Homeschooled Students: University-Bound?

Homeschooled students can and do go to university. In fact, homeschooled students are regularly admitted to colleges and universities all over the United States and beyond. They have been successful in graduating from colleges and universities for years and go on to med school, law school, nursing school, and other professional schools and grad schools. Homeschoolers have gained admission to top universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, and Princeton. Homeschoolers also tend to perform well on standardized tests, outscoring traditionally educated students overall.

Homeschooled students can go to university without a high school diploma

Homeschool parents provide their teens with homeschool transcripts and help them meet college admissions requirements, so they can apply to and attend college. Many homeschooled high school students use homeschool dual enrollment at community colleges as outside evidence that they will be successful at a four-year college or university. They may also attend community college after they complete their homeschooling and then transfer.

While there are many unique challenges to applying to college as a homeschooled student, admissions officers see many such applications and treat them fairly. As with all other applicants, homeschooled students are evaluated based solely on the merits of their application. All colleges accept homeschooled students.

Homeschooled students who attend college generally perform better than students from traditional educational backgrounds. This may be because the more independent nature of homeschooling helps prepare students for the largely unsupervised study environment of college.

Homeschool graduates usually do not need a GED to gain admission to most colleges and universities. Instead, they typically gain admission based on their parent-created high school homeschool transcripts, meeting homeschool college admission requirements, and providing outside evidence that verifies they are authentically prepared to do college-level work.

Homeschooling parents act as guidance counsellors

Homeschooling parents who act as guidance counsellors can play a crucial role in their child's academic and career success. They can help their children identify their interests, explore different career paths, and make informed decisions about their future. This is especially important for students with disabilities, social maladjustments, or learning difficulties, who may require targeted assessments and interventions tailored to their unique needs.

Homeschooling parents can assist in developing and implementing an Individualized Education Plan, as mandated by laws such as the Quebec Education Act, ensuring that their child acquires and maintains essential competencies. They can also help their children navigate the transition from school to active life, providing supervision and support for socio-professional integration. By acting as guidance counsellors, parents can empower their homeschooled children to make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.

Additionally, homeschooling parents can offer valuable support in preparing for standardised tests, such as the ACT or SAT, which are crucial for college admissions in the United States. Homeschooled students have been shown to perform well on these tests, often outscoring their traditionally educated peers. This can significantly enhance their prospects for higher education and open doors to a wide range of colleges and universities.

It is worth noting that the role of a guidance counsellor may sometimes require specialised skills and knowledge. In such cases, it is beneficial to collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, psychologists, or special education teachers, to ensure the best outcomes for the child. By combining their intimate knowledge of their child's strengths and interests with the expertise of other professionals, homeschooling parents can effectively guide their children toward a bright and successful future.

Homeschool graduates are regularly admitted to colleges and universities

Homeschooled students can and do go to university. In fact, homeschooled students have been accepted to over 900 different colleges and universities, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia. Homeschool graduates are regularly admitted to colleges and universities, and they often go on to pursue graduate studies in medicine, law, nursing, and other professional fields.

There are a few key considerations for homeschooled students when it comes to university admissions. Firstly, they may need to provide additional documentation, such as a homeschool transcript, to demonstrate their academic qualifications. While a homeschool diploma is not typically required, a comprehensive transcript that outlines the student's learning during their high school years is essential. Additionally, homeschooled students must meet the admissions requirements set by the university, which may include standardised test scores, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.

Homeschooled students should also be aware that the admissions process may vary depending on the state and country in which they are applying. In some cases, there may be rigorous mandatory assessment and progress reporting benchmarks that must be met. It is important for students and their parents to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of their desired universities.

To increase their chances of admission, homeschooled students should focus on building a strong application that highlights their unique strengths and experiences. This may include enrolling in accredited online or remote schools, participating in brick-and-mortar institutions, or taking on challenging coursework. Additionally, homeschooled students should consider taking standardised tests, such as the SAT or ACT, to demonstrate their academic abilities.

While there may be unique challenges for homeschooled students in the college admissions process, it is important to note that admissions officers are familiar with homeschooled applicants and treat them fairly. Colleges and universities value the diversity that homeschooled students bring to their campuses and recognise the benefits of their flexible schedules and diverse academic and extracurricular backgrounds.

Homeschool students perform well on standardised tests

Homeschooled students tend to perform well on standardised tests, often outscoring their traditionally educated peers. On the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), homeschooled students score about 72 points higher than the national average. The average American College Test (ACT) score is 21, while the average for homeschooled students is 22.8 out of 36. This puts homeschooled students at the 77th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Homeschooled students also scored 8.1% higher than the national average on the ACTs and 7.9% higher than the national average on the SATs in 2001. These results indicate that homeschooled students are well-prepared for standardised tests and often perform better than their peers from traditional educational backgrounds.

