How to Apply for College When Homeschooled and Aiming to Graduate Early
Seek Professional Guidance Early
For students like you who are homeschooled, it's crucial to seek guidance from your school's guidance counselor as soon as possible. They can provide you with the necessary steps and documents you need to complete for graduation and college application. Write down everything your counselor tells you and keep it as a reference throughout the process.You took your SAT in the spring of your junior year in case you needed to retake it, but thankfully, you didn't have to. Taking standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT during your junior year can help you understand your strengths and areas to improve. These can be incredibly beneficial as you work towards your early graduation and college application.
Start Applying Early
While you may be eager to start, it's important to note that applying for college can happen now. However, getting accepted will involve a more in-depth process of researching and contacting specific universities about their application guidelines and deadlines. Each college has its own requirements, so it's essential to tailor your approach to fit each institution.As of now, it's advantageous to gather as much information as possible. Given the time frame—finishing your junior classes in December and senior classes in May—start by reaching out to a few top-choice schools. Make inquiries about their specific application processes and deadlines. This will give you a solid foundation for your future applications.
Common Application and Essays
The traditional Common Application opens in August, so begin preparing for your senior year. While you won't get into details until closer to the start of your senior year, familiarize yourself with the standard application prompts and timing. The 2025 prompts should be available in a few months, and though they usually don't change much, always check for the latest updates. Essays are a critical component of your application, with "slice of life" essays often receiving more attention and being less cliché.Letters of Recommendation
Gather strong letters of recommendation from your guidance counselor and teachers to boost your application. Wait until around a month or two before the end of the school year to request recommendations. Some schools have specific policies, such as rolling admissions, while others might use a lottery system, so it's best to follow their guidelines carefully. Provide your recommenders with any necessary information, such as your resume or a form to fill out.Remember not to nag or pressure your recommenders. Give them enough notice to ensure they have ample time to write compelling letters. Even if you request recommendations early, they might not write immediately but will likely do so over the summer. It's essential to be patient and not to follow up too frequently.