I’m currently homeschooled, and I’m thinking about graduating early and trying to attend Stanford, because they offer homeschooled students the opportunity to attend. Only problem? Well, I haven’t taken the SAT or the ACT, but I will soon. My problem is that the required things they ask, the current school I attend doesn’t offer those courses, nor the information that they would need, so I would have to figure out a way to attain those things. My question to you guys is: What would my chances be of a Homeschooled student getting into Stanford in general? They never listed the acceptance rate on their official website, so I have no clue at all. And also, if my chances are low, would it be better to attend a Junior College and transfer?
I’m sure Stanford wouldn’t mind you being homeschooled as long as you have the grades, excellent EC, the things they want from the applications such as teacher recommendations (if you ever had a private tutor). Being homeschooled shouldn’t decrease your chances, its all about what you’ve done during the time of your studies. So what matters is what you have. Call the office and they could tell you more
You need great test scores and amazing ECs – if you have those, then go for it. It is harder to transfer in than to get in as a freshman, though. And there are TONS of great colleges – your odds are really low for Stanford pretty much no matter what qualifications you have, so you should work to build a realistic list of match & safety schools as well. Also, graduating ‘early’ only works if you have really stellar accomplishments – one problem early graduates have with admissions to top colleges is that it can be hard to have really strong ECs to match what the people you are competing against have.
Did you see this page? http://admission.stanford.edu/application/freshman/home_school.html
It’s tough to get into Stanford under most circumstances, and probably tougher to transfer.
Who administers your homeschooling? Can you ask your parents to take a look at that page and see what you guys can put together to illuminate what you’ve been doing? We have a transcript for our sons. My older son had a very out-of-the box transcript, filled with lots of performing arts credits. Younger son has a more traditional transcript.
Even if you don’t get into Stanford, this undertaking will be helpful when you start application season.
What is the rush to graduate early? At least in our county in Florida, graduating early would diminish your chances at ‘free’ dual enrollment credits (not technically free but the county pays for it).