Here is a small sample of some new listings in our HS4CC Marketplace right now. Not yet a member? HS4CC Market Place
HS4CC Marketplace
Category: Resources
A New HS4CC Facebook Group!
I’m pleased to announce our newest Facebook group: Homeschooling for College Credit Computer Science, IT, and Cybersecurity! If your teen is targeting anything tech or computer-related for dual enrollment, a major in college, or an occupation, this is the group for you!
Continue reading “A New HS4CC Facebook Group!”
Replacing a High School Class with a College Class: Match-up Guide
Does College Algebra replace high school algebra 2? Can you use CLEP to replace American Literature? In this post, you’ll learn which dual enrollment college class will replace your high school classes.
Continue reading “Replacing a High School Class with a College Class: Match-up Guide”
Studycom Upper Level List
Study(dot)com posted their upper level credit list last week. It’s searchable longhand on their website, but this is nice to see in one place.
Continue reading “Studycom Upper Level List”Sneak Peek: 2022 HS4CC Live Events
I Need How Much Education?
Earning college credit in high school tends to keep our discussions centered around associate and bachelor’s degrees, but sometimes a teen is shocked to learn that their degree won’t prepare them for the job they want. Did you know a bachelor’s degree in psychology doesn’t qualify you to be a psychologist? In this post, we’ll look at jobs that require an additional degree higher than a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational credential needed to get work.
Continue reading “I Need How Much Education?”
Transcript Resource Page
It’s only the most important homeschool document you’ll ever create! No pressure.
(Transcript Chapter) Chapter 7 of Homeschooling for College Credit (2nd edition).
Families who have a lot of college credit often worry about how to record credit earned through dual enrollment, CLEP, or ACE. Our families also want to be sure they are assigning the proper letter grades, calculating their GPA accurately, and not missing any key essentials.
If you’re really starting from scratch, my advice is to read the full chapter, do a template on your computer (tutorial below if you don’t have one), and just dive in. The other tools on this page will help you calculate GPA and fine tune your work, but getting something down on paper is really the first step.
FAQs
- Length? 1 page
- Titles? Keep them simple.
- Fonts and colors? Resist the urge.
- + and – grades? Only if you like doing extra math.
- To weigh or not to weigh? When in doubt, do it both ways.
- 1 college course taken at a college with a grade = 1 high school credit.
- Brand names shouldn’t appear on a high school transcript.
- Test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP, etc.) shouldn’t appear on a transcript because it’s a FERPA violation.
- Remember that the transcript is only one part of the application!
- Know the difference between remedial, regular, honors, AP, or DE
- High school graduation requirements are not admissions requirements
Livestream Transcript Workshops
Online livestream workshops are taught by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa several times per year. The focus is specifically helping HS4CC families accurately represent high school and college credit on their transcript. Live Events
Template Build Demo (Recorded)
This 30-minute recorded template building demonstration is taught by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa and is open to anyone. The workshop is free and on demand – complete on your schedule. Using Microsoft Word or Open Office, the focus of this class is to build a template that you can use to create your own homeschool transcript. Build it Now!
Other Transcript Template Resources
- The “How To Homeschool” website allows you to create a pdf document that can then be printed or saved on your computer. The only downside is that your info isn’t saved. Transcript template
- Home School Legal Defense Association has a wonderful section about transcripts on their website. Some of it is public, and some requires a membership, but you can also purchase a transcript template from their site. HSLDA Transcript Resource Page
- FastTranscript has a special HS4CC promotional code that is good for 25% off the monthly The Essentials Plan which regularly costs $7.95. Use HS4CC at checkout.
GPA Calculation Tools
The easiest GPA calculator is Back2College SUPER easy to use, I’ve used it for at least 5 years. Totally free, but it is really just a calculator. They use a standard 4.0 grading scale, so if you’re planning to use a different weighted grade scale, this isn’t the best site. Also, you can’t save anything – it’s just to help you do the math.
Alternative GPA calculator if you use weighted grades GPA Calculator
Not sure if you should weight the GPA or not? Explore the pros and cons here.
Need advice? Email Jennifer directly if you have a quick question. (use form below)
Help! We Need a Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher
It’s no surprise that homeschooled teens don’t have the deep bench of teachers on standby in the same way public schooled teens do. If your teen’s college application asks for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you have options.
Continue reading “Help! We Need a Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher”
Time Management: A Class for Teens
A parent from our New York Homeschooling for College Credit Facebook group shared with me about a wonderful time management course her teen took via Zoom. I’m passing along the info and her comments for those who may be interested.
Continue reading “Time Management: A Class for Teens”
100 Employee Scholarships
Parents: check with Human Resources immediately! Scholarship application deadlines are sometimes a year in advance.
Who qualifies?
It depends. In some cases, a parent’s dependents are eligible to apply, but in other cases, the teen must be an employee. If you or your teen already work for one of these companies, simply contact your Human Resources department and ask for more information. Continue reading “100 Employee Scholarships”
7 Scholarships!
There aren’t a lot of scholarships left at this time of year because most have been awarded. Look at these as “below the radar” opportunities! Keep watching for a new batch of scholarships to open up this summer.
