Homeschoolers are WELCOMED to colleges
The days when homeschoolers had to jump through hoops to get accepted into colleges are officially OVER! In fact, many homeschoolers find it easier to differentiate themselves from other applicants. Homeschoolers can use their time to indulge in their strengths, and then talk about what they've been doing with their time on their essays. They can include meaningful community service and internships. They can take free classes at local colleges to prove their abilities to learn within the structure of a school!
Many homeschoolers plan on attending the local community colleges and then transferring to a UC or Cal State College using a program called "TAG" - (Transfer Admittance Guaranteed). You can find definitive information at all of our local community colleges. Note that not all UC's allow TAGing, and that the requirements for TAGing for each school and each degree can vary. Please contact the colleges directly to get the latest information if you are planning this route. Even though the TAG program is not available to the top UC schools, transfers are still allowed into these colleges.
FAQ
Are there Advantages to going into college as a Freshman or a Transfer Student?
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Click here to find out more!
FAQ
But I want to be a doctor or a lawyer. Can I be homeschooled and still get into a college that will put me on this path?
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Click here to find out more!
Transcripts for a hybrid education at iDEAcademy:
- Cumulative transcript, including classes & grades from all sources.
- Highlights all of a student's experiences.
- U/W GPA Calculations and tracking of graduation requirements.
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Digital Portfolios:
- Encouraged for Artistic students
Teens should also maintain a list of books read in high school. Throughout your Jr year, save samples of your best essays and research. Several colleges ask for samples of work, and you'll have your best work ready to attach to your application!
Many times, colleges will ask for an extra recommendation for homeschooled students; one from the main teacher of the child, along with two others that are outside of the family and know the student from their academic life. Colleges many times also ask for a piece of written work with feedback from the teacher. They are not looking for a grade necessarily, but more importantly, they are looking to see the robustness of the writing experience. Almost all colleges will also be looking for activities outside of academics; what sports, dance, theatre, internships or other extra curricular activities does your child pursue. What community services does your child engage in? It's far better for teens to find a small number of places to do community service, where they can truly understand and contribute to the needs of this community.
The primary question is likely to be this; you've potentially had extra time on your hands - what have you done with it?
Not only do many colleges welcome homeschoolers with open arms, but they also many times have openings late in the enrollment season. Why? Colleges send out many acceptance letters, but because students are applying to so many colleges, the acceptance rate to a college can sometimes be quite low. It's a good idea to consider including some non-selective private colleges with healthy endowments for scholarships in the list of colleges to apply to!
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Many times, colleges that are very similar in philosophy of learning will travel together and provide a 20 minute overview of their school followed by 1:1 time with admissions staff of that school. If you know you like a particular type of school, say a small liberal arts college, then you might want to consider one of these groups. It helps to hear what they think makes their college unique, but also what they feel is similar to other colleges.
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Northwest 5 consortium
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8 of the best colleges consortium
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Here is a list of colleges from the Colleges That Change Lives group. Note that this group of colleges travels together to put on yearly college fairs where you can talk directly to admissions staff about what they are looking for in their students and what they have to offer.
You may have already decided to transfer into a college because that road is considered more affordable or easier, but there are many considerations to think about. Questions about entering as Freshman or a Transfer Student.
For people that are looking at College Rankings to help decide which colleges to look at: Should I look at college rankings?
If you are nervous about homeschooling when you want to go to Medical School: But I'm thinking of Medical School...
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Need more expertise for your college planning? We recommend Dr. Steve Mercer at Mercer Educational Consulting.