleges are accepting the CLT test instead of the SATs/ACTs.
Diploma, Recommendation Letters, Essays, etc.: Some colleges require a diploma in addition to high school transcripts. Others want recommendation letters from non-family members. At times an essay is a requirement for college admission.
Every college’s admission process is different. So, be sure to look at the details on their website or contact the admissions program for a complete list of requirements.
FAFSA: Filling out FAFSA isn’t even as scary as it was made out to be to me. If you have your current taxes filed with the IRS, it is even easier. The goal is to fill it out each year in October starting the year before your child goes to college.
Grab a cup of coffee and check out the website here. The first time I filled it out, it took me about an hour? After that, maybe 30 minutes.
The Most Challenging Part
As homeschoolers, the most challenging part of the college admission process is that you (or your child) must do all the legwork. When a child attends public or private school, most of the paperwork is completed by the school and sent off.
However, this is not as daunting as it may sound. Both of my children completed their college applications online on their own. A simple upload or email with high school transcripts and diplomas attached was all that was required of me.
Preparing your child to go to college is an exciting, nervewracking, emotional time and experience – whether your child is homeschooled or not. Homeschoolers are very prepared for this type of process. Please do not let it stress out you or your child.
We’ve taught our children well and now is their time to soar. Let them spread their wings, Momma. It’s their time to fly.
Continuing to love, learn and live on my own,
Misty
