<p>Do colleges weight standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, SATII, AP) for home-schoolers more or less than for average students, and will higher test scores help home-schoolers more than other students.</p>
<p>No, not really. Like everyone else, homeschoolers need good test scores for those colleges that value good test scores. Homeschoolers might want to take more than the recommended number of SAT II tests and some colleges require more SAT II tests from homeschoolers. Some homeschoolers take a lot of AP classes; some take none. I guess the answer is, “it depends on the goal.”</p>
<p>I believe it would carry more weight for homeschoolers for most colleges, as less quantitative information is available compared to high schoolers that are traditionally schooled. </p>
<p>You can check out guidelines for each college.</p>
<p>It likely depends upon the college, but we were told by many (different) admissions folks that they do look at standardized scores more for homeschoolers than they do for public schooled kids. They also really like to see any other outside confirmation of grades (AP/DE, SAT II, etc).</p>
<p>With a few exceptions, you shouldn’t have much of a problem coming from a homeschool environment. Do try to have some outside confirmation of grades. Both of mine had high scores (ACT). Oldest had one DE course. Middle had 3 DE courses and 2 AP (though only one at time of application). It worked well for both - both got their first choice colleges and merit aid. I do feel the high scores were important. They’re definitely important for merit aid (but that’s true of all students I think).</p>
<p>ditto #3, imo.</p>
<p>Excellent scores will confirm what is on the transcript. Weak scores will call it into question.</p>
<p>Creekland, what were “high” scores for your kiddos? I am going through this process for the first time and have tons of anxiety for my dd. :)</p>
<p>Our “high” scores were > 30, but what you are mainly looking for to get “high” are scores in the top 50 or 25% of students at your schools. Scores at schools vary.</p>
<p>My youngest (at our local ps) has a < 30 ACT score, but his score is still “high” for the majority of colleges he is interested in. They are just different colleges than his brothers.</p>
<p>Then the next thing to check are acceptance rates. Any school with an acceptance rate < 20% is really a reach for most kids even if their stats are good for that school. You should have other options, not just reach schools.</p>
<p>Are there schools you are considering? Look at their incoming ACT/SAT scores and acceptance rate to get a feel for how likely an acceptance will be.</p>
<p>I noticed on your other thread you mentioned Williams as a top choice. When I look them up I find their midrange ACT scores are 30 - 34 and they have a 17% acceptance rate. Ideally, I’d want my student to have at least a 33 (higher is better), but of course, anywhere > 30 can be worth a shot. At a 17% acceptance rate, it’s good that you have other options.</p>
<p>Do note that colleges don’t really “court” students (other than athletes) before applications. They send out info that looks REALLY personalized, but it’s just form letters (and books, and post cards, and…) to ALL students testing above a certain number and from certain areas. That number is often not even a “great” one for their stats. Getting those will have no affect on whether a student is accepted or not. Each school has to “recruit” all their rejections too - esp if they wish to keep low acceptance rates. It’s all marketing and not at all personal - even when they call. (Students call a list of names and ask if there are questions - sometimes admissions folks call - it depends upon the school.) </p>
<p>Use stats and acceptance rates to get your best determination and know that those most selective schools aren’t called “lottery schools” for nothing.</p>
<p>My three homeschooled kids all got into good schools with SATs, two community college classes and some online highschool classes, so that they didn’t only have mom grades. They also had ECs and a lot of volunteer hours. Because we needed aid, we made sure that, for the most part, they applied to schools where their SAT scores put them in the top 75th percentile for the school (their scores ranged from 1900-2200). We had all acceptances except for one waitlist (at a 24% acceptance rate school) and enough money offered to be able to send them all off.</p>
<p>I agree with “it depends on the college”. I’ve been homeschooled since 4th grade and I’ve taken the SAT three times, and I’ll be taking the ACT in the fall. I mean, good test scores can only make you look better.</p>
<p>Williams is the only “reach” school to which she is applying. Total shot in the dark. According to college prowl she has a 45% chance based on her scores and grades. Has anyone opinions regarding that?<br>
The other colleges on her list are small, conservative Catholic colleges: U of Dallas, Providence, Walsh, and one public school as safety. Her scores at these colleges all fall within top 25%, if not higher. I’m hoping she’ll participate in Honors and get merit scholarships. Hoping…</p>