This article is adapted from Davidson Institute’s “Homeschooling – Considering Homeschooling: A Guidebook for Investigating an Alternative Path to Education”, part of our collection of free guidebooks for gifted and 2e families. For a deeper dive into supporting your gifted or twice-exceptional child, we encourage you to explore the full guide.
For families seeking additional support, Davidson Academy Online offers a structured yet flexible online learning environment tailored to profoundly gifted students. It complements the homeschooling experience with advanced academics and a community of like-minded peers, making it a valuable ally for parents navigating this journey.
According to California Homeschool Network’s FAQ, “A growing number of colleges and universities around the United States are admitting homeschoolers, including prestigious universities like Harvard and Yale. Some, like UC Riverside, actively recruit homeschoolers . . . The bottom line is that, if a homeschooler wants to pursue post-secondary education, they can certainly do so and do so within some of the finest universities.” Many colleges even have specific guidelines prepared for homeschooled applicants. If a college of interest does not offer specific guidelines, call the admissions office.
If a homeschool student decides to attend college, their college application journey will, in fact, be very similar to that of a traditional student: selecting schools of interest, filling out applications, applying for financial aid, etc. The only major difference for homeschooled students is that of documentation. Any college your student applies to will generally look at the same five elements:
1. High School Transcripts
See Graduating from High School as a Homeschool Student for tips on creating homeschool transcripts. You can also prepare a brief portfolio of work samples and other evidence of academic achievement.
2. SAT/ACT Scores
Be sure to check the specific testing requirements at the colleges your student is interested in attending. Some may require more testing for homeschooled students, such as additional SAT subject tests (Mamlet & VanDeVelde, 2011, p. 339). You can register for these tests at these websites: SAT (College Board) and ACT, Inc.
3. Extracurricular Activities
College Admission lists the following ideas of extracurricular options for homeschoolers:
- Activities at the local high school, such as band or debate
- Part-time employment
- Volunteer work at a church or in politics
- Community organizations, such as Scouting
- The arts, including community theater or orchestra
- Sports via club teams or through organizations such as the YMCA
4. Recommendation Letters
It is strongly advised for homeschooled students to have at least one recommendation from someone other than a parent, such as an outside instructor or volunteer coordinator, who can offer specific, relevant information.
5. Essay or Self-Presentation
An application essay is a great avenue for students to offer the admissions committee further insight into their unique experience with homeschooling.
For more information on the transition college, please review the following resources:
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