Homeschool Students

The mission of Messiah College is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society. Messiah College welcomes homeschooled students who are interested in learning at a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences and who have distinguished themselves as scholars, athletes, artists, and leaders.

Is Messiah College "homeschool friendly?"

Yes! Messiah College welcomes homeschooled students. Currently Messiah College has nearly 150 students who were homeschooled during their senior year of high school and many more who were homeschooled at some point in their education. In fact, Messiah has an admissions counselor specially designated to helping homeschoolers and their families navigate the admissions process and answer questions they may have.

What do homeschoolers like about Messiah College?

Homeschoolers have been drawn to Messiah College's high academic priority and expansive academic and career options of more than 55 majors and pre-professional programs. Peterson's Competitive Colleges lists Messiah as one of the nation's "Top Colleges for Top Students." Outstanding study abroad, internship, and career placement programs appeal to homeschooled students who have studied in a non-traditional setting. Homeschooled students have been impressed with Messiah College's commitment to character development through diverse cocurricular opportunities. Messiah College provides a challenging place for students to explore their faith and develop spiritual maturity to love God with head, heart, and hand.

What is the suggested high school preparation curriculum?

• 4 units in academic English
• 2 or more units in academic mathematics
• 2 or more units in academic natural science
• 2 or more units in academic social studies
• 2 or more units in academic electives, preferably in foreign language
• 4 units in additional electives

What is required for a homeschooled student to apply to Messiah College?

1. Complete an application form and submit it to the Messiah College Admissions Office with a $30 fee. You may download an application in PDF format or access and complete our application online.
2. Submit a comprehensive transcript of your senior year academic program as well as your courses and course evaluations of the ninth through eleventh grades. If you do not receive grades, please explain your method of evaluation of course content. If you have an independent evaluation of your academic progress by a qualified educator, please include that with your transcript.
3. Scores from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) should be sent directly to the Messiah College Admissions Office. Testing information can be obtained from your local high school counselor or you can contact testing services directly.
   
   • SAT 1-888-SAT-HELP www.collegeboard.org
   • ACT 319-337-1270 www.act.org
     
   Messiah College does not require SAT II subject examinations.
4. A Christian Life Recommendation form needs to be submitted and is found in the written application as well as online.

May I apply to Messiah College if I do not have a state certified diploma or a GED?

Yes, a homeschooled student is not required to have a GED or a state certified diploma to apply. The applicant's transcript, test scores, essay, life experiences, and recommendation will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if he or she exhibits the scholastic competence and excellence to benefit from and contribute to the Messiah College community.

Does Messiah College accept Advanced Placement or CLEP scores for credit?

College credit is typically granted for advanced placement scores of 3 or higher. Messiah also honors the College-Level Examination Program. Official transcripts of both AP test results and CLEP test results should be sent to the Messiah College Admissions Office for evaluation.

Will Messiah College accept college credits that have been completed during the high school experience?

Messiah College carefully evaluates courses taken at other colleges. In most cases, core curriculum (such as History of Western Civilization, Public Speaking, etc.) are applied toward Messiah's General Education curriculum. Course work must be completed at accredited colleges or universities and only grades of C or better will transfer. Many homeschooled students are completing college courses during the high school experience. Along with the application, an official academic transcript from the college(s) attended must be forwarded directly to Messiah's Admissions Office. An evaluation of the transfer credit will be completed by our registrar after students have been accepted for admissions. Long distance learning credits are handled in the same manner if completed at an accredited college or university.

Please check out our Guide to Transfer Equivalencies for Messiah College General Education Requirement.

As a homeschooled student, will I be eligible for financial aid?

Homeschooled students who are accepted to Messiah College can apply for all federal, state, and institutional aid. There are various ways for a homeschooled student to qualify for federal aid. Some students qualify by obtaining a state certified homeschool diploma or by completing the GED. Homeschooled students can also qualify for federal financial aid if they have completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that qualified as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under State law. In Pennsylvania, if a student meets the graduation requirements for federal aid, he or she should meet the graduation requirements for state aid.

Does Messiah College offer academic scholarships to homeschooled students?

Homeschooled students will be evaluated for academic scholarship in the same way as a traditional high school student.Scholarships for academic excellence and scholastic leadership range from $6000 to full tuition and can be renewed yearly. A minimum SAT score of 1100, ACT score of 24, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Please call the Admissions Office at our toll free 1-800-233-4220 and talk with our homeschool admissions counselor, Brian Sweeney, or e-mail him at bsweeney@messiah.edu