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}
Homeschool Friendly vs. Homeschool Fussy: How to Handle Troublesome
Admission Policies
.
outcome.
the the jargon and crack the code on admission policies.
College Admission Policies Demystified: Understanding Homeschool
Requirements for Getting In
.
