College Entrance for Homeschool Students

To enter most colleges and universities today, students are admitted on the basis of their SAT or ACT scores.  When students have attended accredited High Schools, their course GPA must be submitted along with their ACT/SAT score.  If credits and scores are high enough, the student is admitted.  However, if students have not attended accredited schools, they are admitted as “Non-Traditional Students,” based on their test scores.

There are at least five different ways non-traditional students are allowed entrance into colleges and/or universities:


1.  Admission Based on Transcript and ACT or SAT score

A well-prepared transcript along with an ACT or SAT score may fill requirements for admission into college. Transcript creator (link to the right) or similar web services may be used to create a transcript.  Students are advised to visit with the admissions department of the college or university they want to attend for specific requirements for college entrance. 

**New option**  The CLT (Classic Learning Test) is a new alternative to the ACT/SAT.  The Classic Learning Test (CLT) invites students to wrestle with works of the greatest minds in the history of Western thought across literary and mathematical content.  Rich material reflecting both theistic and secular perspectives benefits and enriches the student in the test-taking process.  Among standardized college entrance exams, the CLT provides the most accurate and rigorous measure of academic formation, accomplishment, and potential. Students take this two-hour exam at a local testing center and receive test scores immediately. Learn more about the CLT at: www.cltexam.com


2.  Admission Based On GED/ACT Scores

Prospective students may be considered for admission based on an acceptable score on both the ACT (American College Test) and the GED (General Educational Development test).  Acceptable generally means a score of 60 or higher on the GED and an ACT composite score equal to the average for entering freshmen at a particular school.  Please note:  As of January, 2014 the GED has been aligned to the Common Core. Before taking the GED, please learn about the changes so you can make an informed choice about the GED option.   Click here to read about one parent's concerns. 

3.  Early Admissions

Most colleges and universities have a policy which allows a student to be admitted before their high school class graduates.  The policy varies by institution, but usually a grade point average above 3.20 is required, as well as an ACT composite score equal to or above the average ACT scores for entering freshmen.


4.  Transfer Credits Taken Through Extension, Continuing Education, Or Independent Studies Programs

Most institutions will admit students to these programs as non-matriculated students (eligible for graduation) without official transcripts or test scores.  Students who choose to become matriculated may be accepted as a student upon completion of a minimum of 24 college semester credits with a GPA of approximately 3.00.

  
5.  Obtaining a High School Diploma from an Accredited School: 
 
While many homeschool students are admitted to colleges and universities without a high school diploma, some families may prefer the security of knowing the high school diploma came from an accredited school. These families may consider looking into:
  • Freedom Project Academy:  http://www.fpeusa.org/  Founded in 2011, Freedom Project Academy offers a first-rate, Classical education for Kindergarten through 12th grade. FPA is honored to celebrate six years of enrollment, and during that time has become a fully accredited school, recognized for authenticity and excellence, without compromising core values or academic standards. FPA is grounded in the Judeo-Christian belief system as promoted in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers, who strove to guarantee the preservation of our God-given liberties. Our classes are delivered live online through interactive classrooms to students across the world. FPA is one of the fastest growing private schools in the country and is also at the forefront in the fight to educate families without ideological spin or government control.

  • American School:   https://www.americanschoolofcorr.com/    American School is a private Distance Learning High School. Students may begin earning high school credit in 9th grade and use their high school diploma along with an ACT score to enter the college or university of their choice.  

  • Williamsburg Academy:  http://www.williamsburgacademy.org/   Williamsburg Academy is an online accredited private high school emphasizing leadership, liberal arts, and technology.  Williamsburg Academy was founded in 2008 by two educational entrepreneurs who believe in freedom and classical education. They have grown into a team of dedicated mentors who use the latest technology to deliver classical education to students.

  • Excel High School:  http://www.excelhighschool.com/    Excel High School offers convenient and affordable online options to complete a high school diploma online. All courses come complete with State Certified Instructors and everything you need to graduate high school online. Their online high school diploma programs are self-paced and can be completed at your own pace.

  • Penn Foster:  http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/high-school/high-school-diploma  Whether you are concerned about your child's school environment, you are dissatisfied with the quality of education at their traditional high school, or you simply want to be more involved in your child's academic experience - Penn Foster High School is the perfect program to meet your homeschooling needs.
    At Penn Foster, one of the largest licensed private high schools in the United States, you can be assured that you are in control of your child’s educational experience with our affordable, flexible online High School Diploma program.
    Regionally and nationally accredited, Penn Foster is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and has been since 1978. Join over 18,000 homeschooled students¹ earning their diploma online at their own pace from Penn Foster High School. 




When seeking a high school diploma from an accredited school, it pays to do your homework. The institution providing the diploma must be officially recognized and accredited.   Excel High School provides a list of fake online high school and GED programs on their website.  Click here to see the list.  

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​Resources:

More information on Home Schooling during high school and preparing students for college can be found at: Homeschool Moms2Moms  


Free e-Book

Homeschool to Grad School(free eBook from College Plus)


Transcript Creator:

https://www.transcriptmaker.com​


Homeschool for High School students:


The Home Scholar is a great website, filled with many resources and tips, for homeschooling high school students.


How to Apply to College as a Home Schooler
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Affordable Online Colleges:

Finding the most affordable online colleges comes down to looking for the best value, not just the lowest cost. You want to get what you pay for and then some, especially given that any degree is a two or four-year investment.  

The Simple Dollar  website will help you find the most affordable and best value online colleges.  Click here for more information.

College Degrees Online:  At College Degrees Online, you will find online degree programs in the United States, sourced by data from the US Department of Education, NCES, every accrediting board in the US, the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics 

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