Home-Schooled Students and Admissions

Your Unique Approach to the Process

Each college evaluates home-schooled applicants differently. Some colleges admit many home schoolers. Others have yet to admit one. Either way, you need to take extra admissions steps.

Learn College Prep Course Material

There are certain "gatekeeper" courses that college admissions officers expect all applicants to have completed. Just like traditional students, home-schooled students need to take these college preparatory classes or, otherwise, learn the course material.

Stay on Top of Dates and Deadlines

Without regular announcements from a guidance office, it's up to you to keep track of critical dates and deadlines relating to things like college admission, SAT® registration deadlines, or AP® Exams.

Get Recommendations

Many college applicants ask for letters of recommendation from a teacher. This presents a challenge for you, since your teacher may be your parent. Some colleges do allow parents to write recommendations, but college admissions officers may consider these recommendations biased. You may want to ask at least one unrelated adult who knows you well to write a letter.

In order to build relationships with trusted adults, you need to get involved. A recommendation could come from a coach of a sports team, a leader of a club, or an employer—as long as the person has known you for a significant period of time and can speak about your character and abilities.

Watch for Home-Schooler Friendly Colleges

Some colleges are friendlier towards home-schooled applicants than others. Several colleges evaluate home-schooled applicants using typical application requirements, such as admission test scores and personal essays. Other colleges require more application materials, such as several SAT Subject Tests™.

Before you select colleges, you may want to check to see if they have a home-school admissions policy, or if they've admitted home schoolers in the past. An easy way to learn this information is to call admissions offices directly and ask. You want to be sure your application will be reviewed, before applying to colleges.

Go on a College Interview

College interviews allow you to present your application directly to admissions officers. By meeting face to face, an admissions officer can get a more accurate impression of you. If administered by the college, interviews can be conducted during a campus visit.

Each Home Schooler's Situation is Different

For example, some students are associated with a particular home-based school program and others work with their local public school. The above tips speak generally about the college admissions process for most home-schooled students. If you have any questions, contact your local high school's guidance office or call the admissions office of the school to which you're applying.