Pennsylvania College Openly Courts Home-school High School Graduates
Messiah College, located near Harrisburg, Pa. wants homeschoolers to know they are not only welcome at Messiah they are coveted.
The 2800+ student body already has many students who have gained their education at home. Most of these have grown up in the U.S. but among them are the children of missionaries who were homeschooled overseas. At least 150 of them were homeschooled during their senior year.
The college website specifically addresses homeschoolers with this invitation, “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.”
There is a unique staff position, an admissions counselor whose primary assignment is to assist homeschooling families through the admissions process.
Homeschooler like Messiah College because of the numerous and varied majors. There are 55 different majors. The spiritual environment also helps students to mature in their love for God. The school provides many opportunities for study abroad, career placement and internships.
GED or state certified diplomas required by some institutions are not required from homeschooled applicants at Messiah College. It is necessary to provide for evaluation a transcript, essay, test scores, a life experiences form and recommendation.
Applications are available for download at the website. A fee of $30 is required for submission with the application. The school requires SAT I and ACT scores sent directly to the admissions office. SAT II subject examinations are not required.
Scholarships are available to homeschoolers on the same basis as from traditional education schools. Scholarships range from $6000 to full tuition. These may be renewed each year. Minimum scores are 1100 on the SAT, 24 on the ACT, or a GPA of 3.5+.
Students can also apply for federal, state and institutional aid. Qualification for federal aid by completing the GED, getting a state certified homeschool diploma. States vary on provisions of ways to be exempt from compulsory attendance requirements. Students graduating in Pennsylvania who meet the requirements for federal aid also qualify for state aid.
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