Many high schoolers aspire to get accepted into the Ivy League schools. But, can homeschoolers make it to the top too?
That’s the question on many hopeful parents and students’ minds. Before we answer that, let us first understand what it’ll take for homeschoolers to secure a seat in one of the best universities in the world.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Have Significant Performance Records?
It’s true that if you want to be accepted into Ivy League Universities from high schools, you’ll need a record of significant academic performance that rivals other non-homeschooled students. However, regarding homeschoolers, the playing field isn’t quite the same.
Homeschoolers have to have something extra-proof of their outstanding performance records-in order to be accepted. This can be done in the form of records of performance in standardized tests such as the SAT, wherein they must score high enough – and above the averages of other non-homeschooled students applying to the college. Another way is by showing their performance in competitions such as mathematics or science olympiads.
Third is by participating in community service projects and showing proof of genuine leadership roles in the same.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Write a Good College Application Essay?
Writing a good college application essay is an integral part of the application process for any student that wants to be accepted into a top-tier school. For homeschoolers, this is even more important, if one wants to stand out from the crowd. The key to writing a good essay is to write about something that you are truly passionate about and make sure that it reflects your values, interests and beliefs.
This can be done by writing about a subject that you have knowledge and experience with and to deep dive into the details of it. You should also showcase your unique personality and make sure that the essay is structured in such a way that it tells a story that the reader will be interested in.
Not to forget, the essay must be free of grammatical mistakes, typos and be well-polished.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Make Themselves Visible to College Admissions Counselors?
Once you’ve written the perfect essay and taken the necessary standardized tests, what else will separate you from the other students applying? The answer is transparency.
It is important to make yourself visible to college admissions counselors and to do that, you have to make sure to contact them directly and write them a short email introducing yourself and your credentials. You should also make sure to contact the staff of the college you’re interested in and ask them questions to find out as much as you can about the school. It also helps to visit the school in person if you can and speak to the counselors in person as well.
In this way, you will be able to make a lasting impression on the counselors and have a shot at being accepted.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Take Extra Courses?
One of the best ways for homeschool students to differentiate themselves from other applicants is by taking extra courses. Most top-tier universities require their applicants to have taken at least 3-4 years of a foreign language in high school.
Most homeschoolers usually don’t get the luxury of taking foreign language classes at a local high school, so it’s recommended to take online classes in foreign language such as Spanish, French or German, so you can still fulfill this requirement. If a languages isn’t what you’re interested in, then you can opt for courses in business, finance or economics. These courses will give you a valuable edge over the other applicants and will make you stand out.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Take the Subject Tests?
While the SAT and ACT tests are mandatory for all applicants, taking subject tests is not. However, taking subject tests can greatly increase your chances of getting accepted into an Ivy League school. You can opt for taking tests in subjects such as mathematics, biology or chemistry, depending on your interest and proficiency.
College admissions counselors are always looking for top-notch applicants, and taking subject tests is one way of increasing your probability of acceptance.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Make Themselves Available for Virtual Interviews?
College Admissions Counselors are now increasingly giving virtual interviews to students, to get to know them better and to see if they are a good fit for the university. For homeschoolers, an added layer of transparency is almost always needed to be given an opportunity to have a virtual interview. The key here is to make yourself available to the counselors, by answering their questions in a truthful and honest manner.
You should also make sure to show respect and to be well-prepared for the interview. By making yourself available and by being respectful towards the counselors, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into the college.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Showcase Extracurricular Activities?
Majority of the ivy league schools consider extracurricular activities as an important requirement for applicants. This is especially important for homeschoolers because this is a great way to show the admissions counselors that you are an engaged and active student.
Aside from volunteering, you can also participate in sports, clubs and organizations or create your own club or organization that focuses on something that you are passionate about. College admissions counselors are always looking for students who are not only academically proficient but are also engaged, balanced and have a well-rounded personality.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Get Recommendation Letters?
For those who homeschool, the traditional methods of getting recommendation letters has become difficult due to the lack of teachers and their contact information. In this case, you may need to reach out to other people in your community who have known you for some time and can write an authentic and genuine letter for you. These people can be your mentors, employers, school staff, educational establishments or religious leaders.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Take an Online Education?
Taking an online education course is a great way for homeschoolers to demonstrate their academic potential to admissions counselors. Online education courses are designed to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to transition to a college education.
Many Ivy League universities offer online courses for their students, so look for one that offers a course that interests you.
Do Homeschoolers Need to Take a Gap Year?
Taking a gap year before applying to college is a great way for homeschoolers to give themselves a break and to make sure that they are ready to transition to a college education. It gives you the opportunity to travel and to explore the world, to gain some work experience and to give yourself time to figure out what you are interested in and what your academic plan should be.
Taking a gap year is also a great way to build your resume and to increase your chances of getting accepted into an Ivy League school.
Conclusion
Homeschoolers do not need to be at a disadvantage when applying to Ivy League schools. It does take hard work, dedication and a lot of effort from the student, but it’s very possible to make your dreams come true.
Make sure to show proof of your academic performance and test scores, write a great college essay, be transparent and make yourself visible to college admissions counselors, take extra courses to show initiative, take the subject tests, make yourself available for virtual interviews, showcase your extracurricular activities, write recommendation letters, take online courses and take a gap year if needed. All in all, homeschoolers can get into Ivy League schools with focus, dedication and hard work.