Homeschooled Students

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Homeschooled Students Admissions Information (pdf)

Hampshire receives applications from an increasing number of students with nontraditional transcripts each year. The intellectual independence, imagination, and self-motivation required to pursue a self-directed education are some of the attributes most rewarded by our academic approach. We welcome your application!

Applying for Admission
The admissions process for homeschooled students mirrors that of any applicant. The Admissions Committee thoroughly reviews all applications to assess students’ potential success in Hampshire’s program. Applicants’ admission files are carefully assessed for academic breadth, rigor, and performance. Essays are evaluated for content, evidence of critical thought, and college-level writing skills. Other factors considered include demonstrated community involvement, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and self-motivation. As with any applicant to Hampshire, it is your responsibility to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee your readiness for our rigorous academic program.

Transcripts
We require students without a traditional transcript to create a record of their educational achievement which includes the following: each learning activity or course taken, the dates and amount of time spent on the activity, a brief description of the activity, texts read and work produced related to the learning activity (i.e. papers, projects, etc.), and a grade or narrative assessment of work and growth in that area.

Most activities used as part of your portfolio should have a grade or narrative evaluation of your work and progress. For activities not evaluated by a teacher or supervisor, we require your self-assessment of the nature of your work and how it contributed to your intellectual growth.

Standardized Tests
Although Hampshire does not require submission of standardized test scores, we strongly encourage students who do not have grades or detailed narrative evaluations from the last two years of high school to submit results from one or more standardized tests, such as the SAT I, ACT, SAT II or AP exams. If you have taken any college courses, please include transcripts in your application.

Recommendations
Our application process for first-year applicants requires two recommendations, one from a guidance counselor and one from a teacher. For students with nontraditional preparation, Hampshire requires two letters of recommendation from non-relatives who have taught you, supervised you in a job or internship, or otherwise know you well enough to comment on your academic preparation and readiness for Hampshire’s program of study.

Homeschooled Students and Financial Aid
Hampshire awards need-based and merit-based financial aid to homeschooled students in the same manner as any applicant.

Due to federal regulations governing financial aid, if you have been homeschooled and will not be receiving a high school diploma and wish to be considered for financial assistance, you must submit one of the following before financial aid can be finalized:

A formal certificate of completion of a homeschool program certified by your state or local board of education

A statement from yourself certifying that you have completed or will be completing a secondary school program in a home setting.

If you were not homeschooled and will not have a high school diploma prior to enrollment at Hampshire, you must submit an equivalent to be eligible for financial aid.

If you have any questions about how to present your homeschool education in the admissions process, please call the admissions office to speak with an admissions counselor.

Hampshire College