The success of homeschooled students on standardised tests may be attributed to various factors. One possible explanation is the flexibility and individualised attention that homeschooling offers. Homeschooled students can tailor their learning experiences to suit their unique needs and learning styles. They also have the opportunity to spend more time on challenging topics or accelerate their learning in areas of strength.

Additionally, homeschooled students often benefit from a strong support system, particularly if they have educated parents or access to homeschooling resources and communities. The involvement of parents in their child's education can also contribute to a more conducive learning environment, free from distractions or peer pressure.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the higher scores of homeschooled students on standardised tests do not necessarily indicate that homeschooling is superior to other forms of schooling. Critics argue that demographic factors, such as higher family incomes and educated parents, may contribute to the higher scores achieved by homeschooled students. They also highlight the self-selecting nature of test-takers, making it challenging to compare the performance of homeschooled students with that of their traditionally educated peers.

Homeschool students can participate in sports and extracurriculars at their zoned school

Homeschooled students can participate in sports and extracurricular activities at their zoned public school in some states, but the rules vary significantly across the United States. In some states, homeschooled students are allowed to participate in public school athletics and extracurriculars alongside their peers. However, in other states, they face restrictions or are completely barred from participation.

The laws regarding homeschooler participation in public school sports and extracurriculars can be broadly categorized into three groups:

• States with Open Doors for Homeschoolers: These states have enacted "Tim Tebow laws," named after the Heisman Trophy winner who was homeschooled but played football at a public high school. These laws allow homeschoolers to participate in sports and extracurricular activities at public schools. In these states, homeschoolers typically need to meet eligibility requirements, such as academic standards and geographical school district boundaries.
• States with Restrictions or Limited Access: Some states impose strict eligibility criteria or only permit participation under certain circumstances. For example, some states require homeschoolers to enrol in a minimum number of classes or allow access to specific activities but not the full range.
• States with No Access: In these states, athletic associations require students to be enrolled as full-time students or "bona fide" students of the school they wish to represent. As a result, homeschooled students are effectively barred from participating in public school sports and extracurriculars.

It's important to note that the landscape for homeschool sports participation is continually evolving, and regulations can vary widely from state to state. Therefore, it's crucial for homeschool families to understand the specific requirements and laws in their state. Additionally, there are alternative options for homeschoolers to engage in sports and extracurricular activities, such as youth sports leagues, private or charter school teams, homeschool sports leagues, and club teams.

• Alabama (AL): Homeschooled students can participate in public school athletics as long as they do not receive more practice time than their peers.
• Alaska (AK): Students enrolled in "alternative education programs" or "accredited homeschools" can participate if they meet certain basic requirements.
• Arizona (AZ): Homeschooled students have full access to participation and are treated "in the same manner" as public school students.
• Arkansas (AR): Homeschooled students with scores at or above the 30th percentile on standardised tests have full access to participation.
• Colorado (CO): Homeschooled students "have the same rights as" and "may participate on an equal basis in" extracurricular and interscholastic activities.
• Florida (FL): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities and can also be treated as public school students for athletics if enrolled in a Florida Virtual School Franchise.
• Iowa (IA): Students receiving competent private instruction have full access to participation in extracurricular activities.
• Maine (ME): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics.
• Minnesota (MN): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities.
• Nevada (NV): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, as long as they meet the same regulations as public school students.
• New Hampshire (NH): Homeschoolers have full access to participation in extracurricular activities, and local school boards cannot impose more restrictive policies on them than on public school students.
• New Mexico (NM): Homeschoolers are eligible to participate in up to three school district activities in their district of residence.
• Ohio (OH): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities, provided they meet the academic requirement established by the school district.
• Oregon (OR): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in interscholastic activities.
• Pennsylvania (PA): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in any activity, including athletics, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria required for public school students.
• South Carolina (SC): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in interscholastic activities, provided they have been homeschooled in compliance with the state's homeschool statute for at least one year.
• Tennessee (TN): Students homeschooled under a local education agency (LEA) have full access to participation in interscholastic athletics, provided they meet the academic eligibility requirements.
• Utah (UT): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in extracurricular activities and must meet academic eligibility requirements.
• Vermont (VT): School districts are required to integrate homeschool students into their schools through enrollment in courses, participation in extracurriculars, and use of facilities.
• Wyoming (WY): Homeschooled students have full access to participation in all activities and are held to the same rules and policies as public school students.

In addition, the following states allow homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic activities with specific conditions or approval:

• Idaho (ID): Homeschooled students can gain full access through dual enrollment without necessarily enrolling in academic courses.
• Illinois (IL): The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) requires students to be enrolled in the public school they represent and take a minimum number of classes.
• Indiana (IN): The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) allows homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics if they are enrolled in and taking at least one course at the school.

Frequently asked questions