A homeschool supplement is additional documentation that colleges require from homeschooled applicants, typically including transcripts, course descriptions, a school profile explaining your educational approach, and a counselor letter written by the homeschool parent.
What is a Homeschool Supplement?
A homeschool supplement refers to the additional documentation colleges request from homeschooled applicants to evaluate their academic preparation. While the Common App previously had a separate "Homeschool Supplement" form, this information is now collected through a dedicated homeschool section within standard application portals. The supplement typically includes transcripts, detailed course descriptions, an explanation of your homeschool's educational philosophy, and a counselor recommendation letter written by the parent acting as school administrator.
Key Takeaways
- Includes transcript, course descriptions (15-20 pages), school profile, and counselor letter
- Parents complete the "School Report" section acting as school counselor
- Non-family recommendation letters from tutors, coaches, or employers are essential
- No external accreditation is required—homeschool transcripts are valid as-is
- Strong documentation demonstrates college readiness and validates homeschool rigor
Required Documents
Required Documents
- Homeschool Transcript
1-2 page summary showing courses, grades, credits, and cumulative GPA
- Course Descriptions
15-20 pages describing each course's content, materials, textbooks, and evaluation methods
- School Profile
Overview of your homeschool's educational philosophy, structure, and grading scale
- Counselor Letter
Written recommendation from the parent acting as school counselor
- Outside Recommendations
Letters from non-family members with academic knowledge of the student
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most damaging mistake is submitting only parent letters of recommendation—colleges want independent perspectives from tutors, coaches, community college professors, or employers. Vague course descriptions hurt applications; admission officers need specific information about content, rigor, and evaluation methods. Don't forget standardized test scores even at test-optional schools, as they provide valuable third-party validation. And always include the specific graduation date (day, month, year), not just the year.
Making Your Application Shine
Strong homeschool supplements tell a compelling story. Use the "Additional Information" section to explain your homeschooling philosophy and how it prepared your student for college. Highlight unique educational opportunities that wouldn't have been possible in traditional school settings. Include dual enrollment courses that demonstrate college-readiness. Admission officers want to see that your student leveraged homeschooling's flexibility to their advantage—whether through deep subject exploration, entrepreneurial pursuits, or extensive community involvement.
The Bottom Line
The homeschool supplement is your opportunity to present your educational program professionally to colleges. While the documentation requirements may seem extensive, they serve to validate the rigor of your program and your student's readiness for college-level work. Start preparing these materials in ninth grade, maintaining detailed records throughout high school. Strong supplements, combined with third-party validation through test scores and outside recommendations, position homeschoolers competitively—and homeschoolers have an 87% college acceptance rate compared to 68% for public school graduates.
