<p>I've seen topics on unschooling, but I thought I'd post one for my special case. I get a feeling people may feel reluctant to help me, since I didn't unschool for more than two years, and I guess somehow that's not fair to unschoolers/homeschoolers who've done it longer. I'm actually past what would be senior year in high school, but still learning. I think, even if unfortunately I started unschooling later than most, I still deserve just as much help, even if I may have less stuff to present than other unschoolers.</p>
<p>I was wondering how I should fulfill the requirements, namely science, math, and
english. With english, would I just list the novels I've read (are there any
specific 'required' ones I should read?)? I've also done freelance, would that work too? As for science and math, would I just read some books on the required subjects (geometry, algebra, biology, physics, chemistry...) ? How many books should I read from them?</p>
<p>Also, with labeling my learning under courses, I have a problem - sometimes it fits more than one! For example, drawing helmet designs, I could put that under my 'art' class, or under 'solo sports'. Would it bother the person who approves college admissions if some things I did were listed under more than one course, or should I just list it under a single course it's most relevant to?</p>
<p>Ruki, what are you aiming for? What colleges are you interested in applying to? Some have pretty specific application guidelines for homeschoolers and what they want to see from them.</p>
<p>If you want to self-study something, like algebra and geometry for example, you would probably want to then take the SAT Subject Test in math to demonstrate your mastery of those skills. To just say you read a book may not be very persuasive.</p>
<p>To answer your last question, generally speaking, if you are constructing a homeschool transcript along a traditional model then you would only list a “course” one time. You could call it “interdisciplinary” or something to that effect, but you would not list it twice under different subject headings.</p>
<p>But the more important question to address right now is what is your goal now with regards to college?</p>
<p>Some schools will have certain SAT/ACT testing requirements from homeschoolers, some will accept portfolio-style applications, it just varies. First you need to consider what schools you want to apply to and then go to their websites and look at their admissions requirements. Look at the requirments for traditional students, and especially look to see if they have special guidelines for homeschooled students. Then you will have a much clearer idea of how to proceed.</p>
<p>If you are older than the age of a traditional graduating high school senior, and you do not have SAT scores and whatnot to support your transcript, you might be best advised to start at a community college and begin your college education there. Admission is generally very open to all and begins with taking a placement test that will determine what level classes you should start with. After a couple years you can transfer to a four-year college from there, and when you do it that way you generally will not need to submit SAT scores and that sort of thing. Your transfer admission will be based on the grades you earn at the community college instead.</p>
<p>I am just a little confused. So, as things stand right now, OP. The only thing I know is to really absorb where 'rentof2 is coming from and maybe post back with more details.</p>
<p>It depends what colleges you are applying to–check their websites for requirements. I think it is best to put your learning into a standard “school” transcript format–simply a list of course titles and grades. Most colleges do not want book lists, portfolios, etc. so do not include those unless they are required. Put your work into one category at a time. Simply list the course title, credit hours, and grade, if any.</p>
<p>In your case, standardized test scores–if they are high–will be very helpful. Some schools might ask for SAT subject tests–especially for Math and Science if you haven’t taken the courses. Working your way through textbooks could help–depending on what knowledge/experience you already have in these areas. If you do not have grades on your transcript (besides “Pass”), test scores will be even more important. Most colleges want a transcript that includes certain courses and a certain number of credit hours (check websites)–so make sure you have listed 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, Social Studies, Science,etc. They want your GPA. They want your test scores. Sometimes an essay or reference letter is required. IMO, high test scores carry the most weight for homeschoolers.</p>
<p>If you have a school transcript from grades 9-11, you will need to include that, too.</p>
<p>If you are over 18 and did not have a good academic record before unschooling (not sure what your record is or why you started unschooling at this point), consider starting at community college with open admissions/placement testing. Then you can build up your transcript and transfer after 2 years without having to worry about high school admissions requirements.</p>
<p>Well I felt a little nervous coming back to this topic. I know it’s late but I’ll answer some things. I’m planning on enrolling in a community college, then to a university, since yes that’s easier. And I wanted to unschool because I really wanted to start meaningful learning - yes some will think it’s kind of crazy, only one year left, but it was/has been/still is worth it, because now I value learning for what it really is. As far as my past school record, as far as I remember it was mediocre because about the time I entered high school, there really was no motive to do anything and so my grades dropped after 7th or 8th grade.</p>
<p>Also I plan on taking the SAT/ACT, definitely. I know it will be useful in showing how well I adapt to curricular learning, and in general.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone, for clearing everything up for me, who is not familiar with some things that deal with college, even though this is a late response. I guess I just have to look some more on college websites, and double check what they want from homeschoolers.</p>
<p>Oh, and as far as listing things - I got the impression from some things I’ve read that I’d want to include some kind of evidence of what I’ve been learning under the ‘courses’. That’s why I mentioned that.</p>
<p>I would guess that if you can show good SAT IIs, APs, and outside recommendations, people wouldn’t need to see your transcript listing things, but I’m not sure. They all ask for a description of classes, and we didn’t give one at all, but then my son wasn’t an unschooler. </p>
<p>I’d recommend creating a standard-looking one-or-two-page transcript, with a separate document titled something like “narrative transcript” or “transcript addendum”, and giving a sentence or short paragraph on each class, including books, projects, or whatever you did. </p>
<p>Some people go for actual portfolios instead of transcripts, but my completely uneducated guess is that the overworked admissions officers would prefer to see something more familiar.</p>
<p>On the other hand, most community colleges will let you in if you’re old enough and score well enough on the SAT or their entrance/placement exams. So if you’re sure you want to start at a community college, all this might be unnecessary.</p>
I guess I just have to look some more on college websites, and double check what they want from homeschoolers.</p>