Home-schooled students

If you’re completing high school through home schooling, you have a few options for meeting UC admission requirements, depending on your situation.

If your home schooling curriculum is provided by a school accredited by one of the seven formerly regional accrediting agencies (or approved by the State Board of Education) and you will receive an official transcript and high school diploma from that school: 

• You should follow the same admission requirements for students in traditional high schools in California or outside of California (depending on where you live). 
• Even if you do not meet the traditional admission requirements you may still be considered for admission by exception. 

If your home schooling curriculum is not provided by a school accredited by one of the seven formerly regional accrediting agencies (or approved by the State Board of Education) and you will not receive an official transcript and high school diploma from school accredited by one of the seven former regional accreditation agencies: 

• Even if you do not meet the traditional admission requirements you may still be considered for admission by exception. 

Tips for the application

Academic history

In the academic history section, you’ll be asked to list all high schools and any colleges/universities you’ve attended, and the diploma or certification you’ll receive.

• If you took courses through an online provider, a correspondence school or other accredited program, enter the institution's name as your school name, dates of attendance and any certificate you'll receive.
• Otherwise, you should enter “Home School/Home Study” as your school name. For diploma/certificate received, select either GED or Certificate of Proficiency if applicable, or select "Other" and type "None."

Personal insight questions

Like all applicants, you’re encouraged to share information in the personal insight questions that would provide context for UC admission officers reviewing your application. Specifically, we’d like to know about your home-school environment and experience, particularly if you have been unable to complete our minimum admission requirements:

• Why did your family choose home schooling?
• How is your day structured?
• What extracurricular activities are you passionate about?

We’re interested not only in your strengths as a scholar, but also your leadership qualities, passions and contributions to your family and community.