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As you begin to homeschool high school, you may already be concerned about creating a high school transcript. If you have a teen who earnestly seeks to attend college, a transcript is not optional. The college will ask. And they will be looking it over for certain requirements and optional entries, perhaps a little more closely than if your child attended public or private school. But no worries, momma. It’s not hard to figure out what colleges like to see on a homeschool transcript.

What Colleges Like to See on a Homeschool Transcript

We have many homeschool families who have gone before us to guide us and give us confidence that we can create a useful, purposeful, and impressive homeschool transcript. So, let’s dive into what colleges like to see on a homeschool transcript.

Subjects and Materials

For sure, colleges are interested in knowing what subjects your student has been studying. But this doesn’t limit students to a generic list. This is an opportunity for homeschoolers to have the benefit of tailoring their education and stand out among their peers. All the rabbit trails and delight directed interests will pay dividends, as will your student’s personal list of electives.

List any independent course work your student does. An example could be the free courses through Hillsdale College. But free courses aren’t necessarily online, so list local courses as well if they apply.

If your student has taken classes at a local college or at a homeschool electives group, cottage school, or co-op, include those on the transcript. In fact, it may be helpful for colleges to see your student’s grades from a teacher other than yourself.

Lastly, list any of the extracurricular activities your student is involved with. This will help colleges learn more about your student’s individuality. After all, not every student may join a basketball team, Spanish club or other common sports team or organization. Some may participate in Classical Fencing, Horsemanship lessons, Boy Scouts, or Civil Air Patrol.

See What Your Local State Requires

It may seem like part of the “standards game,” but it may be helpful to consider what your state requirements for homeschool students includes. These should be included on your student’s transcript (assuming they’ve done the course work.)

But what if your state requires three years of language and your student has absolutely no interest in learning one? Well, perhaps your student isn’t interested in learning a second verbal language. For some students, it’s difficult for them to roll the ‘r’ in Spanish. Or your student for some reason may simply struggle with language recall.

However, your student may love and catch on easily to the conceptual art of American Sign Language. Even pre-language courses such as Latin or Greek derivatives can be counted as language study. Homeschooling gives you an advantage to think outside the box.

The Name Game

As you read earlier, subjects listed on the transcript don’t need to be boring. Let’s hear it for dressing up subject titles! (Of course, with an honest reflection upon your student’s learning, yet something that shows the uniqueness and importance of what they’ve learned.)

One other example could be Drama—Shakespeare, Bard of the Bible. Many people are unaware that Shakespeare’s works have many references to the Bible. And the fact that your student participated in drama and studies of Shakespeare will cause your student to stand out.

So, think outside the box and enjoy it!

Giving Credits

With credits, there are several different ways students may acquire them. Your state’s requirements will guide you to how many credits your student needs in each subject. But oftentimes homeschool moms have questions about what constitutes one high school credit.

To help you make those determinations, here is an example of how students may acquire credits via subjects or electives:

The completion of a high school level textbook
Completing a semester-long course at a college
Taking a high school or college level online course
Completing a year-long unit study
Taking a year-long course at a high school (preferably a private school)
Participate in homeschool sports teams
Take private lessons and participate in competitions (Martial Arts, Dance, Swim, etc.)

One credit is approximately 120-180 hours of work. The upper end of this range (180 hours) is usually appropriate for lab science courses, while 150 hours is the average for a year long academic course such as English or History. Using this formula, you could also assign 1/2 credit for 60-90 hours.

Missing Required Credits

In general, students in a well-ordered, well-planned homeschool won’t be missing credits because the homeschool sets the requirements. A wise parent will be aware of the work load facing their student in the college years and prepare them for success. That said, it’s wise to contact colleges your student is considering attending and ask them what requirements they look for students to complete. Don’t be surprised if they expect all state requirements to be met.

Making if Formal

A transcript ought to follow a formal layout. On a formal transcript, the following is presented:

Student information- The name and basic information about the student.
School information – The name and address of the school. You do not need to identify it as a “homeschool.” In fact, I would avoid using the term “homeschool” in your school name or any “cutesy” names that were adorable for kindergarten, but may not impress on a high school transcript.
Courses, credits, grades – What the student learned, the credit awarded, and the grade assigned.
The graduation date – The actual or expected graduation date of the student should be included.
A grading scale- This would be the weight given to credits, the scale used to award grades, and the statement of how grades and credit are evaluated.
Student’s GPA – A GPA is a grade point average. There are different ways to figure a GPA. This article is helpful.
Parent’s signature and date – You can identify yourself as primary educator, tutor, or principal.

Course Descriptions

Transcripts have only so much space to state what your student has covered. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea for a document of course descriptions to accompany the transcript. In this way, colleges can learn the individuality of your student’s education.

For example, many students’ transcripts will state that he or she learned American History. But your student can stand out when their course description shines with “America’s Providential History.” If you use a term that stands out, be sure to explain it in the course description or be prepared to in any follow up conversation with the college.

And when it comes to something like Mathematics, you could list the math course on the transcript. But you could also list Algebra 2 with Bible Principles. Sourcing the material your student learns from could also include the book “Mathematics: is God Silent?” While Biology may be on the transcript, something more unique like Devotional Biology by Compass Classroom may be on the course document.

The Perfect Transcript

The transcript is the silent interview your student provides to potential colleges. Don’t be afraid to take the time to make a great first impression. Ask veteran homeschool parents who have graduated a homeschool student to share a sample with you.

And when you’re all done, congratulate your student on a job well done. Don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back a little either.