How do home-schoolers get into college?

Question

Just wondering

Answer 1

Most colleges are going to weigh the SAT or ACT score the heaviest. Then they will be looking at the grades and apparent rigor of the courses that are on the high school transcript. Transripts are just as legitimate from homeschools as public or private schools. Community service is another big plus and should be listed as extra-curricular pursuits on the transcript. Schools of art always ask for a portfolio and there may be a portfolio request even outside of art. An important plus in such a portfolio is evidence of science labs and examples of formal and creative writing.

That is about it. You have the same paperwork as everyone else. When we were researching colleges, they were very eager to have my son attend. Actually, he entered with everyone at the college he selected having high expectations BECAUSE he was homeschooled. If there was a stereotype, it was a very positive one. He won a full tuition scholarship by the way.

Answer 2

your name is cool

Answer 3

Test scores and a transcript filled out with letters of recommendation. At least, that's how it goes here in NY.

If you've gotten a high enough score on the ACT/SAT/whateverT, and can show that you've done stuff, you can get in to college.

Some programs give you a diploma, too.

Answer 4

the same way everyone else does, with a transcript and a good ACT score. Most colleges and universities have a process in place for homeschoolers, that is very similar to that of a publicly schooled child.

However, this was interesting

http://www.secular-homeschooling.com/001...

Answer 5

Most of them have curriculum that is standardized with most grade schools and highschools.  All they need to do is do well on the SAT or ACT and get a GED.  

On a side note - I went to college with someone that was home schooled - they were probably smarter than 90% of the class.  High school in America is a joke and just about any idiot can get through.  Thinking home schooled people are less intelligent tells me that you obviously didn't go to the same high school I did.

Answer 6

They apply

Send a resume or essay

They take a placement test (non refundable cost item)

70% of the US colleges ACTIVELY solicite homeschoolers, but you have to be good

All your math through trig

Private schools want 2 years 2nd language

They like to see some Art, Music, similar things

They want a WELL rounded person who KNOWS who they are and ARE SMART

That's all it takes

Answer 7

It depends on the college and their admissions requirements.  Many of them now have a set plan for dealing with homeschoolers who apply.

A great book that I've found on this topic (written by a mom who homeschooled children who went on to college) is "And What About College?  How Homeschooling Leads to Admissions to the Best Colleges and Universities" by Cafi Cohen.  It has a lot of helpful information in it.

Answer 8

If they are homeschooling independently, without a correspondence or on-line school, they keep a transcript of the courses they study at home.  

A lot of people get hung up on accreditation and think that if you aren't part of an accredited school than you can't earn "credits".  That comes from a misunderstanding, accreditation means that an outside agency is watching the school and verifying that the courses are meeting commonly accepted standards, many private schools, and even many public schools are not accredited.  Credits have to do with time spent studying a subject.  120 hours of "school" in any subject equals 1 full credit, so basically its 1 credit for a full year class, regardless of whether the school is accredited or not.  Parents can make a homemade transcript on a word processor and award credits and grades for the classes taken.

One thing that is odd though, is that while colleges accept homeschool assigned credits, public high schools usually don't.  So if you plan to go back into public high school you should make sure ahead of time that you are enrolled in a corresopondence course that will be accepted by the public school.  If you don't plan to return to the cage of the public school system then you don't have to worry about that.

In addition, homeschoolers "verify" their studies through standardized tests given by a third party, SAT scores, ACT scores, AP tests, SAT 2 tests.

Generally homeschoolers do not need to get a GED, a good rule to follow is contact the college(s) you hope to attend and find out what they require, very few require a GED or accredited diploma.  Most will require a transcript and SAT or ACT scores.  Pretty much all will require that you take college prep courses of study.  In other words 3 or 4 years of math, with at least one class above Algebra 2,  4 years of English, 3 or 4 years of science, including at least one hard science such as chemistry or physics, etc.

Answer 9

Like anyone else.  They take the ACT and/or SAT and fill out an application.  Sometimes they have to show a transcript and/or portfolio to the admissions office.

Many HS'ers get dual college and high school credits while "high school" age.  Then by the time they are in full time college/university, they enter as sophomores or upper classmen.