Homeschool Graduation Documentation Checklist

🏗 Foundation (Start in 8th–9th Grade)

Name your homeschool — Choose a name (e.g., "[Family] Academy") and use it consistently on all documents from this point forward. See naming tips →

Start a course log — A simple spreadsheet or notebook tracking course name, textbooks/resources used, start/end dates, and grade earned for every course from 9th grade forward.

Understand your state's requirements — Know the minimum graduation credits required in your state. See state guides →

File any required state notices — Notification, registration, or umbrella school enrollment as required by your state. Keep a copy on file.

Create your school profile page — A one-page document describing your school's philosophy, curriculum approach, grading scale, and contact information. Download template →

📚 Academic Records (Maintain Throughout 9th–12th)

Maintain course records for each subject — Graded tests, essays, lab reports, project samples. You do not need to submit these, but having them available protects you if records are questioned.

Write course descriptions as you go — Don't wait until senior year to reconstruct what you taught. Write a brief description at the end of each course while details are fresh. See examples →

Document lab science hours — Keep a lab log for any science course that will be listed as "with lab." Include date, experiment name, and time spent.

Record dual enrollment grades — Request official grade records from the college for each dual enrollment course. Store them with your homeschool records. Dual enrollment guide →

Track extracurricular activities and awards — Dates, descriptions, hours/week, any leadership roles. This feeds directly into the Common App activities section.

📅 Junior Year Actions (11th Grade)

Take the PSAT/NMSQT — October of 11th grade. National Merit Scholarship eligibility is based on this score. Also excellent SAT practice.

Take the SAT or ACT (first attempt) — Spring of 11th grade. Most students take it 2–3 times. Scores are valid for 5 years.

Research college requirements for homeschoolers — Call or email the admissions office of target schools: "What additional documentation do you require from homeschool applicants?"

Begin building the transcript draft — Don't wait until senior year. A working draft through 11th grade lets you identify credit gaps early.

Identify potential recommendation letter writers — Co-op teachers, tutors, dual enrollment professors, community instructors. Begin relationships now if they are not already established.

🍂 Senior Year — Fall (August–November)

Finalize transcript through 11th grade — All courses completed through the end of 11th grade should be entered, graded, and assigned credit values.

Calculate cumulative GPA — Use our GPA Calculator to compute both unweighted and weighted GPA.

Retake SAT/ACT if needed — August or October test dates. Scores needed for most November/December applications.

Request recommendation letters — Ask writers at least 6–8 weeks before the earliest deadline. Provide them with a resume/activity list and the submission instructions for each school.

Write the Common App / application essays — Personal statement draft complete by late September. School-specific supplements as deadlines approach.

Complete Early Decision / Early Action applications — Deadlines typically November 1 or 15. Submit transcript, course descriptions, school profile, and test scores.

Request official dual enrollment transcripts — Contact the college's registrar and request official transcripts sent directly to each school you're applying to.

❄️ Senior Year — Winter & Spring (December–May)

Complete Regular Decision applications — Most deadlines are January 1–February 1.

File FAFSA — Opens October 1; file as early as possible. Requires tax information. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

Apply for CSS Profile if required — Required by many private colleges for institutional aid. Separate from FAFSA.

Apply for scholarships — Local, state, and private scholarships. Many have November–February deadlines.

Prepare mid-year transcript update — If accepted conditionally or if a college requests it, send updated transcript with fall senior grades.

Commit to a college by May 1 — National Decision Day. Notify all other schools of your decision.

🎓 Final Graduation Documents

Finalize the official transcript — Add all senior year courses and grades once complete. Date and sign. This becomes your student's permanent academic record.

Send final transcript to college — Most colleges require a final official transcript after graduation confirming graduation date and final GPA.

Issue the homeschool diploma — Date it on or after the graduation date. Keep the original; provide copies as needed.

Archive all records — Store originals of the transcript, diploma, course records, and state compliance documentation permanently. Scan everything. Store digital copies in at least two locations.

Notify your state (if required) — Some states require notification when a student completes home education. Check your state's requirements. State guides →

Document	Who Prepares It	When Needed	Notes
Homeschool transcript	You (parent/administrator)	Every application	Signed, dated, with GPA and grading scale
Course descriptions	You	Most colleges, all selective	80–150 words per course; all core subjects
School profile page	You	Selective colleges	1 page max; grading philosophy, curriculum overview
Official dual enrollment transcript	College registrar	If applicable	Sent directly from college to each application
SAT or ACT scores	College Board / ACT	Most colleges	Send official scores; self-reported for initial review
Recommendation letters	Recommenders	Most 4-year colleges	2–3 letters; at least one non-parent
Application essays	Student	Every application	Personal statement + school-specific supplements
FAFSA / CSS Profile	Parent + student	For financial aid	File as early as October 1 of senior year

Homeschool Senior Documentation Checklist

📋 Complete Senior Year Documentation Checklist

🏗 Foundation (Start in 8th–9th Grade)

📚 Academic Records (Maintain Throughout 9th–12th)

📅 Junior Year Actions (11th Grade)

🍂 Senior Year — Fall (August–November)

❄️ Senior Year — Winter & Spring (December–May)

🎓 Final Graduation Documents

The Documents You Will Actually Submit