College Dual Enrollment
One semester of a college dual enrollment course is equal to 1 high school credit. We have listed below what colleges commonly require for dual enrollment. Please contact the college of your choice for more information on their specific requirements.
An ACT/SAT score - If the student has not taken the ACT/SAT and/or did not score high enough, they may ask the student to come in and take the COMPASS test.
Official transcript - If you are an Everest student, you can find that info here: http://www.alabamahomeschooling.com/2011/01/transcripts.html .
Dual Enrollment Agreement - Please obtain this form if required and send it to us for signature. We are happy to assist you in this process at no charge.
College/Scholarship: It is up to each student/parent to research requirements and regulations of your colleges of choice when considering enrollment in these institutions. This includes making sure that your student has taken all of the courses required and whether or not they will accept a homeschool diploma. (Please see college anti-discrimination information below).
Alabama College Anti-discrimination Provisions: “Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, no public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in the state may deny admission to or otherwise discriminate against an otherwise qualified student based on the consideration, whether in whole or in part, that the student attended, graduated from, or is enrolled in a nonpublic school, including private, church, parochial, and religious schools, or was home schooled.” Ala. Code § 16-1-11.4.
*College Requirements - Please note that Ala. Code § 16-1-11.4 is specific to any public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Alabama and does not apply to privately-ran colleges or colleges in other states. We have not had any problems with students being accepted into colleges and earning scholarships, but that does not mean that there is not the possibility of experiencing issues. You will want to make sure to check ahead of time with any college of choice concerning their specific credit requirements (all colleges) including whether or not they will accept a homeschool diploma (if the college is not a public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Alabama).
How to Apply to College
Many colleges prefer the Common Application https://www.commonapp.org/.
Students should look at applications early to know what is expected of them. Many applications may be filled out online. Meet deadlines.
If using a paper application, be sure to proofread it and make a copy for your files.
Some colleges or universities require letters of recommendation. Ask for these in advance.
Visit as many campuses as possible, as early as possible.
Organize files of all college-related materials (applications, resumes, ACT/SAT information, letters from schools, passwords for websites, etc.).
Give time and attention to applications. Neatness counts. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Follow directions.
Freshman Year
Take a look at the 3 levels of diplomas and decide which one you think you might want to work towards.
Consider taking the PLAN test (pre-ACT test) and/or PSAT/NMSQT (the practice SAT). The results will help you focus on areas that need improvement.
Print out the check off list of requirements.
Keep records of all classes and activities on a blank transcript form.
Look at your personal interests for fulfilling elective credits.
Sophomore Year
Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the spring.
Extracurricular and leadership activities are important so become involved, but also remember that colleges prefer quality over quantity.
If you haven’t done so already, compile a list of all of your honors, awards, activities, volunteer work, and jobs. This will be useful when it’s time to create a resume and fill out applications. Keep a running list; nothing is too small to list.
Start looking at colleges and their websites keeping in mind such variables as tuition, location, and size.
Junior Year
Attend a National College Fair in the fall.
Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the fall.
Continue to develop your list of possible college choices. Check out their websites and request materials for prospective students.
Register to take the ACT and SAT at least once, preferably during the spring.
Begin your scholarship search. Pay special attention to deadline dates.
Begin narrowing your college choices and schedule campus visits, tours and interviews.
Update your list of awards, achievements, activities, etc., and use it to create a resume.
If appropriate to your interests, begin developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talents required for college admission and/or scholarships.
Senior Year
If you have not taken the SAT and/or ACT or need to retake tests, do so early in the fall.
Decide which colleges you will apply to, and gather all application materials for admission and for scholarships/financial aid.
Be sure you know each college’s procedures and priority deadlines for scholarship and financial aid applications.
Organize your college files, so you won’t miss any deadlines.
Approach mentors and teachers for recommendation letters.
If you haven’t already, request that ACT and SAT send your official test scores to the colleges to which you are applying.
Continue to look for outside scholarship opportunities.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible.
Notify your chosen college about any outside scholarships you receive.
Alabama Transfers Program
The Alabama Transfers program (formerly known as STARS) is a statewide system designed to ensure your community college credits easily transfer to a public four-year university in Alabama. It provides official transfer guides so you can preserve your earned credits and complete your degree without taking unnecessary or duplicated courses. https://alabamatransfers.com/
