Homeschooling and Going to College?
Okay, we’ve reached that point where mom and I are doing some final organization of transcripts and such in preparation for college. I’ve got my SAT scores (1930! Woot!) and I’ll be duel enrolling next year, so I’ll have a transcript from that college. I’ll also be taking the ACT some time next fall.
Here’s the deal…
We put a lot of emphasis on mastery (as apposed to just squeaking by with a near-flunking grade) when it comes to school, so we worked out a system where I never move on to a new topic, concept, or level of difficulty until I’ve completely mastered the previous one, or in public scool lingo, until I have a 100% "A". So for example, I wouldn’t start studying molecules in Chemistry until I’ve mastered the atom. We determine mastery through tests, projects/presentations on the topic, or written essays, or any combination. Naturally, my "grades" are perfect…because I was in it to learn, not to squeak by just barely knowing the material.
Here’s the question…
What do we put on my transcript? Grades would be all A’s, a 4.0 across the board, but should we include an explanation of what we did? Should we mark down how much time was spent on each subject? Should we just leave it looking like a standard transcript and let my test scores and grades from the community college speak for themselves? HELP!!!
6 Responses
Kate
15 Feb 2010
Yours Truly
15 Feb 2010
I would just leave it like a regular transcript, If, in the interview, they ask about the method you used that would be the time to explain. Still even then you don’t need to focus on exactly how long it took you to master each subject, but rather your dedication to a complete understanding of the material and your ability to apply that knowledge in the rest of your academic endeavors.
Good luck!
ozboz48
15 Feb 2010
You have many choices. You can go with a straight transcript – and there is nothing wrong with a 4.0 average, so don’t hesitate to include that. You did what is called a "short, narrow" curriculum," as apposed to a "long, shallow curriculum."
You can include statements about what you studied and how you went about it. You can include an essay about other, non-academic parts of your education. You can tailor the transcript for each college. In short, you can make your transcript your way.
Well done!
D N
15 Feb 2010
You can pretty much do it however you feel comfortable. I would pick one way and stick with it though. The more simple the better. I would put A’s across the board because you worked through it to get that A and you deserve the credit. I hope you also are stating that you top pf your class and such as well. Have you applied for the National Merit Scholarships available as well? http://www.nationalmerit.org/
I bet you could get a lot of scholarships and grants if you use your grades. 
Check with the financial aid offices at the colleges as well to see what you can apply for directly through each college and through http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp
Amanda
15 Feb 2010
you should make it like a regular transcript.
sort out by what courses you took year by year,
if you’ve had other people teacher you the class then put the name also.
maybe you should call the college counselor and ask if she has any suggesters or a person who can help you figure out a transcript for homeschooling.
oh and maybe you could put a real grade down instead of a letter, most transcripts have a number, but its your choice.
sandy
15 Feb 2010
Just put your grades and nothing more than that.
Like I would have put that I have Level `s 1,2 and 3 Art and Design or A Level Art ",you know what I mean".
Contact the colleges to which you plan to apply. Email an admissions officer, explain that you’re homeschooled but also will be attending a local college. Most schools are used to applications from homeschooled students and have a set of requests/requirements. Usually they involve an explanation of the material covered and how you were evaluated, along with the equivalent of a transcript.