Creating a Homeschooler's High School Transcript

One of the biggest challenges facing homeschooled high school students is the preparation of a high school transcript. Many times homeschoolers wait until the last minute to try and compile the transcripts. A transcript prepared in haste is bound to have errors and omissions. Taking the time to log your child's high school progress before he or she starts high school courses results in a comprehensive transcript that correctly details the entire high school career.

Start in Middle School

College bound homeschoolers should start high school planning in middle school. Keep track of grades, coursework, testing and extra curricular activities including church or synagogue, clubs and community service. Keep detailed records of hours spent, and the name of any textbooks or curriculum used. Start planning for high school. By the 8^th grade, many children are ready to complete a high school algebra 1 course and biology course.

Check State Requirements

Every state in the U.S. has specific requirements for graduation. Contact the state's department of education for this information. It is usually a good idea to use the requirements as a guide. Most homeschoolers easily meet or exceed state requirements.

Check College Requirements

The next step is to check with colleges your homeschooled high school student may want to attend. Ask about admission requirements as they vary greatly. Knowing if the college prefers SAT or ACT scores is important.

Develop a Plan of Action

Once you have an idea of what the state and colleges are looking for, deciding on high school courses becomes easier. Choose the courses that meet the requirements. Take honors level or (Advance Placement) AP courses whenever possible.

Testing

All college bound homeschooled high school students should take either the SAT or ACT. Some community colleges will accept COMPASS, but the former two tests are usually preferred. High school students should take the PSAT/NMSQT when possible. Eligibility is done through the school rather than the individual student. Homeschoolers should check with local public schools, private schools or homeschool co-ops to determine eligibility. Although colleges do not require the PSAT/NMSQT, homeschoolers should take the test in order to qualify for scholarship money.

Creating the Transcript

Generally high school transcripts are based on semester credits instead of credit hours like colleges use. To calculate semester credits, use this calculation. For nationally recognized curriculums and textbooks from major publishers, use 1 full credit if you completed a course or most of a textbook designed to cover an entire school year (about 9 to 10 months of coursework). Courses designed to be completed within 4 to 5 months or half of a traditional school year receives ½ credit. Examples of full credit courses are chemistry, Latin 1 or geometry. Examples of ½ credit courses are electives such as art, calligraphy, dance or health.

AP courses are credited differently. Due to the fact that they are college level courses, AP credit is only granted if the official AP exam is taken and passed at the end of the course. Arrangements to take the test must be made through a local high school or community college. AP courses where the exam is not taken are credited as a normal full high school credit.

College courses taken as a student that is dual enrolled can count as either a high school credit or it can count as a college credit toward completing a degree. Check with the college to see their specific rules regarding dual enrolled students.

Most states and colleges want to see at least 20 credits or more from graduating high school students.

Keep track of the high school courses, dates completed, grades and test scores in a spreadsheet. Some homeschool groups offer transcript services. In Tennessee, a homeschool diploma is the same as a diploma from an accredited high school. Most states do not recognize home school diplomas or transcripts as official.

It is important to keep good records when homeschooling high school aged students. A well documented transcript can be a determining factor when it comes to receiving scholarship money and gaining entry into college.

Other articles homeschooling articles you may enjoy:

A Parent's Guide to Homeschooling Through High School

A Guide to Homeschooling in the United States: Alabama through California

A Guide to Homeschool Regulations in the United States: Colorado through Georgia

A Guide to Homeschool Regulations in the United States: Hawaii through Iowa