mmmgirl

In your experience, how much do top colleges (such as Ivies) value "intellectualism" in homeschooled students?

For example, my "traditional" academic record isn't that impressive. I've only taken two AP exams, self-studied, and got a 4 and a 5. I'm taking a few APs this year. However, I have had a very rigorous, advanced classical education with lots of writing, a focus on the Great Books and classes like logic, rhetoric, and Latin. I've also taken several college classes.

Is this kind of thing interesting and appealing enough to colleges to make up for a lack of APs and the like? I have a great record as a dual-enrolled student at community college (straight As, honors classes, honor society, President's List, I have two professors lined up who I know will give me amazing recs) and decent extracurriculars. I got a perfect SAT score in reading and a decent one in math, a good but disappointing score in writing which I'll improve.

I'm not looking for a chance per se, just a general idea as to how colleges will see a homeschooler with that profile.

GeekMom63

I think they'll think you're wonderful. I don't think you'll have a problem, especially because of all the college classes. Of course, the top 20 schools just have a great background as an entrance to the lottery, not a reasonable assumption that you'd get into one. You don't mention subject tests; many colleges require two or three, regardless of AP or college classes. Are you happy with your transcript format? Are you planning on both a "regular" transcript and a narrative one?

mmmgirl

Thanks! I haven't taken subject tests yet, but I plan to take them in October. I'm using a regular transcript, with course descriptions though.