Can You Use Homeschool as a College Board School? The Answer Might Surprise You!
So, you’re a homeschooling parent, and you’re probably asking yourself, “Can I use homeschool as a College Board school?” Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the answer is a resounding maybe!
Let’s dive into the world of College Board and homeschooling, where the rules are as clear as mud and the answers are as elusive as a unicorn in a parking lot.
The College Board: Where Dreams Go to Die… Or Not?
The College Board is a non-profit organization that basically runs the show when it comes to college admissions in the US. They’re the ones behind the infamous SAT and AP exams. And they’re also the gatekeepers to college credit, making them a bit like the bouncer at the coolest college party, except instead of checking IDs, they check your test scores.
Homeschooling: The Wild West of Education
Homeschooling is like the rebellious cousin of traditional schooling. It’s a DIY approach to education, where parents take the reins and decide what their kids learn and how they learn it. It’s a beautiful thing, but it can also be a bit chaotic – think “Lord of the Flies” meets “Little House on the Prairie.”
The Great Homeschooling-College Board Showdown: Can They Coexist?
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Can you use homeschool as a College Board school? The answer is more nuanced than a Shakespearean sonnet.
- Homeschoolers can create a College Board account. The College Board doesn’t discriminate against homeschoolers. You can create a free account, just like any other student. When you’re asked “Where do you go to school?” simply check the box for “I am no longer in high school/My school is not listed.” It’s like the College Board is saying, “We’re cool with you, homeschoolers, even if we don’t fully understand what you’re doing.”
- Homeschoolers can take the SAT. You register for the SAT the same way as everyone else, either online or through good old-fashioned snail mail. The only difference is the high school code you use. For homeschoolers, it’s 970000, which essentially translates to “We’re homeschoolers, deal with it.”
- Homeschoolers can take AP exams. This is where things get a little more complicated. You can take AP exams, but you’ll need to coordinate with a local school. Think of it like a friendly inter-school loan program. You’ll need to find a high school willing to host you for the exam.
- Homeschoolers can’t order AP exams directly. You can’t just order an AP exam online and have it delivered to your doorstep like a pizza. You’ll need to work with a local school to arrange the exam.
- Homeschoolers may need to provide documentation. The College Board may ask for documentation to verify your homeschooling status, such as a curriculum plan, transcripts, or even a letter of recommendation from a homeschooling organization.
What Does This All Mean for Homeschoolers?
In short, the College Board recognizes homeschoolers and allows them to participate in standardized testing and AP exams. However, it’s important to note that homeschoolers will need to be proactive in arranging and coordinating these exams.
Tips for Homeschoolers Taking the SAT and AP Exams
- Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for these exams. The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be.
- Find a good prep course. There are plenty of online and in-person prep courses available. These can help you learn the material and develop effective test-taking strategies.
- Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be on test day.
- Get organized. Keep track of deadlines, registration information, and other important details.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with the material or need help with the registration process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the College Board or a local homeschooling organization.
The Bottom Line: Homeschoolers Can Play the College Game, Too
Homeschoolers can definitely use the College Board system to their advantage. It’s just a little more work than for students going to traditional schools. But with a little bit of effort, you can navigate the system and achieve your college goals.
Where to Get More Help?
If you’re still scratching your head over the ins and outs of homeschooling and the College Board, don’t worry! You’re not alone. Connect with the JobLoving community – a virtual oasis for homeschooling families, where you can find information, support, and advice from other homeschooling parents who have been there, done that, and gotten the T-shirt (or maybe even the AP exam certificate).
Remember, the journey to college is a marathon, not a sprint. So pace yourself, ask for help when you need it, and most importantly, have fun!