Homeschooled Students & College Admissions

Colleges evaluate homeschooled applicants differently. However, homeschooled students need to make sure they are not put at a disadvantage. Here are some basic tips to follow:

1. Learn college prep coursework - Homeschooled students need to take the same college preparatory as traditional high school students. Be prepared to submit work samples.
2. Keep track of dates and deadlines - Keep track of dates for things such as the PSAT, SAT, or AP test. Also, monitor critical deadlines for college applications as well as test registration deadlines.
3. Get recommendations - Some colleges will allow parents to write recommendations, but many consider these biased. Seek out other adults who know you well, like a coach, employer, or church official.
4. Find “homeschool” friendly colleges - Ask colleges that you are thinking about applying to if they accept homeschooled students. Those that do may require more application materials, such as SAT II Subject Tests and samples.
5. Interview at the college - This is an opportunity for you to personalize the process and find out more about the school as well as for them to learn more about you.

What about tests?

PSAT: Take the PSAT two or three years before college, which is typically offered in October. Contact your local high school to register. There is a $12.00 fee to cover administrative costs. Taking this test may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship programs.
SAT Reasoning Test: Register for the SAT on your own and request test dates and locations. Your scores can be sent to four colleges of your choice. This test measures verbal and math reasoning abilities. For a list of colleges that do not require SAT scores, visit www.fairtest.org.
SAT II Subject Test: You should consider taking one or more of these subject tests. They are one hour exams that can demonstrate your academic strength in specific subjects.

(This publication is adapted from the College Board website.)

Homeschooled Students & Admission

Your Unique Approach to the Process - Each college evaluates homeschooled applicants differently. Some colleges admit many homeschoolers. Others have yet to admit one. Either way, you need to take extra admission steps.

Learn College Prep Course Material - There are certain "gatekeeper" courses that college admission officers expect all applicants to have completed. Just like traditional students, homeschooled students need to take these college preparatory classes or, otherwise, learn the course material.

Stay on Top of Dates and Deadlines - Without regular announcements from a guidance office, it's up to you to keep track of critical dates and deadlines relating to things like college admission, SAT® registration deadlines, or AP® Exams.

Get Recommendations - Many college applicants ask for letters of recommendation from a teacher. This presents a challenge for you, since your teacher may be your parent. Some colleges do allow parents to write recommendations, but college admission officers may consider these recommendations biased. You may want to ask at least one unrelated adult who knows you well to write a letter.

In order to build relationships with trusted adults, you need to get involved. A recommendation could come from a coach of a sports team, a leader of a club, or an employer -- as long as the person has known you for a significant period of time and can speak about your character and abilities.

Watch for Homeschooler "Friendly" Colleges - Some colleges are friendlier towards homeschooled applicants than others. Several colleges evaluate homeschooled applicants using typical application requirements, such as admission test scores and personal essays. Other colleges require more application materials, such as several SAT II: Subject Tests.

Before you select colleges, you may want to check to see if they have a homeschool admission policy, or if they've admitted homeschoolers in the past. An easy way to learn this information is to call admission offices directly and ask. You want to be sure your application will be reviewed before applying to colleges.

You can also find application requirements for homeschooled students using College Search.

Go on a College Interview - College interviews allow you to present your application directly to admission officers. By meeting face to face, an admission officer can get a more accurate impression of you. If administered by the college, interviews can be conducted during a campus visit.

Each Homeschooler's Situation is Different - For example, some students are associated with a particular home-based school program and others work with their local public school. The above tips speak generally about the college admission process for most homeschooled students. If you have any questions, contact your local high school's guidance office or call the admission office of the school to which you're applying.