| It's pretty much the same process as any other applicant, myapologies, with a few adjustments. First check on the websites of the schools you're interested in and see if, in their web pages on admissions, there is any specific information for homeschooled applicants. There frequently (but not always) will be some information or suggestions there that will tell you what they'd like to see in terms of test scores, letters of recommendation, etc.
You'll need to put a transcript together ---help from a parent is useful here--- showing what you've studied over the last four years. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but organize it by year or by subject and list all the coursework. Many schools would like to see, in addition to that, brief descriptions of the "course" including topics covered and texts and other materials used. Also a reading list for literature studies, etc. I think you can find some decent samples of "homeschool transcripts" on the internet if you Google it.
You may or may not need to assign grades to your work. If you don't, the college may come back to you with a request that you do so. Not all colleges do this, but I have had friends to whom this happened. I gave grades to my own kids for their transcripts, but in some cases I just made it Pass/No Pass depending on the course.
You'll also need to have an official transcript from the college where you've been taking classes sent in addition to your complete homeschooling transcript. (They will validate the college courses you've listed on your own transcript, and show proof of grades.)
You'll need to have your SAT or ACT test scores sent directly from the testing agency to the colleges you're applying to. It's easy to order score reports online.
If you're applying to top liberal arts colleges you will almost certainly have to fill out the Common Application (it's a "universal" application they nearly all use for admissions -- you can fill it out online and submit electronically.)
Along with the Common App there are various supplements. One is called the Secondary School report, this one is normally for a high school guidance counselor, but in the case of a homeschooler a parent would fill this out. Some of the questions won't be pertinant, but the parent can fill it out best they can, and also write an evaluation of the student.
There is also the Homeschool Supplement, which is self-expanatory.
You may want to write up an activities resume. It's for "extra-curricular" activites; clubs, hobbies, sports, jobs, community service, etc. There is a little space to list these things on the Common App, but if you have something to brag about, that shows you off positively, I'd definitely recommend writing one up.
Finally there are letters of recommendation. In your case, probably your best bet is to ask instructors from classes you've taken at the local college to write you one. Other choices can be other adults who know you well and worked with you in some capacity outside the home; coaches, ministers, tutors, employers, etc. But academic references will carry the most weight. Normally schools want 2 of these, but check the colleges' websites to confirm that. These are usually sent directly to the college by the person writing the letter (provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope), although sometimes they are given to the student by the writer to copy and send as they please. It should be left up to your letter writers how they want to do that. There is also a page from the Common App that can be included with the letter, but take a look at it. If you're asking someone other than a teacher to fill it out, it probably doesn't make sense to use it as it's very school-y.
Pay attention to application deadlines. Most Regular Decision apps to liberal arts colleges are due around the 1st of the year or just after.
Good luck! If you have any more questions (and you will!) there are people here who can help you. |