Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice for families in the United States, with an estimated 7 million students enrolled in homeschooling in the 2016-2017 school year. With a growing number of homeschooled students, it is natural to wonder what the process of applying to college looks like for these students.
Is it more difficult for homeschooled students to get accepted into college, or are their chances the same as students coming from traditional schools? In this article, we will discuss the process of getting into college after homeschooling, from college application requirements to acceptance rates.
What Are the Requirements for Applying to College?
The requirements for applying to college as a homeschooled student vary depending on the college. Generally, the admissions process for homeschooled students is the same as with traditional school students, with a few exceptions.
In order to apply to college, most colleges require applicants to submit their transcripts and proof of graduation, a resume or list of extracurricular activities, SAT scores, and an essay. Some colleges, such as the University of California, Berkeley, also accept the GED in lieu of high school transcripts. The SAT is another important requirement for applying to college, and homeschooled students can take the SAT just like traditional school students.
It is important to note that homeschooled students will still need to provide a list of coursework for the SAT, so it is important to be prepared for this part of the college application process.
Does Homeschooling Affect College Acceptance Rates?
Research shows that homeschooled students are just as likely to be accepted into college as traditional school students. Several recent studies have found that homeschoolers are accepted into college at very similar rates to students from traditional schools, and the acceptance rate of homeschooled students largely depends on their academic performance. It is important to note that acceptance rates are affected by a variety of factors, such as the college or university in question, the student’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, and more.
For example, while some colleges may have a higher acceptance rate of homeschooled students than other colleges, the factors listed above can still affect a student’s chance of getting accepted into a particular college.
What’s the Best Way for a Homeschooled Student to Prepare for College?
The best way for a homeschooled student to prepare for college is to develop strong academic skills and create a portfolio that demonstrates the student’s achievements. Developing strong academic skills involves engaging in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum and studying for the SAT or ACT, if required. In order to create a portfolio, it can be beneficial for a homeschooled student to document their coursework and activities, as well as any awards or accomplishments.
Homeschooled students can also use online course platforms, such as Khan Academy, to demonstrate their mastery of coursework topics and take practice tests.
What Resources Are Available to Help Homeschooled Students?
There are numerous resources available to help homeschooled students prepare for college, including specialized organizations, websites, and even virtual college counselors. Homeschoolers can use specialized organizations like the National Home Education Network (NHEN) or the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for resources and support, as well as websites like Homeschooling Freedom which provides advice and guidance for both homeschoolers and college students alike. In addition to specialized organizations and websites, there are also virtual college counselors available to help homeschooled students navigate the college admissions process.
These professionals can help with everything from developing a portfolio to choosing a college and studying for tests.
What Is the College Application Process Like for Homeschooled Students?
The college application process for homeschooled students is generally the same as it is for traditional students. The major difference is that homeschooled students may need to submit an additional form, such as an Educational Plan or a Homeschool Education Plan.
This form will usually ask for a summary of the student’s high school activities, college preparatory coursework, and other relevant information. When applying to college, homeschooled students may also need to provide additional materials, such as standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. It is important for homeschooled students to check with their prospective colleges to find out what materials need to be submitted in order to be considered for admission.
What Are Some of the Challenges That Homeschoolers Might Face During the College Application Process?
While the college application process is essentially the same for homeschooled students as it is for traditional students, there are still some challenges that homeschoolers might face during the process. One of the most common challenges is being able to demonstrate the depth and breadth of their education due to the lack of traditional high school grades and transcripts.
In addition, homeschoolers may also struggle with the social aspects of the college admissions process. Since homeschoolers do not have traditional schoolmates and peers, they may feel isolated during the application process, especially with the social aspects, such as visiting colleges, interviewing, and filling out applications. Lastly, homeschoolers may also face a lack of access to college counseling and admissions advice, since these services are usually geared towards traditional students.
Without access to the same resources and guidance as traditional students, homeschoolers can feel overwhelmed and frustrated when applying to college.
What Are Some Tips for Homeschooled Students Applying to College?
There are a few tips that homeschoolers should keep in mind when applying to college. First, it is important to have a plan and to stay organized.
Homeschoolers should consider starting their college search early, taking college entrance exams well in advance, and assembling a portfolio that demonstrates their skills, achievements, and interests. Second, homeschoolers should take advantage of the resources available to them, such as homeschooling support groups, professional counselors, and websites that provide tips and advice. Lastly, it is important for homeschoolers to show their character and personality in the application materials, so that admissions personnel can demonstrate that the homeschooled student is a “good fit” for their college.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not necessarily harder for a homeschooled student to get accepted into college. The process of getting into college after homeschooling is the same as with traditional school students, with a few exceptions. Homeschoolers need to be prepared to submit transcripts, coursework, and standardized test scores, as well as a portfolio to demonstrate their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
While there can be some challenges with the social aspects of the college process and a lack of access to college counseling, homeschoolers can take advantage of the resources available to them, such as homeschooling support groups, professional counselors, and websites. With the right preparation and effort, homeschoolers can be successful in their journey to college.