Thinking about homeschooling your high school student? We’ve been working with homeschooled students for over a decade. Here are some thoughts to get you started.

Most colleges welcome homeschoolers.  Their academic records are often strong, they are frequently more mature, and they are distinctive and therefore add to the diversity of the institution.

Colleges will require letters of recommendation from a home-schooled student.  Generally, the parent (or primary instructor) will write the principal/guidance counselor letter for the student.  Most colleges also recommend that the student submit two outside letters of reference.  If a student has taken college courses, asking those professors would be appropriate. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a community organization, or a private instructor for music, language, or science could also be an appropriate choice.

College reps are sometimes hazy about admission requirements for homeschoolers; it pays to double-check with the homeschool expert in the admissions office.  Many colleges offer a separate section with homeschool guidelines on their website.

Colleges expect homeschoolers to have studied the same subjects with the same rigor expected of other students.  There are canned homeschool curricula, but students don't necessarily have to follow them.  AP courses are offered online as are other college-level courses. 

Many colleges expect a portfolio from a homeschooled student.  While there's no standard, common expectations include a transcript (issued by the school district or some other authority), course syllabi (descriptions, texts read, scientific experiments conducted), sample academic papers, outside reading list.  Colleges are asking homeschooled students to provide concrete evidence of what they’ve done academically, and to include information that will help colleges know the student in other ways.

Colleges want outside confirmation of students' abilities.  Hence standardized tests may carry more weight.  They may require tests (e.g. SAT II) or an interview, requirements that would be optional for other applicants.

States vary in regulations for homeschooled students.  It's a good idea to include a copy of your state's regulations with the application.

Some homeschooled students choose to take the GED since many colleges already accept it and are familiar with how to evaluate it.  Other families reject taking a GED on principle: their student is not a high school dropout after all! Many home-school organizations grant diplomas, so that can be a route to explore as well. That being said, we have worked with many successful college applicants that do not have a high school diploma.

Enrolling in courses at a community college or in a college summer program can demonstrate how well a homeschooled student can perform in college-level coursework.  They can also introduce students to learning environments they'll encounter in college.

While we have found quite the opposite, the bias seems to still exist that homeschooled students must lack social skills. Therefore, colleges may look for good socializing experiences on the student’s resume.  They want students who can interact well with peers and non-family adults, who know about and can respond to competition (often absent from a home-school setting) and who can adjust to being one of many (compared to the 1:1 of most homeschool instruction.)

Because there's no school guidance office with established procedures, homeschool families have to be vigilant and thorough in pursuing the process and checking that applications are complete.