How'd you do it?

<p>I am just curious how other homeschoolers have dealt with admissions. I am worried that because of low sat scores they won't take my grades seriously. Also I have not had the option to take "AP, Honors, ect." type classes but I have taken college classes. </p>

<p>I am a junior, with an A/B average, I am taking classes at a local CC and have done well in them, (Chemistry:A, Biology:A, I'm taking intro sociology, intro Business, and Elementary Spanish, this semester and expect to do well in them.) I have a poor SAT score but I am getting tutor and hope to pull them up.</p>

<p>EC:</p>

<p>I have also held two jobs since I was 15. I am an equestrian and have a working student position under the UNC chapel Hill team coach for the past 6 years.</p>

<p>Church Youth Choir 5 years
Church Youth Band 2 years (piano)
Mission Work in LA after Katrina
Mission work in Mexico for 1 month
Summer Camp Councilor for the past 4 year
Probably some other stuff I can't think of....</p>

<p>I just worry that I haven't done enough or that the admissions won't take me seriously.</p>

<p>Corey91--Colleges will certainly take you seriously as an A/B student, but it will be important to document all of your strengths. Your CC classes with grades of A will be perceived by many colleges as AP or at least honors level work. Emphasize to colleges the advantages of taking CC courses--classroom experience, interaction with a diverse student body, etc. Keep up the good grades and develop relationships at the CC with professors who will be able to write glowing recommendations. Continue with your sciences, and make sure that they include labs! If Spanish is to be your foreign language, continue with it through your senior year. </p>

<p>Working to improve your SAT scores should definitely be a priority, but consider taking the ACT. Most colleges accept ACT scores and some students find they do better on that test. Whichever test you take, get a book with REAL practice tests, and practice. </p>

<p>Create a resume that highlights your regular and volunteer work, especially your mission trips. Add any honors or awards you have received, and report any groups you've been part of (Scouts, Church, 4-H, Equestrian...) or passions you have. Create a course description list for all of your high school work, year by year. Plan to include any texts you have used, teachers' names, course format, etc. </p>

<p>I'm sure you'll get other feedback, but with two of my kids' applications, colleges wanted to make sure that everything was documented in a form recognizable to them. This takes a huge amount of time but it is worth it. One admissions dean told me that typically homeschoolers do not provide enough information. We provided extra letters of recommendation, and created a school profile which explained our reasons for homeschooling, as well as a master transcript and secondary school supplement and homeschool supplement (common application format). I created the counselors letter of recommendation and mid-term grade report. My kids requested supporting transcripts for their external school work like that done at CC.</p>

<p>My kids requested interviews with their colleges. Oh, another college dean told me that if it is at all possible for homeschoolers, they should try to visit the college. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma about homeschoolers and socialization :-( You must be prepared to present all of the advantages of homeschooling to college admissions. They want to know that you are a person that will fit into their community and bring something to it.</p>

<p>I hope that helps a little. Just remember to focus and present your positive accomplishments in a format that colleges can appreciate.</p>