Approaching college admissions as a homeschooler

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

<p>In your experience, how much do top colleges (such as Ivies) value "intellectualism" in homeschooled students?</p>

<p>For example, my "traditional" academic record isn't that impressive. I've only taken two AP exams, self-studied, and got a 4 and a 5. I'm taking a few APs this year. However, I have had a very rigorous, advanced classical education with lots of writing, a focus on the Great Books and classes like logic, rhetoric, and Latin. I've also taken several college classes.</p>

<p>Is this kind of thing interesting and appealing enough to colleges to make up for a lack of APs and the like? I have a great record as a dual-enrolled student at community college (straight As, honors classes, honor society, President's List, I have two professors lined up who I know will give me amazing recs) and decent extracurriculars. I got a perfect SAT score in reading and a decent one in math, a good but disappointing score in writing which I'll improve.</p>

<p>I'm not looking for a chance per se, just a general idea as to how colleges will see a homeschooler with that profile.</p>

2

<p>I think they’ll think you’re wonderful. I don’t think you’ll have a problem, especially because of all the college classes. Of course, the top 20 schools just have a great background as an entrance to the lottery, not a reasonable assumption that you’d get into one. You don’t mention subject tests; many colleges require two or three, regardless of AP or college classes. Are you happy with your transcript format? Are you planning on both a “regular” transcript and a narrative one?</p>

3

<p>Thanks! I haven’t taken subject tests yet, but I plan to take them in October. I’m using a regular transcript, with course descriptions though.</p>