Learn to Create
Scholarship Winning Homeschool Records
SAT and ACT Tests
The most common outside documentation provided by public, private, and homeschool students are SAT® or ACT®. The SAT is accepted at almost all universities and is often used to determine college admission and scholarships. The test covers reading and writing and math. The ACT is also accepted at almost all universities, and can also be used to determine admission and scholarships. That test covers reading, writing, math and science reasoning. To best use this form of outside documentation, give your student a sample test at home, to determine which test is a better fit for your child. Most students can improve their score with consistent, daily practice.
AP Tests
Advanced Placement® Tests can also demonstrate your child’s mastery of a subject. Sometimes AP tests are required by colleges. AP tests are college level tests, allowing your child to earn college credit with good scores, depending on each college’s policy. There are over 30 different subjects available to choose from. Each test includes short and long essay questions along with multiple choice questions. Homeschoolers take these tests at their local public or private high school. While AP courses are available, your child is not required to complete an AP course; they can simply take the test. Because AP classes are so rigorous and time-consuming, make sure to keep an eye on the big picture. A well-rounded, happy, educated student will look more appealing to colleges than a child who has passed a slew of AP exams with nothing else to show for it. If your child gets burned out by large numbers of difficult classes, or doesn't have time to complete core subjects like math or science, then AP courses may actually hurt them in the long run. Many colleges will provide college credit for passing AP scores, which can reduce college costs. These tests are the best choice for children applying to Ivy League or highly selective colleges. They are an excellent choice for students who test well, write well, are academically capable and hard-working.
CLEP Exams
Dual Enrollment
Letters of Recommendation
Comprehensive Homeschool Records
Comprehensive homeschool records open doors. Course descriptions can include a paragraph about what you did, a list of what you used, and a description of how you came up with your grade. These records provide extra-special documentation of thorough academic preparation, and they can be a key to obtaining college admission and scholarships. Some colleges are happy to know you have this information, and when they see a large package of information will gleefully think "Woo Hoo! We have one of those awesome homeschool parents who goes over-the-top academically!" Other schools will read and savor every word you write, thankful for this additional information they may require from homeschoolers. Some colleges will deny they want these records, until they need them. Those are the schools that might question just one class, and in lieu of outside documentation through tests, might be willing to read your thorough documentation from your course description to fill that gap. This is an excellent option for parents who push their children academically or include delight-directed learning, but do not have a lot of outside classes. I recommend creating transcripts and course descriptions for every homeschool child, but they are absolutely critical for parents who don't have other outside documentation, or need scholarships in order to afford college, or are applying to elite colleges.
Work Resume
Performance or Competition
College Application Essays
Super-Size Scholarships with Outside Documentation
There are many ways to provide outside documentation to colleges. Consider each one carefully and choose the ones that will help your child earn college admission and scholarships. You know your child, so trust your judgment! Find the perfect fit for your family.