Homeschool Friendly vs Homeschool Fussy

You can state the obvious, and simply say "Here is the transcript." Sometimes you can explain, "We are a homeschool, and here is our official homeschool transcript." Other times they want proof, such as a declaration of intent to homeschool. So ask the question, and then state the obvious.

Make the change happen in your college community. By being assertive and asking for change, you can encourage colleges to become more homeschool friendly. Clarifying questions can help straighten things out. Sometimes explaining that homeschooling is independent of public schooling or comparing homeschooling to private schooling can help. But almost always, a clear, honest dialog helps.

Simply asking them to check their policy might make a better situation for your child – and for all other homeschoolers as well. Be kind, firm, and proactive. It’s not that difficult to be assertive! Kristine had this experience.

“Following a college tour today, we met with an admissions counselor to get specific details about their admissions policy for homeschoolers. He told me I needed this, that, and this other thing. I had to tell him that those items are not listed on their website, that we are not required to follow public school requirements, that school districts don’t approve our schooling, and that verification from the state do not exist. He went to get clarification, printed out the exact webpage that I’ve already been following, and then thanked me for educating him. I replied that I was always happy to do that!

So glad this is my second time around, and I wasn’t intimidated. And so glad for my friend Lee Binz, The HomeScholar for her advice over the years. Lee, life is easier because of you!” ~Kristine

Sometimes it helps to explain the legality of your homeschool, to avoid misunderstandings or additional questions. These extra steps are not usually necessary, but for some situations, explaining that you homeschool legally is appropriate, especially for parents dealing with an uncooperative university or admissions counselor. You can explain your homeschool in legal terms using a bunch of tricks that don't change anything, but seem to make sense to colleges.

Title your transcript with “Official Transcript”

To show your child’s transcript is real, include "Official Transcript" at the top. Claim your rights under your local homeschool law, and create an official document.

I used the title "Official Homeschool Transcript" but others like to create a name for their homeschool and insert the name. As a homeschooler, it might be helpful or necessary to modify your transcript slightly. In case of a troublesome college admission policy, it can help to clearly explain the seriousness and legality of why you are an official and recognized form of education.

Here are seven transcript tips to help a fussy college understand home education.

1. Legal Notice
You can cite your local homeschool law on the transcript. At the bottom of the transcript, provide a simple explanation referencing your local laws.

“Education Completed in Accordance with Indiana Department of Education Law (IC 20-33-2-21)” or “Education Completed in Accordance with Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law RCW 28A.225.010″

2. Watermark
You might consider adding a watermark, which can make the transcript appear more official electronically. Find a video online, by searching “How to Customize a Watermark in Word.” If you choose to do this, use the name of your homeschool, or the words “Official High School Transcript.”

3. Signature Line
In some situations, it’s a good idea to add a signature section at the bottom of the transcript. Sign and date on the day your child graduates. A line for signature and date is simple to add. Use one of these examples.

Signature of School Administrator ____________________ Date _____________

or

Signature of Home Educator ____________________ Date _____________

4. Resume Paper
If you send a physical copy of your transcript, you might want to use special document paper. You can purchase a few sheets of professional resume paper at Staples or Office Depot. Although regular paper is fine, and paper alone doesn’t change the academics, you might want to choose a resume style paper if possible.

5. Notary Public
You can choose to have your transcript notarized to authenticate your signature as the homeschool parent. Ask your friends if any of them are notaries, so you don’t have to pay a fee. You can also find a notary at accountants’ offices, banks, libraries, city offices, or government buildings.

6. Save Documents
Make sure to save your transcript when it is done. Save it on your computer, and keep a paper copy and a digital file in your safe deposit box as well. Send a copy of your homeschool records to a close relative as a backup.

7. Provide Diploma
Present a diploma to your teen with some fanfare. When asked “Do you have a high school diploma?” you want the reply to be an immediately “Yes!” not “I’m not sure, I was homeschooled.” A diploma will help your child answer without hesitation, clarification, or disclaimer. Scan the diploma that you provide, and keep it with your child’s homeschool records.

If clear conversation, explanations, and simple methods don't work, you might need to work to get the college to change their policy. This solution means you are the solution. You create change. Be proactive.

You can make the change happen by being assertive and asking for change. Simply asking a college to change their policy might create a better situation for your child – and for all other homeschoolers as well.

Here is how one mother took matters into her own hands, and became socially active to defend the rights of her own child – and in the process made life easier for your child:

“I wrote to the president of the college a couple of weeks ago, telling him that my son would not consider his college because of the GED® requirement unfairly imposed on homeschoolers. The president replied with the quick answer: GED®, be gone! Here is his letter.”

“Dear Ms. [name withheld],

Thank you for your recent letter. I have been in touch with Martha Merrill, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, and am pleased to report that she has reviewed our policy that requires the GED® of homeschooled applicants without an official high school diploma and has removed that requirement effective immediately.

Homeschooled students will, however, need to complete the Common Application Home School Supplement to the Secondary School Report form. Our website and catalog are currently being updated to reflect these changes.

I appreciate your communication and Dean Merrill and I both hope your son will keep Connecticut College on his list of colleges to which he may apply.

Sincerely,

Lee Higdon

President of Connecticut College”

This homeschool mother was thrilled with the response from the college. She told me, "I definitely commend the college for responding quickly — and intelligently — to my letter questioning the wisdom of requiring the GED® of homeschooled applicants.”

The college was thrilled to have another qualified student. This is the perfect solution, a win-win, and a wonderful example of assertiveness! So many moms are scared or nervous about college admission policies. Policies are constantly changing, and you can influence change in the positive direction! Be a positive force for homeschooling. Ask the question. State the obvious. Colleges will listen to you! 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. You 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 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® does have 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}

The problem is that colleges all have unique, different policies. In addition, college admission policies can change over time, sometimes quite suddenly. This is why, half the time the answer to a question is, “Check with the college where you plan to apply.”

If the college continues to thwart your efforts, you can take your money elsewhere. You can leave the unfriendly college in the dust, and instead choose a college that values home education and spend your money on a college that loves homeschoolers.

A homeschool friendly college treats a homeschool applicant the same as a public school applicant. They require your child to take the exact same tests as any other student, without requiring more. Some colleges say they are homeschool friendly, when in reality they have "hoops" homeschoolers have to jump through.

All colleges admit homeschoolers. Whether your heart is set on a homeschool friendly college or not, it pays to know their admission policy and plan in advance. And remember, no matter what college you are thinking about, make sure you visit! No amount of online comparison can communicate the differences between schools. College "view" books are created by marketing professionals trying to make their school look the best.

You want a college that values your child’s academic achievements and thinks you are a great home educator. This school should see your child’s gifts, adore your homeschool transcript, love your high school records, and see the value of your child’s homeschool diploma. A perfect college is not truly perfect; it’s a perfect match. The college should respect your beliefs and core values.

In other words, search for the perfect college – they love your child, and you love them.