Cynde’s story is already amazing because her son earned the allowable 90 college credits that Liberty University will accept towards a 120-credit bachelor’s degree (75%), but if you look carefully at this post title, you’ll see her son successfully brought in 101 credits, which is more than “allowed” and resulted in saving her family another $4,000. How did she do that? I’m glad you asked!
Continue reading “High School Graduate, 101 Successful Credits”
This was a question I received via email today, and the perfect subject of a very important consideration when planning a course sequence for your student.
There are two times when choosing dual enrollment courses in a specific sequence really does matter.
Course sequences can be tracked for level of difficulty. For example, a student who takes Calculus I at their local community college in 11th grade high school may encounter transfer problems if they take Precalculus at the community college in 12th grade. Since Precalculus is generally taken first, this “backward” sequence may be disqualified as a “duplication of credit” since the knowledge was “already demonstrated” when they passed Calculus I. So while these two classes are genuinely different and do not duplicate each other in a normal situation, taking them in reverse order may cause problems.
College courses, unlike high school courses, always run on a 1-semester cycle. While a high school course often takes a full year (2 semesters), this is not the case in a college schedule. All college classes take 1 semester, so when a course was written to cover a 2-semester scope and sequence, a high school student may not be advised to complete the sequence because they are not in a degree program. This is a small pitfall that leaves high school students at a disadvantage because a dual enrollment advisor won’t be mapping the student’s courses to a degree; they will just be managing the immediate enrollment needs of the student.
For example, General Biology 1 with Lab and General Biology 2 with Lab, taken through a college, are intentionally designed to cover the full scope and sequence over 2 semesters. These courses are usually taught using the same textbook, the same professor, and may even meet at the same scheduled time. These two classes “go together” and are intended to be completed in a set. If a student looks at the prerequisites for General Biology 2 with Lab, it very likely requires completion of General Biology 1 with Lab.
There are plenty of examples of college course numbers that follow each other (102, 103, 104…), but are not actually a sequence. You’ll be able to identify these examples when the subject jumps from one to the next, or when they do not have prerequisites that dictate the progression. When this happens, this is not a real sequence, and you can disregard the need to take both parts.
Example:
In this history course catalog, you see that the numbers get higher, that there are a few “part 1” type of courses, but since none have prerequisites, this allows any student to take any of these courses in any order they like. This is because the prereq requirement (none) is telling you that the course does not build on content from an earlier course, and therefore it is NOT a sequence.
In high school, while your student is still a few years away from heading to college for a degree, the guidance given by Homeschooling for College Credit is considered our “best practice” advice because it helps most students, most of the time, at most colleges. With 4,000 colleges and universities in this country, it’s not the same as getting specific advice for your specific situation. When your student has a specific college picked out, our “best practice” advice should now take a back seat to the actual rules and policies of that college. In that case, seeking specific advise for your specific situation becomes possible. In reality, it is the big mistakes that parents make, not the small, obscure loopholes, that prevent credit from transferring. Homeschooling for College Credit advice will always help you avoid big mistakes.
Not enough scholarship databases yet? Here’s another that I’ll shine the spotlight on: Big Future Scholarship Search. Big Future Scholarship Search is an offshoot of collegeboard.org, and, according to their FAQ page, “is a tool that allows you to create a profile with standard information requested by many college scholarship applications. This profile is used to match you with scholarships that you’re eligible for based on their requirements. You’ll be able to reuse the information for other applications without having to retype your personal information for each subsequent application.”
Continue reading “Scholarships & Contests: June 2026”
The AAMC reports that most doctors knew they wanted to become doctors as early as middle school! If that’s true in your home, and you have an aspiring doctor, there are some aspects of your Homeschooling for College Credit program that you’ll want to monitor closely so your student’s early college credit can be used later. I’ll give you the admissions requirements for med school as well, so you can begin planning.
Continue reading “Homeschooling for Pre-Med: Key Steps to Success”
Thank you to everyone who supported HS4CC and purchased an honor cord. We are sold out for 2026 and look forward to seeing all your graduation photos with that beautiful peacock-blue cord!! Congratulations, HS4CC Class of 2026!!
