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College Admissions Tips for Homeschoolers

In 2017, the Fearless Homeschoolers website was hacked. It affected absolutely everything surrounding my business - and there was no place for people to find me.

So what did I do?

I hacked the hack.

That’s how the Fearless Homeschoolers’ Facebook Group was born! Not only did I meet a group of fabulous homeschool parents, I took control of a situation that was largely out of my control.

It got me thinking about hacking the college admissions process as a homeschooler.

Hack the college admissions process so that your homeschooler can stand out.

There are two myths I hear about homeschoolers and college.

1. Colleges actively recruit homeschoolers.
2. Homeschoolers have an advantage over other applicants.

TRUTH: Both are wrong.

Of course, if you hack your homeschool — take it over, own it, steer it in unique directions — then you’ll have an advantage. It isn’t homeschooling itself that sets you apart. It’s what you do with it.

So how can you hack the process as a homeschooler?

1. Make sure your high schooler is taking advantage of their freedom.

Are they choosing or creating their own interesting courses? Are they working on a personal project? Are they using the time to develop and deepen their passion?

2. Is your homeschooler participating in contests or competitions or programs that align with their interests?

There are some wonderful opportunities in every academic niche. Do a little Googling and you might be surprised.

3. Can your homeschooler demonstrate evidence of socialization in their application?

I know, I know. But, trust me. The stigma is there. Admissions officers consistently say that this is their main concern with homeschoolers.

4. Interview

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard that an interview cleared up many questions about a student’s homeschool situation. In my book, interviews are non-negotiable for homeschoolers.

5. Create a resume, submit an online arts portfolio, use the additional info section of the Common Application.

Do whatever you can to breathe life into an application.

6. Be strategic about teacher recommendations.

Encourage your homeschooler to nurture relationships with their teachers and mentors long before application season.

7. Be certain that your homeschooler writes a compelling essay.

Don’t underestimate the power of the essay to tell your homeschooler’s story - who they are and what matters to them.

8. Select schools that are looking for your homeschooler.

Check out a school’s mission statement. Look at their website and social media. What kinds of students do they want on their campus? Often, they’re pretty clear about it. When filling out the application, make sure your teen shows that they are that kind of student.

9. Be strategic about using every bit of the application to reveal ALL the great qualities of your homeschooler— personally, academically, and extra-curricularly.

10. Stay organized with my High School Record Keeper for Homeschoolers!

Grab it here.

11. Apply Early Decision.

The admit rates are typically MUCH higher.

12. Create professional-looking transcript and thorough homeschool documents.

Show admissions that you took your homeschooler’s education seriously.

13. Know exactly what each school requires from homeschoolers.

Plan for this in advance, so that you can schedule classes and tests accordingly.

14.Work with Me!

Choose a consulting package that’s best for you.
I’ll help turn your unique homeschool story into a compelling college application.

Consider this permission to have your own Homeschool Hackathon!

 

Your Turn

How is your homeschooler hacking the college admissions process? Share in a comment below!