How do you get into college from homeschool?

Question

i am 17 and i want to go to college but i dont have a diploma because i only graduated homeschool. i dont know how to apply to college or anything because i was never taught like in public schools so can someone please help me!

Answer 1

Honestly, it's the same way public or private school graduates get into college (by the way, public schools don't "teach" this, but they do have guidance counselors to help you through the process).  Figure out which colleges/universities you may want to attend.  Narrow your choices based on what you want to study, what type of school (liberal arts, technical, fine arts, etc.), what size of school (large, small, medium), what locale (near home, out of state, small town, big city).

Once you've narrowed the field to your top 5-10 schools, contact each one to find out what they require of homeschoolers.  Most will only need the standard stuff (application form, transcript, recommendations from non-related persons, SAT/ACT scores) but some may require or request a portfolio or other "proof" of your homeschool studies.

It always looks better to colleges if you have done some type of college-level work (local community college dual-credit program, auditing university classes, etc.)  You can also use this as an opportunity to get recommendation letters from your instructors.

Once you've narrowed your choice to 2-4 schools, the admissions staff will generally help you through the rest of the process (that's what they're paid for).

Make sure you visit the campus DURING the school year on a school day (not over a weekend and definitely not during summer break) so you can get a real feel for what a typical day on campus will be like.  Try to sit-in on a (freshman) class or two so you get a feel for class size and difficulty level.

This process is usually started in the junior year of high school, so it may take a while.  Give yourself time to make sure you choose a school that is a good fit for YOU.  But remember, if it doesn't work out, you can always transfer.

Answer 2

You first have to go to the college, asked for their requirements and then meet them.  I assure you, the public school system does not prepare students for college, so do not compare that to homeschool.  You have to take a test, like the SAT test.  Homeschooled students can find those on the HSLDA website.  You do not have to go to school to have a transcript.  Your mother can build a transcript listing your classes and grade them as complete or not-complete.  I recommend you complete any that are not complete before doing that.  Study for the SAT, take the SAT...then apply for colleges.  Harvard looks for records of classes (transcripts) and good SAT scores.  Harvard and Stanford will give you strong consideration.  But first, you need to build grammar skills.  You can do that with a few books from the university library.

Answer 3

you could apply...? i'm homeschooled and it really isn't very different to apply.

Answer 4

Put together a portfolio with examples of your schoolwork. Create a transcript showing credits earned. Take the ACT or SAT, depending on what the colleges you are interested in require. Fill out the applications. Most colleges actively solicit students that they know homeschooled because homeschool students usually have a high interest in really working, know how to work independently, and have high work ethics. They tend to make excellent college students. Most homeschoolers that I know have gone on to college, often to some of the top schools nationally, and most get full or almost full scholarships. Don't worry, enjoy the process.

Answer 5

Many colleges accept homeschooled students.  You will find it a very difficult transition - so stay focused and do your best.

Most students at Patrick Henry College were homeschooled.

http://www.phc.edu/

You can even attend via correspondence for a limited time.  Read their admissions pages.

You may need the following at most schools:

Application & Fee

Official high school transcript (list of classes and grades)

Official college transcripts (if you took anything at a jc)

Official SAT and/or ACT score(s)

Extra-curricular activities and interests list

Admissions essays

Letters of Recommendation

GED (General Education Diploma - test required)

If you can't come up with a transcript because your homeschooling was not affiliated with an accredited group, then you should get your GED, take the SAT and apply for a local junior college first.

I did a Google search.  Here are some helpful articles...

Answer 6

When you are finished with your home school program you can get a diploma, your parents can give you one.

You do not need to be educated in a conventional school in order to go to college; that is a myth.

To get into college you state that you are a home school graduate, you take your Sat's and Act's; apply to the college of your choice, go through the admission process, and you are on your way.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

As simple as it sounds: You get into college by applying.

Once you have an idea of the college and course(s) you're interested in, simply call the colleges and ask about their "special entry application" procedures.  

Alternatively, you might be able to sit the college entrance exams as an independent candidate - check with whichever body administers those exams in your home State.

(both my 19yrold sister and 24yr old brother had no trouble getting into top universities despite neither of them ever having set foot inside a school in their lives)

Answer 8

I am a home schooling parent and am in the process of entering my daughter in to college.  You will need to contact the college and find out their specific requirements for home schoolers.  More than likely you will have to take the ACT/SAT and send in a transcript of your grades.  This can be created on  the computer and printed out.  HSLDA.com should have some samples of transcripts and advise on getting into a college.

Answer 9

You apply

You have to meet requirements.  If you don't, you didn't homeschool well.

You need to be PROFICIENT in TRIG and ALGEBRA, English Grammar and have and understanding of ESSAY styles (APA, Harvard, Chicago).

If you don't you have to brush up.

You need to possibly take the SAT or ACT test and do well

If you can't you didn't homeschool very well.

This is REALITY

MOST (not all) homeschoolers ARE college ready.

You need a BACKGROUND in Earth Science, Biology, Math Chemistry or Phsyics, Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Civics, possibley Economics, Civics,, Statistics and for PRIVATE school 2 years foreign language.

You need to be able to solve a NEWTONIAN body problem

You NEED to know the essence of Communism, Federalism, Republicanism, Parlentaryism

You need to know where Iran and Iran and Greece are

It would be EVEN better if you know where Macedonia and Kasikstan are

You need to know how to write an essay

You need to know WHO you are and WHAT you want.

You need to be able to IMPRESS people

If you can't do that, homeschooling failed you, but don't worry BRICK schooling only does this for 5%

Homeschooling is supposed to do this for 20-25%!

Answer 10

And then you'll have to deal with the social ackwardness of not interacting with anyone for all of your life.

Answer 11

You don't need a diploma, however you do need records.  Your parents should have been keeping a transcript, and to get into a four year college that transcript should show certain studies.

4  Credits (years) of English

3-4 Credits of Math (preferably four)  These should include at a minimum Algebra 1 and 2, and Geometry, Pre calculus would be helpful.

1 Credit U.S. History

1 Credit World History

1/2 Credit Government

1/2 Credit Economics

4 Credits High School level science, the typical course of study is Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

2 Credits Foreign Language

Plus some electives in fine arts, music, etc.

If you didn't follow this kind of course of study, your best bet would be to start in a Community College.   Given your age you might even be able to get in with your tuition paid for by the Public School system in your area.  That depends on the regulations where you live though.

If you did pretty much study all of the above, but don't have the transcript, you can buckle down and come up with one.

You also should take your SAT or ACT tests.  Don't bother with the G.E.D. unless the college you want to go to insists on one.

Answer 12

Contact the school district you would have been in if you had gone to public school.

Also, contact the college you want to go to.  They should have a way of "dealing" with that.

You might have to take the SAT.

Answer 13

Your parents should be able to provide you with a diploma.

You can contact colleges of interest and ask the admissions officers directly. Each college is going to have its own rules.

Answer 14

Contact the college-you might have to take a GED test, or they may just accept a homeschool transcript written by a parent. Ask the college you are interested in. Also, you will probably need an SAT or ACT score.