Homeschoolers and the Dreaded College Application

Homeschooling parents often worry how the college application process will work if their child was homeschooled. Even more so, they worry if a homeschooling background will put their child at a disadvantage when trying to get accepted.

Don't worry. As homeschooling becomes more and more common--and accepted--colleges and universities are getting used to seeing homeschoolers' applications and have policies to in place. In some cases, they're even seeking out homeschoolers because of their reputation as excellent students.

Homeschooling laws vary by state in terms of what is considered legitimate, and in the same way higher education institutions policies vary as well in terms of what type of certification and documentation they require.

While you will have to look into the particulars of your state and the schools you plan to apply to, there are a few constants in this equation.

1: Standardized tests. Obviously the ACT and SAT are recognized measures of competency and since every other college applicant has taken this test, so must the homeschooler.

2: Transcript. You must have something to hand to the admissions counselor and if you're homeschooled that means you have to make it yourself. Be honest and fair--don't give your child great grades if they don't deserve it.

3: Extracurricular activities. Colleges and universities want proof that the homeschooled kid sitting in front of them is not only a good student, but can interact well with other people and likes to get involved with a variety of functions and activities. Any service learning, community service, volunteer work, music abilities, hobbies, clubs or groups the student has participated in should all be listed. And, if they've had any leadership role, that's even better yet.

4: Some parents have their children take a few classes at the local community college so they can easily apply to a different school with some college credit and offer an official transcript. It also doesn't hurt to knock a few general education courses out of the way either.

There's no set formula but these steps are pretty universal. As someone who has gone through this process in the last few years I found that my ACT score was probably the most important aspect of my application. I was applying to a suburban liberal arts college and had an impromptu interview one day when I just went to acquire some general information about applying. Between my test score, my list of extracurricular activities and the manner in which I conducted myself during my interview, the counselor told me that I could unofficially consider myself accepted--even before I'd filled out the application. Being homeschooled presented no barrier whatsoever to getting admitted.

Homeschoolers have a great reputation at many higher education institutions and in many cases admissions offices are opening their doors wide to them. Jump through the right hoops, get the right paperwork and relax.