When a student is applying for admission and doesn’t have a high school diploma, it says to the admissions office that this student flunked out, dropped out, was kicked out, or wasn’t dedicated enough to graduate high school. The last thing you should want for your student is to be lumped in with this group!

Since homeschoolers are some of the brightest and most academically gifted students in the country, don’t demean yourself by stooping to the level of the GED. If you keep accurate records and transcripts, most universities won’t even ask to see a diploma. If you do wish to provide one for your student, check out Home School Diploma for custom made diplomas and other graduation goodies designed specifically for homeschoolers.

It is possible that you may run across a college biased against or ignorant of homeschooling who will require your student to take the GED before the application is considered for admission. If you encounter this, look for another school. The GED is for high school drop-outs, and homeschoolers are far from drop-outs! Although now a much rarer occurrence, it does still happen, and when it does, can be very disconcerting for many parents and students. Don’t play into this game. Rise above it and prove your student is well above this inferior academic level. Don’t take it personally, they just don’t know. If you want to try and educate them, go ahead, but many times it’s easier to save the headaches and simply move on to another school.

So, to recap, don’t take the GED, unless you feel it’s easier than fighting with the school who requires it, and you don’t mind your student being categorized with high school drop-outs.

Related posts:

1. Questions of the Day – Diploma vs. GED
2. How Early can my Child Begin College?

“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!)

Related posts:

1. Applications & Community College Courses
2. How Early can my Child Begin College?
3. Record-Keeping and Grading Scales

What should a homeschoolers transcript look like?

There really isn’t a standard for high school transcripts. After working in the college admissions field several years, I’ve seen everything under the sun. Transcripts vary from state to state, and from school district to school district. Simple is good. Only those things which are relevant to your student’s academic career should be listed on the transcript. These will most likely include the following:

• Name, address, and date of birth of the student.

• School address and contact information.

• Names and grades for all courses completed during student’s high school education, along with the number of credits.

• Date of graduation, which must be after the date of the completion of all courses.

• The signature of the primary homeschool teacher, principal, or headmaster.

It is always preferable to list the student’s standardized test scores, such as the ACT and SAT. This is purely a convenience factor for the admissions office.  (A great way to win brownie points!)  Some schools include the student’s social security number on the transcript, but I would advise against it. Documenting the grading scale used is also important. Lastly, having the transcript notarized with an “official” seal is a good idea. (you can buy one at most office supply stores.) Like to see a transcript template which you can download for your personal use? Your wish is my command!

Home School Transcript Template

Let me know how you like it by leaving a comment. Happy learning!

Related posts:

1. Questions of the Day – Transcripts & College Applications
2. Record-Keeping and Grading Scales

Related posts:

1. Record-Keeping and Grading Scales