Homeschoolers!? How does one go from homeschool/unschool to college?

Question

I'm doing research on homeschool/unschool for my daughter age 6. I have some questions...and am looking for any resources to help us along. One biggie, I'd like to know from someone who has done it, how does college work after a life of homeschooling? Would she have to get some sort of diploma or G.E.D.??? THanks

Answer 1

quite easy actually. I actually started Collage 1 year early and started working on my Degree. the program is called Duel enrollment. it is great, you get to work on the Collage degree why still in high school.

Answer 2

I've been unschooling with my kids for over 16 years, and I can't recommend a better lifestyle.

When my kids approached their teen years, we discussed highschool and college plans.  We all agreed that it would be good to have the skills necessary for college if they would choose that route.  

We have made sure that they have studied in all the areas that colleges want for classes.  Of course there is a lot of freedom in that, just thinking about their activities and interests we figured out what counts as what.  

I made up a transcript for my daughter when she wanted to attend community college for foreign language.  There was no difficulty in admission.  

No, you don't need a diploma or a GED.  Just a transcript of some sort.  And letters of recommendation from outside sources (from other classes, volunteer work, or work).  And of course SAT or ACT scores.

In general colleges like to have homeschoolers because they want a diverse student population.  

Good luck :D

Answer 3

I a Junior and I'm also going to be doing Dual enrollment my Senior year. It's a way to take college classes that also count as high school classes. (Two birds with one stone..yes!)  Homeschoolers have a much easier time getting into colleges also, because they have the one on one with their parent, the colleges know this and therefore know that when homeschoolers learn something, they truely understand it.  I've been homeschooled my whole life... Trust me your daughter will thank you for it. :)

Answer 4

You can get a diploma or GED. One of the ways to help get your daughter into college is my sister went through MCC and got everything she needed. So some sort of Community College can help.

Answer 5

Either getting a diploma or GED will probably be required and is also a really good idea. I went from homeschool to community college. The nice thing about community college was that there are really no requirements for entry. After two years at community college, I transfered to a four-year college.

Answer 6

You've still got a while to worry about it, but actually, there is nothing to worry about.  Many colleges actively recruit homeschool students because they have a great track record of out-performing their public schooled peers.  When the time comes, get in touch with all the colleges she plans on considering and ask what each of them will want to see.  Most likely they'll want a portfolio of work from highschool, any academic awards she might have won, her ACT/SAT score, and a list of activities she's been involved in.  Most of the time a GED is not a good idea because it says "high school drop out".  A diploma from you is sufficient for most colleges.  My transition from homeschool to college was basically painless.  I had taken classes at the community college during high school so I had college credits already.  This is something you will want to look into.  If she is ahead of her 'grade', you might want to consider community college classes for high school.  This really helps with the transition into full-time college.

Answer 7

Some homeschoolers choose to obtain a GED, but that is not my plan for my children.  The GED carries the stigma of a dropout, and homeschooling is not equivalent to that.

Homeschooling is legal, and the parents can issue a diploma.  However, the important thing is not the diploma, which is merely a decoration, but the transcript and ACT and/or SAT scores.

There are also some programs that offer diplomas, but again-it is not as meaningful to the college as the things mentioned above.

I hope this helps.

Answer 8

She would most definately need some sort of diploma or GED. And only the parents know how many hours are put into their childrens education in a week. The subjects that are studied are very important. Homeschooling can not possibly reach all of the required subjects as opposed to being taught in school. And there is absolutely no way that a college would accept a child that has JUST been homeschooled.

Answer 9

Just sign her up at a jr college for some classes online or at night when she is 14-15.  By the time she is 18, she will have her first two years of credits done. My kids were graduated with bachelors by the time they were 18-19.

You can issue a diploma in the name of your homeschool.  The college has to accept it, and cannot ask for more unless it asks each child there for more. Your child is eligible for scholarships, pell grants, etc. Homeschools are no different than a private church school or military school.

GEDs are worthless, just showing the public school system's failure to our children.  Private school diplomas are just as valid as public school diplomas.  In fact they are more highly honored.

Answer 10

Well if she is homeschooled she would get a diploma...But most homeschool programs are not that advanced.  So if you want your daughter to be a strong individual send her to public or private school so she can interact with other children and learn to fend for herself while getting an education.  I remember in college the homeschooler kids they did not have the social skills to keep up with the rest of us.  Also, my sister is 10 years younger than I am has been home schooled since 8th grade is on the same level math as our 3rd grade cousin.  So unless you have a teaching degree and know exactly what you are doing you are selling you child SHORT on a education.  You need to remember teaching your child to count and teaching them algebra are two different things.  My cousin is practicing algebra in the 3rd grade.  The last thing you want is your child to fall behind the pack with their education and social development.  GOODLUCK!!! This is a huge life decision YOU have to make for your child.

Answer 11

No diploma, no GED. No college or university asks to see a copy of the diploma, and only a GED *if* you don't have a transcript. Any parent can create a transcript of the subjects studied and approximate grades. Here's an example:

http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/trans1...

As Curly said, those who unschool choose to attend college, and will at some point in their teenage years choose to study those subjects necessary for taking the ACT/SAT (the only other requirement for college outside of the transcript) We have a young teen, that has recently decided that college would be helpful for his career, so we have started tracking not only the things he is learning and to what extent, but also all activities and trips.