The path to college acceptance can be a challenging one, no matter the education path taken by the student. Homeschoolers, for example, may face extra questions and scrutiny when applying to college than those students that have attended traditional schooling, although it can be argued that all students are under similar pressure when seeking to enter college.
So, the big question becomes, is it harder for homeschoolers to get into college? We explore this question, and more, in the following article. Outlining the various factors involved when assessing college acceptance and the possible obstacles faced by homeschoolers during application processes, this article looks at whether it is harder for homeschoolers to gain entry into college.
State Education Requirements
The first factor to consider when questioning if it is harder for homeschoolers to get into college is state education requirements. Depending on where the student is located, they may need to complete certain requirements to gain access to college, such as completing an approved curriculum, testing or other assessment tools, or even submitting yearly portfolio reviews showing learning activities.
If the student has not met all the requirements, either through a lack of access, or due to the type of homeschooling chosen, then this can prove a barrier to admission. In contrast, the requirements from state to state can vary significantly, and this can influence the process of gaining acceptance. Some states may have no extra requirements specific to homeschoolers, whilst in others homeschooling students may not even be allowed acceptance into colleges.
Therefore, homeschoolers should research the local requirements to understand their options better. As many homeschoolers learn in nontraditional ways, it is important to look at how these skills are assessed when applying to college.
Generally, if the homeschooling student has completed the grades, portfolios and relevant assessments in their homeschooling program, then they are eligible to apply to college like any other student, provided they meet the admission requirements. Schools may even waive some subscore requirements in certain cases, tailoring their decision to the individual’s specific circumstance. For example, Clemson University has waived ACT subscores for homeschooled students in the past, which goes to show that adjustments can be made for those students that have chosen to pursue a different educational path.
Extra Information
Another factor causing potential difficulty for homeschoolers when applying to college is the need for extra information. Whilst homeschooling students usually won’t need to provide a high school diploma (due to the nature of homeschooling) they may need to provide additional information, such as an educational plan, transcripts, work samples (such as art projects or civil experiences), or three to six letters of recommendation by a mentor, tutor or teacher. The college may also potentially request information regarding curriculum that the student was working on during homeschooling, as well as details regarding the types of classes they took.
Finally, depending on the policy of the college, the student may need to submit additional test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. Some colleges may use a different policy when looking at homeschoolers, whilst others may assess homeschooled applicants in the same way they evaluate any other applicants.
Therefore, it is important to do thorough research and contact the individual college to learn the admission rules to determine any extra information required. Knowing which questions to ask when meeting with the admissions officer, or for when completing the application, is key for homeschoolers seeking to enter college. Knowing which goals need to be met, such as applying for any extra scholarships or grants, is also important, as this can make the process smoother.
Up until now, homeschoolers were allowed to apply to college with their grade transcripts, standardized tests, and even their portfolios, showing a basic curriculum that met the standards of their state. Nowadays, however, most college admissions read the transcripts in greater detail and request extra documents from the student.
Additionally, colleges may want the student to provide evidence of any work they have completed during their homeschooling education, such as essays, projects, and more. Since the admissions officer may have to review these items, they must be of high quality and provide evidence of the skills acquired during homeschooling, as well as showing the student’s dedication and commitment.
Homeschoolers and Open Days
When it comes to entry into college, homeschoolers may have an advantage over those that have not taken this educational route. This is due to the fact that they are independent learners, often having to self-organize and manage their learning, as well as demonstrating organization and responsibility.
Homeschooling also shows potential colleges that applicants can think independently, and often create their own plans for learning, which is likely to be seen as an advantage for students. Furthermore, homeschoolers often have a very clear idea of what and how they are learning and can share it with colleges on open days, or during personal interviews. Open days and tours are also important for homeschoolers, as they can get to meet with colleges and find out exactly what requirements they will need to meet to gain acceptance.
This is particularly crucial for homeschoolers who may not be aware of the specific requirements of certain colleges and need more information to achieve the best results when applying. Many homeschoolers may also worry about the lack of extracurricular activities available to them and how this may affect their chances of acceptance. However, extracurriculars are not a requirement, and demonstrating strong academic ability is a great way to secure a place at college.
Conclusion
From exploring the various factors affecting college acceptance for homeschoolers, as well as the potential benefits, it is hard to say definitively whether or not it is harder for homeschoolers to get into college. Each individual is assessed uniquely and the requirements of each college are different, meaning that homeschoolers should investigate their options thoroughly and meet the stated requirements to increase their chances of acceptance.