Good way for home schooled kid to get into college?

Question

What are the steps for a homeschooled kid getting into college? Would it be good if they got into a community college first? Should they get a GED first?

Thank you

Answer 1

You do not need a GED. In most cases, you don't have to have any proof of having 'finished' high school. Ideally, you would have some proof of what you've done--parent-issued transcripts/diploma--but after that, it's all about the college requirements which are almost NEVER a diploma or GED. There's almost always a way around it. In the US, the SAT or ACT scores are often wanted. Depending on the competitiveness of the program, they may want extra stuff like specific extra-curricular or volunteer work.

Essentially, the way to get into college is no different than for a public schooled student: do your work, know your stuff, do well on the tests, have 'extras' if you can and apply.

You can definitely do the community college thing, too, even while still homeschooling. Many people have shared how they or their children were able to start taking some courses at 16, before the child had even finished their at-home high school work.

Answer 2

you still get a diploma ....most charter schools like any other school will have target classes for students that want to move onto college. Most colleges suggest you take Algebra for example, but if you are not going to college then you may not need to take some of the harder courses.

My son finished the 8th grade in public school with straight F's and went from that to straight A's and B's being home schooled. Online charter schools are considered the same as public schooling. My son graduated an online charter school and now attends University of Dayton ( a private university ) with scholarships.

Home schooling can work for some. The student needs to be self disciplined enough to do the work and care. Generally less work is involved with an online charter school than in a regular public school. You are also able to work at your own pace. k12 will customize your curriculum and make sure you are where you need to be.

This is the school my other children are now attending,

http://www2.k12.com/getk12/index.html......

Depending on where you live they may be a help, if not, there are online charter schools all over.

They will provide you with the computer, printer, supplies and books that you need as well as teachers and academic advisors. This is the same as a public school but ONLINE at home. They will also provide you with teacher to help you by phone and email. They will also help you with any state required testing that needs to be done as well as proficiencies.

If you need anything else feel free to email me

Answer 3

It would probably be best for the kid to get a GED as most colleges (and even community/jr.colleges) require the official paperwork showing that they have passed high school level coursework.  From there, they can look into taking the necessary exams for the community college to determine their placement in classes. If the student is interested, they may be able to take the ACT or SAT to determine admission to a university.

Answer 4

For the most part, you do not want a GED, it says drop out, not homeschooler.

There are over 1000 universities and colleges in the US who have admitted homeschoolers already, so you can assume that those schools have a process in place, or are willing to work with a homeschooler to attain admission. As with any other high school aged student, you need to be aware of what your life goals are, your interests. Then find universities that have programs matching those interests, and contact them (or look on the web) for information on admissions. Many universities have all their requirements for admission, including that for homeschoolers. It is not much different than that for ps kids.

Admission is much the same, you'll need to take the ACT or SAT four to six months prior to the application deadline, wait for your test results and then apply either online or by sending for a packet via snailmail. The college will ask for a copy of your transcript, which your parents will do on their computer, writing down each class you took, and the grade received, usually grouping by year. Homeschoolers usually need to have a letter of recommendation from someone besides the parent who has taught them, no different than a public school child who would get said letter from a favorite teacher or counselor.

Community college is a good idea for any student, public or homeschooled, because it allows them to get basics under their belts, save some money (classes are generally cheapter), and gives them time to discover where their true talents and interests lie. It is by no means mandatory or even better to do so first, it's a personal choice.

Answer 5

There is no right way. I am hoping my daughter will want to get into a community college first so that way she can get a feel for college life and also take all her transfer and lower classes and even fun classes before transfering over to the University. If you go to the community college they will do the entrance exams anyways to see where your child needs to go. You can either take the GED or just do your own diploma.

Answer 6

I went to community college first, but only because it was cheaper.

Answer 7

All those ways work.

You need to be ready to write an essay on your intent.

You should have taken the SAT or ACT and gotten a good score.

You will have to take the Math and English placement tests.

Many college make room for exceptional homeschoolers.

You need the background

Math from Algebra, Geometry, Trig and maybe Calculus

Science from Biology to Math Chemisty or Physics

English grammar and literature

American and World history plus Civics

Statistics and Economics

Some background in Art

For a private college 2 years eqivalent reading and writing in a second language.