Continue reading “7 Scholarships!”
Olivet Nazarene University
(1) Olivet’s program is for *adults only* per their program information sheet.
(2) Olivet is a Christian university. Per their website “The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant, Christian denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the Church of the Nazarene is now home to more than two million members worshiping in more than 26,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.”
Although this program isn’t going to work for our HS4CC teens, I felt strongly to share it with you because this new program means colleges and universities are adapting and changing to meet consumer demand. Besides, we’ve had MANY parents earn degrees alongside their teens. I do hope we see this model implemented by more colleges, and when we do, I’ll eagerly bring them to you!
Facts:
Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois)
Called: Your Way Program.
**COLLEGE CLASSES ARE FREE** (There is a transcript fee of $50/credit if you want the courses listed on a college transcript.)
For the Olivet Nazarene Your Way Program, who is considered an “adult”?
- Anyone with a high school diploma or GED may apply to the Your Way Program.
Can a 15-year-old student with a homeschool high school diploma take classes through the YWP?
- Yes, as long as they can provide their official high school transcript or have a GED.
Are all of your General Education courses available through the YWP?
No. Here is a list of current courses available (January 2022).
- BIB 105 – Introduction to Christianity
- BIB 110 – Introduction to World Religions
- BIB 215 – Understanding the Bible
- THE 300 – Faith and Contemporary Issues
- THE 310 – Christianity and Culture
- FAC 126 – Nutrition, Health, and Fitness
- MTH 117 – Finite Math
- MTH 120 – Introduction to Statistics
- BIO 201 – General Biological Science
- CHM 101 – Chemistry
- GEO 121 – Physical Geography
- ENG 109 – College Writing I
- ENG 200 – College Writing II
- COM 105 – Oral Communication
- FIN 105 – Fine Arts
- ENG 204 – World Literature
- ENG 301 – Thematic Studies in Literature
- HIS 210 – Western Civilization
- HIS 379 – Latin American History and Politics
- PSC 223 – American Government
- SOC 120 – Introduction to Sociology
After registration for a Your Way course, does the course need to be completed within a specific time period?
- No. The courses are all self-paced and asynchronous.
Will students who complete a course via the YWP receive a letter grade or is it considered pass/fail?
- Students will receive a percentage grade.
- Tests are worth 40% of the students’ grade in the course and Assessments are worth 60% of the overall grade.
- Re-takes are available if students who score under a 70%, which will allow them to raise their grade.
So if a student finishes the class with an 85% but do not what to transcript grades below an A, they should just not pay for the course to be put on the transcript?
- No. If a student wants to raise their grade of 85% to a higher grade, they can redo assignments to raise the grade.
They do not need to score below 70% to retake an assignment?
- No. They can raise their overall grade and then have it added to their transcript.
Are syllabi available for these courses?
- For the purpose of academic integrity, we do not make syllabus available. However, since the courses are free to register for, you can apply for the YWP, sign up for the course, and then access the syllabus that way.
What is the application process and is there a fee to apply?
- There is no charge to apply and you can apply at this link: https://apply.online.olivet.edu/onyourway
- Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for review during the application process.
CogniTutor Review
Last year, the company CogniTutor asked if any of the HS4CC leadership would like to receive free tutoring in exchange for writing a review. CogniTutor offers live Zoom tutoring for subjects as well as exams. Two of our moderators participated in a session. This post shares their experiences with the product.
Continue reading “CogniTutor Review”
Transcript Resource Page
It’s only the most important homeschool document you’ll ever create! No pressure.
We have lots of free and paid resource recommendations below. One thing to be aware of, is that recording college credit on a high school transcript is a bit different than recording high school credit.
Families who have a lot of college credit often worry about how to record credit earned through dual enrollment, CLEP, or ACE. Our families also want to be sure they are assigning the proper letter grades, calculating their GPA accurately, and not missing any key essentials.
Step 1: The Basic FAQs
- Length? 1 page
- Titles? Keep them simple.
- Fonts and colors? Resist the urge.
- + and – grades? Only if you like doing extra math.
- To weigh or not to weigh? When in doubt, do it both ways.
- 1 college course taken at a college with a grade = 1 high school credit.
- Use subject names, not brand names (yes to Algebra 1, no to Saxon)
- Test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP, etc.) shouldn’t appear on a transcript per FERPA privacy guidelines.
- Remember that the transcript is only one part of the application!
Step 2: Get a Template
- Use a “by calendar” or “by year” format instead of a “by subject” format. While some colleges may permit you to use a “by subject” format, others will ask you to rewrite it. On the other hand, no college will ever ask you to rewrite a “by calendar” into a “by subject” format.
