Does Harvard Accept Homeschoolers?

Do you have a high school student who is looking to go to college? If so, have you started thinking about what kind of college they should attend? Some parents automatically think that their child should go to the most prestigious school they can get into, but is that necessarily the best option? In this blog post, we’ll look at whether or not Harvard accepts homeschoolers.

We’ll also look at the admissions process for homeschoolers and offer tips on how to increase your chances of being accepted.

So, whether you’re just starting to think about homeschooling or you’re already in the thick of it, read on for information that will help you navigate this journey!

How Homeschoolers Fare When Applying to Harvard

Harvard is one of the most competitive schools in the country, so it’s no surprise that homeschoolers often wonder how they stack up against students who attend traditional high schools. The good news is that homeschoolers tend to fare quite well in the admissions process.

Homeschoolers are actually over-represented at Harvard; according to a report from The Harvard Crimson, “nearly 10 percent of admitted students in fall 2018 identified as homeschooled.”

Of course, getting into Harvard is still a long shot for most people, regardless of whether they were homeschooled or not. But it’s worth noting that homeschoolers seem to have an advantage in getting into this elite university.

Generally speaking, homeschoolers perform just as well as any other type of applicant when getting into Harvard. In fact, Harvard has explicitly stated that they consider homeschoolers to be on an equal playing field with all other applicants.

What Harvard Looks for in Applicants

So what does Harvard look for in applicants? The school states that it “seeks to enroll a class of 2,000 intelligent, engaged students from across the globe,” and that it looks for students who are “intellectually curious, passionate about something, and engaged in their community.”

Homeschoolers often excel in these areas. Because they have more control over their education, they usually have the opportunity to delve deeply into topics that interest them.

And because they’re not tied to a traditional school schedule, they often have more time to get involved in extracurricular activities and pursue their passions. These are all qualities that Harvard looks for in applicants.

Applying to Harvard as a Homeschooler

If you’re a homeschooler who is interested in applying to Harvard, the process is pretty similar to the process for traditional applicants. You’ll need to fill out an application, submit transcripts, and write essays like everyone else.

The one area where homeschoolers may need to put in a little extra work is providing transcripts. Because homeschoolers don’t have access to a standard transcript, they’ll need to create their own. This involves creating a portfolio of your academic work, including your course syllabi, sample assignments, and standardized test scores.

Standardized tests are required for all applicants, regardless of educational background. Homeschoolers should also be sure to submit a portfolio of their work, as well as any recommendations from teachers or mentors.

Getting into Harvard is no easy feat, but homeschoolers have some advantages. If you’re a homeschooler who is interested in applying to this competitive school, make sure you put your best foot forward and showcase all of your accomplishments.

How to Increase Your Chances of Being Accepted to Harvard as a Homeschooler?

Now that we’ve answered the question “does Harvard accept homeschoolers?” let’s take a look at some tips on increasing your chances of being accepted into the school.

1. Get Involved in Your Community

Harvard is looking for students who are not only academically gifted but also well-rounded and involved in their community. So, if you’re a homeschooler, getting involved in your community is important. This can include things like volunteering, participating in extracurricular activities, or even starting your own club or organization.

Getting involved in your community shows Harvard that you’re a well-rounded individual with a passion for making a difference.

You can get involved in your community by reaching out to local organizations and seeing if they have any volunteer opportunities. Or, you can look into starting your own club or organization. If you’re unsure where to start, plenty of resources are available online to help you get started.

2. Get Good Grades

The other most important thing you can do as a homeschooler is to get good grades. This is important for two reasons. First, it shows colleges that you’re capable of doing college-level work. Second, it helps you stand out from the thousands of other applicants vying for a spot at the school.

To get good grades, you need to be disciplined and organized. This means setting aside time each day to study and do your coursework. It also means staying on top of deadlines and ensuring you understand the material. If you can do all of this, you’ll be well on get good grades.

3. Take Advantage of the Pathways Program

Harvard has a specific program for homeschoolers called the Pathways Program. This program makes it possible for homeschoolers to apply for admission just like any other student. Be sure to take advantage of this program and follow all of the requirements carefully.

4. Take Challenging Courses

Another way to make yourself more attractive to Harvard is to take challenging courses. This shows colleges that you’re willing to push yourself academically and are up for a challenge.

You can take challenging courses such as:

• AP courses
• Dual enrollment courses
• Honors courses

If you’re unsure what challenging courses you should take, you can talk to your guidance counselor or a college admissions counselor. They’ll be able to help you figure out which courses will help you stand out the most.

5. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

In addition to getting good grades and taking challenging courses, another way to make yourself more attractive to Harvard is to get involved in extracurricular activities. This shows colleges that you’re well-rounded and that you’re able to balance academics with other interests.

You can join a club, participate in sports, or even start your organization. The important thing is to find something you’re passionate about and that you can see yourself doing for the long term.

6. Make Sure Your Transcripts Are Up-To-Date

The other most important thing you can do as a homeschooler is to make sure your transcripts are up-to-date. This is important because colleges will want to see your transcripts when making decisions. If your transcripts are outdated, they could give the admissions committee the wrong impression.

Make sure you get your transcript from a reliable source. If you’re not sure where to get your transcript, you can talk to your guidance counselor or a college admissions counselor. They’ll be able to help you figure out where to get your transcript.

7. Get Letters of Recommendation

Another way to make yourself more attractive to Harvard is to get letters of recommendation. This shows colleges that you have the support of your community and that you’re respected by those who know you best.

The best way to get a recommendation letter is to talk to your parents, guardians, or mentors and ask if they would be willing to write a letter on your behalf. If they agree, then be sure to send them a thank-you note and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

8. Demonstrate Financial Need

Another way to make yourself more attractive to Harvard is by demonstrating financial need. This shows colleges that you’re interested in the school and that you’re willing to put in the extra effort to apply for financial aid.

To demonstrate financial need, you need to fill out the FAFSA form. You can do this by going online and filling out the form on the Harvard website. Once you submit the form, someone from the admissions office will contact you and let you know if you’ve been approved for financial aid.

9. Submit Strong Standardized Test Scores

One of the most important parts of the admissions process is submitting strong standardized test scores. If you’re a homeschooler, be sure to take and submit the SAT or ACT with Writing and two SAT Subject Tests. These tests will go a long way in showing Harvard that you’re prepared for college-level work.

10. Apply Early

Lastly, applying early is one of the best ways to make yourself more attractive to Harvard. This shows colleges that you’re eager and willing to put in the extra effort. It also helps you stand out from the thousands of other applicants vying for a spot at the school.

If you’re interested in applying early, you need to fill out the Early Action Application on the Harvard website. Once you submit the form, someone from the admissions office will contact you and let you know the next steps.

Final Thoughts!

If you are a homeschooler or if you know someone who is, it’s important to understand the process and what goes into being accepted to one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Contact High School of America today for more information on how to help your child get into Harvard or any other top university.

With our guidance and support, your homeschooled student can achieve anything they set their mind to!