Practical Tips for Getting Into College as an Unschooler

One major concern for parents considering an unschooling life is if their unschooled kids will be able to get into college.

Now, I’ll be transparent, at the time of this writing none of my kids are college-bound. However, I also had this concern and spent time researching in case they ever wanted to pursue that route.

My fears were quickly alleviated after reading stories upon stories of unschooled kids were absolutely able to not only go to college but thrive!

Unschoolers Don’t Just Get Into College But Thrive There As Well

In fact, unschoolers tend to stand out in the admissions process and here’s why:

• Unique Portfolios: Unschoolers build rich, diverse portfolios showcasing real-world experiences, projects, and skills – making them compelling applicants.
• Self-Motivation & Independence: Colleges love students who are self-directed and passionate about learning. Unschoolers excel at this!
• Alternative Pathways: From community college credits to CLEP exams and even portfolio-based admissions, there are countless ways to enter higher education without a traditional transcript.
• Success Stories: Many unschoolers have gone on to excel at top universities, pursue meaningful careers, and become innovative leaders.

I also learned that unschooling doesn’t close doors – it actually opens them in unique and impactful ways (whether kids choose to go to college or not)!

Getting Into College as an Unschooler

So, for those parents who DO want practical tips for helping your unschooler get into college, here is a compilation of the things I learned:

1. Build a Comprehensive Portfolio: Document real-world experiences, projects, volunteer work, travel, and any self-directed learning. Showcase your unique skills, passions, and achievements.
2. Leverage Community College Courses: Taking community college classes can demonstrate academic readiness and help you earn transferable credits.
3. Take Standardized Tests (if needed): Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT if required by your chosen colleges. These scores provide a standardized measure of academic ability.
4. Utilize CLEP and AP Exams: Earning college credits through CLEP or AP exams can strengthen your application and show mastery of subjects.
5. Request Letters of Recommendation: Seek recommendations from mentors, coaches, or employers who can attest to your character, work ethic, and leadership abilities.
6. Emphasize Self-Directed Learning: Highlight your independence, self-motivation, and initiative in pursuing knowledge—qualities that colleges highly value.
7. Research Alternative Admissions Processes: Some colleges are unschooling-friendly and offer portfolio-based admissions or interviews instead of traditional requirements.
8. Write a Compelling Essay: Share your unschooling journey, explaining how it shaped your passions, character, and goals. Show how this unique experience makes you an asset to the college community.
9. Contact Admissions Offices: Reach out to admissions counselors to discuss your educational background and learn about alternative pathways to acceptance.
10. Choose Colleges Open to Non-Traditional Backgrounds: Look for institutions known for valuing diverse educational experiences, such as liberal arts colleges and schools with flexible admissions policies.

Helpful Books to Read If You Are Unschooling Teens

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Whether your kiddos are college-bound our not, if you need more encouragement with unschooling teens or unschooling high school, here are books that have helped me tremendously:

The Teenage Liberation Handbook is probably the most comprehensive guide out there on unschooling the teen years and it covers not only college but alternatives to college. Heads up that this is a secular book so just take the information and filter it through a biblical worldview. Otherwise, it’s got a TON of practical wisdom! It’s meant to be read by your teen but, honestly, I think parents of unschoolers need to read it also!

While The Teenage Liberation Handbook isn’t necessarily a “sit down with coffee and read” book (though you can if you want, LOL … it’s more of a guide I refer to as I need information), Teens Unleashed is something I was able to read within a few days. It gave me just enough encouragement, inspiration, and practical tips I needed to hit the ground running for the teen years.

College Without High School is the book I have my teens read for themselves for their own inspiration. It not only addresses innovative ways to prepare for college but also shares inspirational stories of real-life unschoolers who were able to get into college. I also like the practical tips for unschooling in the high school years … things like mindset, dream-mapping, time management, internships, and more. And there’s even a chapter for how to unschool while in college, called, “Uncollege”!

Want more inspo on unschooling the teen years? Check out my post on how we unschool high school with the North Star Strategy.