“If a child completes a college level course in 8th grade can it go on their high school transcript?

As the head of your own home school, you get to choose what goes on the transcript. That’s the great thing about homeschooling, the flexibility. Just make sure that all the activities you are counting for credit actually are relevant to the particular subject, and will help increase your student’s test scores in that area as well.

When you say a college level course completed in 8th grade, are you referring to a dual enrollment class? Although I’m unfamiliar with any university allowing a student that young to take college courses, if it did so happen, by all means, count it on the transcript. The age or “grade” of the student when the course work is completed is not nearly as important as the level of course work completed.

“What should my 10th grader be doing right now to prepare for college applications?

10th grade is a little early to begin applying for college, but there are several steps that can be taken to best prepare your student for those applications come senior year.

Make sure she is taking a rigorous curriculum of courses that will challenge her. Keep the grades up. Test preparation is also crucial here as well. If she hasn’t taken the PSAT yet, look into taking that this year. Keep solid and accurate academic records that can be added into her transcript and/or portfolio. If she’s involved in sports or extra-curriculars, make sure she is consistent with these. Leadership roles are good. Begin looking at potential colleges she might want to attend. If those schools are located relatively close, attend their open house/preview days. Lastly, make sure her writing is steadily improving. This can be a huge factor for the entrance essay that most colleges require. (Not to mention scholarships as well!)

When should applications be sent?

Applications should be sent to each college or university you are applying to before the end of first semester senior year. (Of course this is assuming that your family is following a traditional semester course of study.) Does the school you’re applying to have an application deadline or do they offer rolling admission? (Rolling admission means they are constantly accepting applications and don’t have a deadline.) This will determine the best time to submit your application. For scholarship purposes, it may need to be sent in sooner, depending upon the scholarship’s specific requirements and deadline. Generally speaking, as long as the application is in by the end of January during senior year, you shouldn’t have a problem being admitted, although you could miss out on some scholarships. The FAFSA priority deadline for financial aid and scholarships is March 1st every year, so it’s best to have been admitted to the school of choice by that date.

Does it hurt to take the 100 level courses at a community college before applying to a university?

No, it certainly doesn’t hurt to take these classes, in fact, most likely it will help a students chances for admission. The reason for this being that it shows the college or university that your student can “hack it.” Some schools may not allow the courses to transfer in, but it will still look good on a transcript.

As always, if you have other recommendations, comment away!