Homeschooled students are often among the most motivated and high-achieving learners. However, when it comes to college applications, the process can feel overwhelming—especially without the guidance school counselors typically provide. The good news is, with the right preparation and resources, your teen can successfully navigate the application journey. Here are some tips to help them get started on the right foot.

Build a Résumé

Have your child create a résumé to send to colleges. Try checking online for résumé inspiration or test out the premade templates offered by Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

After deciding on a template, have them list academic achievements, extracurricular activities, academic volunteer work, community service, and any jobs or internships along with a couple sentences explaining them. Your child should show the college that they have pursued personal excellence and that they can compete with other applicants.

Proofread Résumé Out Loud

Have your homeschooler read their résumé out loud. Though it may seem silly, this is one of the best ways to catch misspellings and grammar issues. Better to feel a little silly in the comfort of home than to let a college recruiter find your mistakes.

Get a Letter of Recommendation

Encourage your child to create a list of potential individuals who could write letters of recommendation. Many colleges request that homeschool applicants provide recommendations from non-family members to offer an outside perspective on the student’s character and strengths. A letter might come from a college professor (especially if your student is dual enrolled), a supervisor at a part-time job, or the leader of a volunteer organization where your child regularly serves. Each of these voices can highlight valuable qualities like leadership, responsibility, and a heart for service—demonstrating both personal growth and meaningful community involvement.

Make it easy for those who will write letters of recommendation. Print out a copy of the college’s guidelines. Highlight to whom they should address and send the letter. Make sure you give them plenty of time to write so that the letter is thoughtful and not rushed.

Think Outside the Box on Essays

Encourage your child to think differently. Most college applicants are required to write a 300-500 word essay, based on a vague topic assigned by the university, in order to demonstrate intuition and comprehension.

This essay allows the admissions department to get to know the prospective student on a deeper level. Have your child approach the topic creatively in order to define what makes them unique. Have them think outside the box instead of taking the most common route, which is typically the easiest. While other applicants might cut corners, remind yours that this essay is the only opportunity to create a good first impression and stand out from the rest.

Turn It In Early!

Make sure the application is completed early! Some colleges have an early admission process where they will allow applicants to apply in November (early as September for some schools) and will send out decisions in December and January. Even if the college they want to attend doesn’t have early admission, having everything they need well in advance will offer peace of mind.

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