Unschoolers

<p>How are you applying to school? Is it writing an evaluation or essay along with the tests/GED/online diploma?</p>

<p>You might want to also e-mail colleges you are interested in to see what they would want. I could see this being very specific to the college. Personally, I don’t know of anyone who unschooled high school and then went to a 4 year school. A few years back there was one I know of who started at Community College. Since they were older than 18, all they needed to do was take the college placement test.</p>

<p>Every college I’ve e-mailed regarding homeschoolers (in general) has mentioned all the credits needed from high school, wanted ACT or SAT test scores (even a couple of score optional schools) and then wanted some other outside confirmation of grades (SAT 2, AP, Community College grades, etc). BUT, I never specifically asked about unschooling, so some may have other paths.</p>

<p>I’d highly recommend some sort of outside validation such as SAT, etc. Otherwise, the colleges have no way to judge you.</p>

<p>You might want to IM danas on this site. Her very high-level kids were unschoolers and got into great places. Even if you don’t want to go to the ivies, she may be able to help you.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>All traditional schools (state schools, selective private schools) will want validation of competency in the college prep curriculum (3 years Science (two labs with one physical and one life at least), 4 years English (often including advanced composition, English Lit, American Lit and other), 3 years social science, 2 years of same foreign language, 4 years math including Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry and an advanced math. </p>

<p>By compentency, private schools will be more flexible (show them a portfolio, listing text books, giving work samples, etc… ), but state schools will be - in general - more ridged. They will look for accredited courses you might have taken online, college courses taken at a community college, SAT subject test scores, sometimes they will accept ACT scores and SAT scores for some areas. </p>

<p>I would think that an unschooler, would have to pass the SAT subject tests to prove themselves. Or you can always take the GED and apply that way. Smaller, private schools might be more flexible, but you will have to put together a significant portfolio. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>Have some outside validation. Have great letters of recommendation. Have your parent (or you if you’re the parent) write a great counselor letter, documenting everything you’ve done, why you chose the homeschool path you did, and how that unique path makes you an excellent candidate. Make great transcripts. Write out a great list of course descriptions, particularly for all the homemade courses. Show potential schools that you’re very interested in them. Have your son/daughter (or you, the student) contact admissions by phone or email. Establish relationships. Show them you mean business!</p>

<p>And yes, a portfolio would be great (not sure exactly what goes in a portfolio, though. I guess it depends on the student). If a school wants an arts supplement and that’s what you have, definitely get that organized and submitted.</p>

<p>No GED is necessary unless a particular school asks for it (and do find that out). I’ll issue a diploma for my son (though he already has an equivalency exam for a diploma from our state).</p>