A high school diploma and transcript is the lifeline to gaining acceptance for a post secondary education. Whether it is trade school or a university that your student wishes to attend, it is important that accurate records are kept of their education and progress. Many homeschooling parents are unsure about how to produce a creditable and professional grade transcript. Some even spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to have outside sources create transcripts for them. However, the truth is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a winning transcript.

The key to a great transcript is great organization skills. Records must be tracked and recorded as they occur. If you keep your homeschooled student’s grades on the computer, be sure to make an up to date back up, as lost data can be difficult to restore. Course descriptions and related grades should be kept for permanent record as early as the 7th grade. If your child completed 9th grade English requirements in the 8th grade, be sure that information will be clear to the people on the admissions board. For help with a professional look, there are many templates available online, some of which are free.

Homeschool differs from a traditional education in the way that it is individualized and custom. Colleges and universities aim to give homeschooled children an equal opportunity when it comes to application requirements. However, often they are left with curriculum questions when assessing a homeschool transcript. For this reason, it is important to keep accurate records of the text books and work books that where used to teach required subjects. It is a good idea to photocopy the cover of the curriculum materials, so you can verify validity to the reviewing board if necessary.

In addition, be sure to include extracurricular activities in your homeschool transcript. Colleges and universities like to see that students are well rounded. They are often impressed by projects that show leadership skills, service to the community, or dedication to a passion or talent. Do not forget to incorporate extracurricular activities as part of your homeschooling plan or your student’s transcript.