There isn’t a college degree that doesn’t require English credit! Whether your student is looking at an Associate (2-year) degree or a Bachelor’s (4-year) degree, chances are incredibly high that they will need 6 college credits of English Composition. The benefits of taking these courses now is that (a) it’s a fraction of the cost, (b) you can help them learn how to do college while still at home (c) this very time-consuming class will be finished by the time they start their degree! Here are 3 ways to do this in 12th grade.
Continue reading “3 Awesome Ways to Oursource English Composition in 12th Grade”
It’s almost time for Advanced Placement testing! Here’s what you can expect from scores, whether you’re using AP for college credit or admissions.
Continue reading “AP for College Credit….or Admissions?”
This month’s website spotlight is The University Network (tun). TUN has a ton to offer! (Pardon the pun, I couldn’t resist.) In addition to search engines specific to scholarships, free courses, internships, and student discounts, they also have a resources section which includes a FAFSA Guide, College Admissions articles for “every step of the way,” and school profiles. In addition to the online resources, the website also has TUN TV where you can “watch exclusive interviews with education thought leaders.”
Although I am sure you are use to the scholarship search engines, as they are all pretty similar, I probably got your attention with the free course search engine mentioned! TUN has a search engine that is specific to (over 6,000) free courses, as well as quick links to free courses from top schools like Harvard, Yale, and MIT.
Sponsor: Rover
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: May 1, 2026
Description: Open to U.S. citizens or legal residents enrolled or accepted as full-time students at an accredited 4-year undergraduate institution in the U.S. with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Joseph A. Terbrack ALS Memorial Scholarship
Sponsor: Laura Terbrack
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 2, 2026
Description: Open to high school and undergraduate students who have been affected by ALS. Applicants must write an essay about their experience. (Located on Bold.org)
Sponsor: Bill of Rights Institute
Amount: Up to $10,000
Closing Date: May 3, 2026
Description: This contest encourages students to complete a service project that promotes civic virtue and then submit a report about their impact.
UPU International Letter-Writing Competition
Sponsor: Universal Postal Union
Amount: Varies (International recognition)
Closing Date: May 5, 2026
Description: Open to children aged 9-15. Participants write a letter on the following topic: Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.
Sponsor: NSHSS
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: Varies
Description: Various scholarships are available at this website. They can be sorted as “Open” or “Upcoming.”
Brent Gordon Foundation Scholarship
Sponsor: Brent Gordon Foundation
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: May 10, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors or undergraduates who have lost a parent. Applicants submit an essay about how that loss has impacted their life journey.
Write the World: Memoir Contest
Sponsor: The Wayne Dyer Family Foundation
Amount: $100
Closing Date: May 25, 2026
Description: Open to writers 13-19 years of age. In up to 1,000 words, share your view of the world through an excerpt of your future memoir in which you offer a slice of your identity and experience while enticing readers to, one day, read more.
Sponsor: Celebrating Art
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: An art competition open to students in grades K-12. Selected works are published in an anthology.
One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest
Sponsor: One Earth Film Festival
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: May 25, 2026
Description: Open to students who create a short film (3-8 minutes) about a topic related to sustainability or the environment.
America’s 250th Anniversary Art & Writing Competition
Sponsor: America250
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: May 25, 2026
Description: Students in grades 3-12 explore the history of the United States through art or writing as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.
Sponsor: Various
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: May 30, 2026
Description: Designed for students showing potential in leadership and civic engagement.
Bright HEROs Educational Enrichment Program
Sponsor: Various
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: May 30, 2026
Description: Supports students participating in extracurricular programs that enrich their academic or personal development.
Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Christian Values Scholarship
Sponsor: Bold.org
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: May 30, 2026
Description: Awarded to students who embody strong Christian values and community service.
There’s Space for Everyone Scholarship
Sponsor: Extra Space Storage
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
Description: An essay of 500-800 words to the answer the question: “How have you exhibited a commitment to inclusion and strengthening your community through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Sponsor: Niche
Amount: $25,000
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
Description: A popular “no-essay” scholarship where students simply need to create a profile on the Niche platform.
