Do Colleges Accept Homeschooled Students?
Yes! More colleges than ever are recognizing the value homeschoolers bring to their programs. With strong independent learning skills and a proven ability to succeed academically, homeschooled students are highly sought after by admissions offices nationwide.
Education After Homeschooling
Making the transition from homeschooling to college is an exciting step, and today’s colleges are more welcoming than ever to homeschooled students.
Admissions offices understand that homeschooling often fosters self-motivation, discipline, and a love for learning—qualities that help students thrive in higher education. Many colleges even have specific resources and admissions policies designed to support homeschoolers during the application process, ensuring a smooth path to higher education.
Homeschoolers are accepted at colleges and universities of all types, from local community colleges to prestigious Ivy League institutions. In fact, admissions officers appreciate the diverse backgrounds and unique educational journeys homeschoolers bring to their campuses. Colleges often look at multiple factors including standardized testing scores to evaluate homeschool applicants.
Whether you’re aiming for a specialized program, a large public university, or a private liberal arts college, you’ll find that homeschoolers are celebrated for their individuality and academic achievements.
What Colleges Say About Homeschooling
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
“MIT has a long history of admitting homeschooled students, and these students are successful and vibrant members of our community.”
“We do not have separate requirements for homeschooled applicants. Homeschooled applicants, like all of our applicants, are considered within their context, which includes schooling choice, family situation, geographic location, resources, opportunities, and challenges.”
– MIT Admissions
Stanford University
“Stanford has found that the brightest homeschoolers bring a mix of unusual experiences, special motivation and intellectual independence that makes them a good bet to flourish on the Farm.”
-Stanford Magazine
Seton Hall University
-Seton Magazine
“Homeschoolers ‘don’t have to be forced to read. Some of the people I know who are best read, in fact, are those who have been homeschooled.”
Famous Homeschoolers Who Went to College
These are just a few of the many famous college attendees who were homeschooled.
Tim Tebow
One of the most well-known homeschooling success stories is Tim Tebow. Tim, who was homeschooled by his parents, attributes his work ethic and character to their commitment and faith. Tebow thrived academically and athletically, receiving the Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback for the University of Florida and winning a national championship. Tebow went on to play in the NFL and continues his success in sports with a broadcasting career.
“I was homeschooled, and that’s something that I’m very proud of. I think it provided me with a solid basis for my life.”
– Tim Tebow
Venus and Serena Williams
Venus and Serena Williams are prominent examples of how homeschooling can encourage exceptional accomplishments. Richard Williams, their father, became their coach and teacher, arranging their education to fit in with their demanding tennis training regimen. Even with this strict tennis schedule, they were able to obtain a top-notch education while concentrating fully on honing their abilities because of homeschooling’s flexibility. The sisters’ homeschool experience demonstrates how specialized instruction can lead to academic and athletic success.
“We’d wake up, go to the tennis courts, come back and do our homework. My dad kept us focused on what mattered.”
– Serena Williams
Thomas Edison
One of the greatest innovators in history, Thomas Edison, was homeschooled because his professors deemed him “difficult” in a conventional classroom. Nancy Edison, his mother, was in charge of his education, nurturing his innate curiosity and his passion for learning. With this customized approach, Edison was able to pursue his scientific and experimental interests, which ultimately resulted in ground-breaking innovations like the light bulb and the phonograph.
“My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, and I felt I had someone to live for.”
– Thomas Edison
What Power Homeschool Parents Say About College
Many parents have shared success stories about their children getting into college. Here are just a few.
“Power Homeschool allowed our oldest to start Dual Enrollment online, in his Junior year and was on the Dean’s List both years he participated and is now graduating with 19 College Credit Hours. He also did really well on his SAT Scores. He applied early in his Senior year to eight Engineering Colleges and was accepted to all eight, with great merit scholarships.”
“With Power Homeschool, my daughter graduated early and is going to college with multiple scholarships.”
Two of my children took off and flew through their classes one graduating herself four years early and starting college the other one (who is younger) preparing to do that in the next year or so.
“Four months ago, I didn’t know how we were going to get her (our daughter) graduated. Today, she has already finished 3 year long courses, started more, and maintains a 3.67 GPA. From no idea how she will finish high school to on track to graduate almost a year early – we can’t thank you enough. Strongly recommend giving Power Homeschool a try.”
My oldest son graduated last year and scored 4 points above our states average on his ACT. Because of the set up of PH he was able to learn what was needed and then spend his free time pursuing music which enabled him to receive a music scholarship to pay for his first two years in college! He is now a thriving college student and doing well! PH works!
Do you have a homeschooler college success story to share?
Does your college cater to homeschooled students?
How to Get Your Homeschooler into College
TIPS FROM EXPERTS:
Getting Strong Letters of Recommendation:
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- Ask individuals who truly know you. Choose mentors, tutors, coaches, or community leaders who have seen your growth over time and can speak to your character, curiosity, and commitment. Provide them with an activity sheet or resume that highlights your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, but also share personal anecdotes or specific moments that you’d love for them to emphasize.
- Focus on your love of learning. Admissions officers aren’t just looking for evidence that you’re a hard worker or high achiever—they want to see your intellectual curiosity and genuine excitement for discovery. Encourage your recommenders to write about how you approach challenges, dive deeply into topics, or bring enthusiasm to collaborative environments. For example, a mentor might describe how you spent hours exploring a complex problem or how your passion for history inspired a unique project.
- Leverage external courses. If you’ve taken classes outside your homeschool environment, such as dual enrollment or online courses, ask those instructors for letters. Their perspective can validate your ability to excel in more structured, academic settings, and they can highlight how you actively contribute to classroom discussions or take initiative in your studies.
- Make it easy for your recommenders. Share examples of your work, key accomplishments, and specific traits you hope they’ll highlight. Offer a list of programs or colleges you’re applying to so they can tailor their letters to align with your goals.”
Mimi Doe, CEO/Founder,