What the Common App Wants from Homeschoolers
The Common Application has a dedicated process for homeschool applicants. It is different from the standard process — but not harder. Understanding exactly what each field is asking for eliminates most of the confusion.
The "High School" Section
When Common App asks for your high school, you enter your homeschool's name and address. For "CEEB/ACT code," homeschool students enter 970000 (the universal homeschool code). Do not leave this blank; a missing code can stall your application in admissions processing.
The Counselor Section
Common App requires a counselor recommendation. For homeschoolers, the parent/administrator fills the counselor role. You will receive a separate counselor invite link. In this section you will: upload the school profile, write a counselor letter of recommendation (this is your chance to advocate for your student as their educator and parent), and certify the transcript.
The counselor letter from a homeschool parent is expected to be written from a different perspective than a typical school counselor letter — admissions readers know you are the parent. Write it professionally, in third person if possible, focusing on academic growth, character, intellectual curiosity, and readiness for college-level work.
The Homeschool Supplement
The Common App homeschool supplement is a text field (currently 650 words) where you provide course descriptions for all high school courses. With 20–30 courses to cover in 650 words, you need to be concise: aim for 20–40 words per course for standard subjects, reserving more detail for distinctive or advanced courses.
Format suggestion: organize by year, bold the course name, then one sentence of description. Example: Biology with Lab (9th): Full-year lab science using Apologia Biology; 15 formal experiments including dissection; lab reports in scientific format. Final exam: cumulative unit test.
Supporting Documents Most Selective Colleges Want
- Official homeschool transcript (parent-signed, with GPA and grading scale)
- School profile page (1 page — see our school profile guide)
- Full course description document (submitted as additional materials or through the counselor portal)
- Official dual enrollment transcripts sent directly from the college registrar
- SAT or ACT scores (send official scores; self-report for initial review)
- Two to three recommendation letters (at least one from a non-parent instructor)
What Colleges Are Actually Evaluating
Selective colleges reading homeschool applications are asking: Is this student intellectually prepared for rigorous college coursework? The evidence they weigh, roughly in order of impact:
- SAT/ACT scores — the most direct comparison to other applicants
- Dual enrollment grades — third-party verified college-level performance
- Transcript rigor — are the courses genuinely challenging? Do the course descriptions support the claimed grades?
- Recommendation letters from non-parent instructors
- Essays — same weight as any other applicant
- Activities and demonstrated passion — same weight as any other applicant
No. The Common Application does not require accreditation for homeschool applicants. Individual colleges may have preferences, but most do not require it. Accreditation through organizations like HSLDA's Accreditation program or a regional accrediting body can open additional doors (some colleges give slightly more weight to accredited transcripts), but it is not a barrier to applying through Common App.
Schools using their own application portals or Coalition App have their own homeschool supplement processes — they vary. Always call or email the admissions office before applying and ask: "What additional documentation do you require from homeschool applicants?" Get the answer in writing. Some schools are very homeschool-friendly and have clear processes; others have almost no experience with homeschoolers and may need guidance.