Sponsor: Constituting America
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
Description: Students create projects (essays, videos, songs) about the U.S. Constitution and its relevance today.
JQA International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest
Sponsor: JQA
Amount: Prizes and global recognition
Closing Date: May 31, 2026
Description: Open to children aged 7-15 worldwide. Draw a picture expressing the importance of the environment.
This exam is no joke. It has the lowest pass rate of any CLEP exam and is an extreme outlier. Most CLEP exam pass rates are 50-90%, but Chemistry is only around 25%, so when Homeschooling for College Credit mom Amy sent me an email that her son Daniel passed the CLEP College Chemistry exam and successfully transferred it to his university, I had to get the details of what they did. Here is exactly what they did.
Continue reading “CLEP College Chemistry”
This year’s guide is jam-packed with hundreds (thousands) of college credits, all free for the taking. We lost some programs from last year, but picked up a couple of new ones this year. A resourceful HS4CC parent could build an entire Homeschooling for College Credit program using free college credits. If this sounds exciting, grab the guide and bring down the cost of college.
My #4 son knew early on that he wanted to be a welder. Before we even started high school, I’d gathered every possible industrial arts curriculum or program I could find (spoiler: there aren’t many!), but then I stumbled upon an amazing safety training company that offers **free** courses. I lost count of how many we used in our homeschool, but it was well over 10. And yes, I’ll show you how you can award high school credit for these, too!
Continue reading “Teen Headed into Trades? Safety Training Available Now”
I remember stretching my phone line across the hallway whenever I needed to plug my computer into the internet in 1994. I can’t even begin to explain all the ways technology has changed my life over the past 30 years, but if you’re close to my age, you get it. I admit, I wasn’t paying enough attention to AI in 2024-2025. Is it a robot? Is it like a better version of Google? Oh, so you’re telling me it can do math and write research papers? Wow, that’s going to make it hard for professors to detect cheating…. I had no idea.
Continue reading “AI Just Changed College Forever: What You Need to Know About Dual Enrollment ASAP”
Each year we survey our Homeschooling for College Credit community to find out what families are loving (or not) and using to earn college credit. The results are always really exciting, and will be published at the end of the school year. Take a moment to let us know about your HS4CC program this year, even if you’re not up and running; your opinion matters. Take the survey.
This survey requires Google sign-in to ensure one response per person and protect the accuracy of our results. Your email address is not used for follow-up, marketing, or shared with any third party, and responses are combined into one report as a group.
Recording grades from multiple sources used different grade scales? This challenge can become even more complex if you want to streamline your entire transcript onto one scale. If your homeschooler has taken college classes, it’s likely you’ve encountered differences in how grades are assigned vs those you’ve already assigned. If that’s happened to you, this will help you clean up your transcript.
Continue reading “GPA Help: Multiple Grade Scales”
Every year, I am honored to celebrate with families that have been in the Homeschooling for College Credit and are moving on to the next stage of their lives. Many go to college, some start a business, others go into service. When someone graduates, they usually leave our little community, and I am so proud! Before you leave, I invite you to leave a small legacy for those following in your footsteps. Your story is inspirational, and I would love to feature it in our Happy Stories section. There are a few of you with specific types of homeschooling situations that homeschooling parents need to hear from! (See below)
Continue reading “Graduating from Homeschool in 2026?”
If your student uses alternative forms of college credit, like Study.com for your homeschool, you’ll want to check the list below. I count 10 courses that have final exams deleted, and I just received an email from their team that NO COURSES will require proctored final exams anymore. Studycom joins Sophia and Straighterline in this practice. What will that mean for content integrity and acceptance of courses moving forward?
Continue reading “Studycom Drops Final Exams & Proctoring”
This year’s guide is jam-packed with hundreds (thousands) of college credits, all free for the taking. We lost some programs from last year, but picked up a couple of new ones this year. A resourceful HS4CC parent could build an entire Homeschooling for College Credit program using free college credits. If this sounds exciting, grab the guide and bring down the cost of college.
In this month’s list of scholarships and contests there are several opportunities for children as young as elementary school to enter! Remember, you can bank the money now to pay for college credits later!
