Eligible homeschoolers must earn or have earned one of the following:

• A high school diploma
• The recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, typically a General Education Development (GED) certificate or through completion of the HiSet® Exam.

A completed secondary homeschool program (with state completion credential, if applicable\)

Though students who have been homeschooled during some or all of their high school years may not have a high school diploma or the equivalent, they may apply to Wheaton if their homeschooling was completed in a program approved by the state. Homeschooled students who were educated in a state that issues a high school completion credential must submit this credential with their application to Wheaton.

Students who are not issued a secondary school completion credential should send a portfolio of their work to be reviewed by the Admission Committee. This material will be used to determine whether such students are adequately prepared for academic work at Wheaton.

Homeschooled applicants can apply to Wheaton using the Common Application and selecting Wheaton College MA. There is no application fee. In addition to all of the materials requested for first-year applicants, homeschooled students also must submit the following required documents:

• The homeschool supplement (pdf) (which can be found on the Common Application)
• An additional letter of recommendation from a non-family member

The submission of standardized tests is optional in Wheaton’s admission process. Many homeschooled students, however, choose to submit test results so that the Admission Committee has additional context to evaluate their grades. Suggested exams may include SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests or Advanced Placement (AP). Grades earned at a college or university also may be submitted.

If you choose not to submit optional credentials, you will not be penalized in the review process, however, the Admission Committee often finds that additional information such as standardized test scores and college course grades can enhance a student’s chance for admission. Generally, the more academic information available, the greater confidence the Committee has in evaluating each homeschooled student’s candidacy.

Because we recognize that the background and experience of each homeschooled student is different, we are happy to meet with you or consult by phone (508-286-8251) if you have questions about our application process. We look forward to getting to know you!