Hi everybody, I’m Demetrie with Inlighten Tutoring, and today, I want to shed some light on the college admissions process specifically for homeschooling students. As someone with brothers and sisters who’ve been homeschooled for years, I know firsthand that applying to college can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry! We’re going to break it down and make it as simple as possible so that your homeschooler can confidently get into the college of their choice.
The first thing you need to know when applying to college as a homeschooler is that colleges may ask for more than just your standard transcript. Why? Well, because homeschooling curriculums vary, and schools want to ensure that the education your child received is on par with their standards. While traditional schools are accredited and have a more uniform approach to education, homeschoolers may need to go the extra mile to provide evidence of their academic rigor.
This is where documentation becomes key. In addition to a transcript, your homeschooler might be asked to submit:
I know, it sounds like a lot, but look at it this way: It’s an opportunity to showcase your child’s unique educational journey and demonstrate how self-driven and creative they’ve been throughout their learning years. Colleges often love to see that kind of initiative!
Here’s the kicker: regardless of whether your child is homeschooled or attending a traditional school, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT still play a major role in college admissions. These tests provide a common measuring stick for all students, and homeschoolers especially need to take them seriously since they may not have the same level of “formal” accreditation behind their transcripts.
Studies show that around 78% of colleges still consider standardized test scores an important factor in admissions. That’s significant! So, how do you prepare your homeschooler to ace these exams? Well, start early. The sooner your child gets familiar with the format and content of the SAT or ACT, the more time they’ll have to fill in any gaps in their knowledge.
If you’re thinking, “Oh no, my child hasn’t even started prepping!” — don’t panic! It’s all about strategizing. Here at Inlighten Tutoring, we focus on building a test prep plan that’s customized to your child’s needs. You know what they say: “Practice makes perfect!” And trust me, your child will appreciate having plenty of practice tests under their belt before the real deal.
Did you know that homeschooled students actually perform better than their traditionally schooled peers on standardized tests? According to a study by the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschoolers score on average 15 to 30 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
Let’s be real—homeschoolers have some advantages. They can work at their own pace, dive deep into subjects they’re passionate about, and often have more flexible schedules to dedicate to test prep. Plus, parents who homeschool tend to be highly involved in their children’s education, so give yourself a little pat on the back, parents! You’re doing an amazing job.
At the end of the day, college admissions for homeschoolers don’t have to be complicated. Yes, there are a few extra steps, but those steps are opportunities for your child to stand out and shine. With the right documentation and strong standardized test scores, your homeschooler can be just as competitive as any other applicant. In fact, many colleges actively seek out homeschoolers because they bring diverse experiences and unique perspectives to campus life.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: you’re not alone, and we’re here to help. At Inlighten Tutoring, our mission is to guide you and your child through the admissions process, one step at a time, with the goal of unlocking your child’s limitless potential.
Until next time, happy studying! And remember, no matter where you’ve come from or what your educational path looks like, you’ve got this!
2023 Inlighten. All Rights Reserved