Whether you are on the tail end of your student’s senior year, or you are just beginning the high school years, preparing your teen for college can be a bit overwhelming! Paying for the education is just one aspect of the overwhelm. Road2College is a resource that can be utilized, either as a free or paid member or as a visitor. Under the services drop down menu, you will find various services to buy, from membership plans to coaching sessions. However, there is a drop down menu of blog posts, arranged by general topic, that are great resources from topics of Applications, Family Life, Essays, and Scholarships, among others. The Free Resources tab includes guides for each year of high school, Admissions and Financing guides, and “Popular” guides. Overall, this looks like a helpful resource for families with college bound high school students.
AEA Educational Foundation Scholarship Programs
Sponsor: Aircraft Electronics Association
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors and current college students who plan to major in an aviation field, specifically aircraft electronics or aviation maintenance.
Air Line Pilots Association Scholarship
Sponsor: Air Line Pilots Association
Amount: $60,000 ($15,000 per year)
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: Available to children of medically retired, long-term disabled, or deceased ALPA members. The scholarship is awarded based on academic standing and financial need.
AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship
Sponsor: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Amount: $5,000
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: High school seniors are invited to write a 1,500-word essay or create a video about how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their life, their family, or their community.
Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship in Communication and Journalism
Sponsor: Learn.org
Amount: $500
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students pursuing a major in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
Drive Smart, Live Safe Scholarship
Sponsor: Centro Legal Hispano de Las Vegas
Description: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in U.S. trade schools, technical schools, colleges, or graduate programs. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer exploring actionable strategies young people can use to reduce drunk driving and promote safer roads in their communities.
Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
Sponsor: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Amount: $3,000 per year (Renewable)
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and first-year college students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to public service. Applicants must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Project Yellow Light Video Design Scholarship
Sponsor: Project Yellow Light
Amount: $8,000
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: High school and college students are invited to create a short video (10 or 25 seconds) designed to warn their peers about the dangers of distracted driving. This is a creative way to use media for social change while earning tuition funds.
Wings of Expression Scholarship
Sponsor: Haque Law
Amount: $2,500 Scholarship + $500 for supplies
Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Description: This award supports students in trade, technical, undergraduate, or graduate programs across the U.S. Applicants must submit a vintage-style, “hawk wing” mural sketch and a 2–3 minute process video. The winner will travel to Houston to paint their eight-foot by six-foot design on a featured wall.
Albemarle Community Scholarship
Sponsor: Albemarle Foundation
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: April 9, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors residing in communities where Albemarle operates. The award focuses on students pursuing careers in STEM or chemical manufacturing.
Sponsor: EnerGIS
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: April 10, 2026
Description: For students interested in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). Applicants should be pursuing a degree that utilizes GIS technology in the energy industry.
Milliman Opportunity Scholarship
Sponsor: Milliman
Amount: Up to $10,000
Closing Date: April 14, 2026
Description: Created to assist students from underrepresented communities who are pursuing a career in actuarial science, data science, or economics at a four-year university.
Defending Voices Without a Voice Scholarship
Sponsor: Kitchel Injury Law
Amount: $5,000 (Law Students) / $2,500 (Undergraduate)
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports students with a connection to the Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia region who aspire to practice immigration law. Applicants must submit an original essay of 1,000 words or fewer discussing their motivation to advocate for immigrant communities and protect vulnerable populations.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes (Full Application)
Sponsor: Barron Prize
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: After a March pre-application, the full application is due in April. This prize honors students (ages 8-18) who have led significant service projects that benefit people or the environment.
Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship
Sponsor: Pretty Presets & Actions
Amount: $500
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors and college students. Applicants must submit an essay and use Adobe Lightroom to edit a series of photos according to the prompt.
SKECHERS Academic Excellence Scholarship
Sponsor: Skechers
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 15, 2026
Description: Open to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. The program rewards students who show strong leadership potential.
