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The GED test is intended for high school drop-outs, so avoid taking that test as a homeschool student, even if a college asks for it. As you are looking at colleges, you may find yourself face to face with a GED requirement. Look closely though, because sometimes the GED is a "suggestion" rather than a requirement. But if you see there is a problem, write to the university to request a change in policy. Polite, yet firm, letters have worked for other homeschoolers. Just begin your conversation knowing that some universities simply don't understand, and once we explain things they will often be reasonable.

This template below is free for your use.

Subject line: College Policy Discourages Homeschool Applicants

Dear {University Name} Admissions,

I have a question about your university's homeschool admission policy. Your school is not a homeschool friendly college as it has unique requirements just for homeschoolers seeking admission. A homeschool friendly college is one that treats a homeschool applicant the same as a public or private school applicant.

Your homeschool admission policy requires {INSERT DETAILS: an accredited home school program, validation by an outside agency, or successful completion of the GED}, which is shown on your website here {INSERT LINK or else name of person who told you their policy.}

Your policy is mystifying for homeschoolers, because most homeschoolers are independent, like a private school, and are allowed to provide a diploma. Homeschoolers are not required by law to provide accreditation by their state or produce a GED to demonstrate successful completion of high school.

Admission policies that require a GED of homeschoolers are frustrating. The GED has a stigma attached, as it is often used for high school drop outs. Our students have not dropped out of high school. Homeschoolers are willing to provide the SAT or ACT that other high school students must submit, but the GED should not be required.

Since 1998, homeschool students can receive federal financial aid without having a GED. There are public and private high schools that are not accredited. I suggest that you treat homeschoolers the way you would an unknown public or private school, which may not be accredited either.

Our student will not consider a college that institutes a {GED requirement} because it's an unfair requirement imposed on homeschoolers.

Can you please respond to these concerns, and let me know how you can support applicants that have homeschooled independently? I am eager to hear your response.

Sincerely,

{First Last Name}, Home Educator

{Phone number}

For more information on how to deal with fussy colleges, read this article: Homeschool Friendly vs. Homeschool Fussy: How to Handle Troublesome Admission Policies .

See examples of letters written by others than have achieved a positive outcome.

College Policy Discourages Homeschool Applicants

Socially Active Homeschoolers Change College Admission Policy

You may want to grab this short Coffee Break Book to help you think through the the jargon and crack the code on admission policies. College Admission Policies Demystified: Understanding Homeschool Requirements for Getting In .