Sponsor: Junior Achievement of Western PA
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: April 18, 2026
Description: Open to students who have participated in Junior Achievement programs. This funding helps cover tuition for local and national post-secondary institutions.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
Sponsor: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Amount: Varies (Educational Support)
Closing Date: April 29, 2026
Description: A selective program for high-performing 7th graders with financial need. It provides comprehensive advising and financial support from 8th grade through high school.
All About Education Scholarship
Sponsor: Unigo
Amount: $3,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: In 250 words or less, explain how a $3,000 scholarship would make a difference in your life. Open to students 14 years or older.
RentHop’s College and University Scholarship
Sponsor: RentHop
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: Currently enrolled undergraduate students can apply by writing an essay on the importance of technology in the real estate industry.
Sponsor: Sara Myers Brown Equity Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: A unique scholarship for female high school seniors who have an active interest in the game of golf. Selection is based on financial need and character.
Think for Yourself Scholarship
Sponsor: Let Grow
Amount: Up to $5,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: High school seniors are asked to write an essay about a time they stood up for a belief that was unpopular or thought for themselves in a difficult situation.
Sponsor: 3M and Discovery Education
Amount: $25,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: Open to students in grades 5-8. Participants submit a 1-2 minute video explaining an original idea for a new invention that solves an everyday problem.
The America Library of Poetry Student Contest
Sponsor: The America Library of Poetry
Amount: Varies (Prizes & Publication)
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: This national poetry contest is open to students in grades K-12. It’s a great opportunity for young writers to see their work published in a national anthology.
Sponsor: AbbVie
Amount: $15,000
Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports students living with specific immune-mediated diseases as they pursue higher education. It is open to high school seniors and college students nationwide.
As some of you have teens planning to graduate at the end of the semester, the cost of college is getting real. I have compiled a list of 15 different states that offer a “last-dollar” or free-college programs. “Last dollar” programs mean the program pays your balance after your regular grants and scholarships are used – but it also means NO LOANS. If you live in one of these states, I hope it helps you get your teen out of college debt-free!
Continue reading “Class of 2026 Free Tuition Opportunities”
No matter how many college credits your teen earns in high school, your teen will apply as a freshman. Earning college credit after graduation is how students become transfer applicants, so earning college credit during a gap year requires some consideration.
Continue reading “College Credit During Your Gap Year”
10th grade is a great time to plan a CLEP if you have a teen who studies well and retains information. While I consider 11th and 12th grades to be the “sweet spot” to homeschool for the most college credit, CLEP exams can be taken in any grade and at any age – and these two exams fit perfectly in almost every homeschool in 10th grade.
Continue reading “2 CLEPs to Take in 10th Grade”
🎉 February HS4CC $250 Gives Back Winner Announced! 🎉
We are excited to announce that Dianna Kennedy is our February HS4CC $250 Gives Back winner! Dianna homeschools her kids in Kentucky.
Dianna says she’s been following the Homeschooling for College Credit community since 2023 and that it’s been an “invaluable resource to help our family incorporate college credit into the high school years without compromising our goals and values.”
We are thrilled to celebrate her and happy to help her get started with Homeschooling for College Credit.
It’s not too late to get in on our final HS4CC Gives Back drawing. It will be held on March 31, 2026. We will be giving away $100 to one lucky Homeschooling for College Credit parent to help support their homeschooling costs.
👉 Get in on the March drawing by joining HS4CC Gives Back here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hs4cc
Your high school student doesn’t have to be a senior to apply for scholarships! This month features scholarships and contests open to students as young as kindergarten (!), but if your student is at least age 13, you won’t want to miss these. This month includes opportunities for Eagle Scouts, young artists, cybersecurity, endangered species advocacy, and superheroes!
Continue reading “Scholarships & Contests: March 2026”
Did your teen have a dual enrollment class later demoted to an “elective” at their target college? If you’re upset, I have 3 reasons you should reconsider your anger.
Continue reading “Our dual enrollment course was “demoted” to an elective!”
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating – and a homeschool graduation is extra special! As an HS4CC parent, you have guided your teen through an incredible journey, not only completing high school but earning college credit along the way. That is no small achievement. The HS4CC Honor Cord exists to recognize exactly that kind of excellence.
Continue reading “HS4CC Graduation Honor Cords are Here!”