- The “How To Homeschool” website allows you to create a pdf document that can then be printed or saved on your computer. The only downside is that your info isn’t saved. Transcript template
- Home School Legal Defense Association has a wonderful section about transcripts on their website. Some of it is public, and some requires a membership, but you can also purchase a transcript template from their site. HSLDA Transcript Resource Page
- Want the BEST template? Build one yourself! The problem with buying or downloading templates (even free ones) is that their formatting doesn’t usually allow you to edit or make changes you need. In Jennifer’s workshop, we’ll go from blank paper to full template in 30 minutes. It’s open to anyone with or without computer skills. (free) Build it Now!
Step 3: Calculate GPA
- The easiest GPA calculator is Back2College SUPER easy to use, totally free, but it is really just a calculator. It uses the standard 4.0 (unweighted) grading scale.
- The easiest GPA calculator for weighted GPA GPA Calculator (note, the credits for that calculator have to be at least 1.0 or higher)
- GPA calculator for your phone
Step 4: Attend the HS4CC Transcript Writing Class
“I was VERY anxious about transcripts before this workshop. My mind is now totally at ease on this topic, not an easy task for a Type A personality. Best workshop I’ve taken as a mom of a soon to be high schooler who has already taken a few high school level classes in Junior high. I walked away with more than an understanding of transcripts and the template to create them, but also what I needed to be saving for college applications as my son will take college level classes offered in co-op for college credit next year.”
“Having attended the April session, I can say it was well worth the time and money for the class. My son is an 8th grader and high school is looming. I’m now at peace with this task. I’ve made my template and have the high school classes he’s already taken filled out. Getting this knowledge and creating the transcript was a huge weight off my shoulder. It gave be real anxiety and now I say bring it. I’m ready and prepared. Thank you!!!!”
| Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| April 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| March 18, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| January 14, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| October 6, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| August 30, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| July 27, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
| June 23, 2021 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm EST | SOLD OUT |
This special 2- 1/2 -hour class is offered several times per year (see schedule above), and taught by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa on Zoom. It’s the best way to get a deep and thorough understanding of building the best transcript for your homeschool teen – especially when it includes both high school and college credit. Class lasts for 2- 1/2 to 3 hours including a short break and concludes with a Q&A period. Each registered participant will receive a recording of the entire class, the slide deck/teaching packet, and an invitation to email their transcript for a private review. Space is always limited, classes always sell out. $40.
Course Outline
- What is a transcript? What is it not?
- Homeschool record keeping
- Sending transcripts to college
- Where does a transcript come from?
- What to put on the transcript, and what to leave off
- Why unique transcripts make a poor impression
- What goes in the header and footer
- How to enter courses on any template
- Weighted Honors GPA / College GPA / AP GPA
- Unweighted GPA
- How to use a GPA calculator
- What counts as 1 high school credit? (5 methods to use)
- What makes dual enrollment different?
- Using blending homeschool & DE courses for credit
- Converting dual enrollment into high school credit
- When and how to round with good judgement
- Recording dual enrollment on a homeschool transcript
- Recording credit by exam (CLEP, DSST, AP, UExcel, TECEP, ACTFL)
- Recording ACE credit (Sophia, Studycom, Straighterline, Saylor, etc.)
- Recording continuing education / adult education courses
- Recording remedial courses
- Writing course titles
- Writing course descriptions
- Case Studies (examine several real examples of homeschool and college curriculum and see how it is properly recorded on a high school transcript)
Step 5: Join our HS4CC Transcript Writing Support Facebook Group!
I’m here to help – do you need a transcript review?
Whether you’re in a hurry, there isn’t a transcript class being offered when you need it, or you want a second set of eyes- I’m happy to do a personal review & edit of your transcript via email. The cost for a review & edit is $40. ( I do not write transcripts from scratch) Email me to start the process. cookderosa@gmail.com
Other Questions about Transcripts
Listing courses in progress / placeholders
High school graduation requirements are not admissions requirements
Know the difference between remedial, regular, honors, AP, or DE
Size and Type of Font for our Transcript
Common Transcript Questions about ASU’s UL Program
Is it important to add in the weighted GPA with the unweighted GPA on the transcripts?
Free Virtual Conference this Sunday
Jennifer Cook-DeRosa, author of Homeschooling for College Credit, is a featured speaker this Sunday, December 6th at the virtual homeschooling conference “Homeschool to Unschool: How to let your child’s unique genius shine.” Her session presentation is titled “How Self-Directed Learners Earn College Credit at Home” and will focus on how independent learners or unschooling families can find a pathway that works for them.
Continue reading “Free Virtual Conference this Sunday”
3 Books on Paper
I know, I know…. this is the tech age! But if you’re feeling a little teched-out during this pandemic, I have 3 book suggestions you can read ON PAPER! While I would normally send you to your public library, these are all good enough to own. I’ll tell you why…
100 Employer / Employee Scholarships
Parents: check with Human Resources immediately! Scholarship application deadlines are sometimes a year in advance.
Who qualifies?
It depends. In some cases, a parent’s dependents are eligible to apply, but in other cases, the teen must be an employee. If you or your teen already work for one of these companies, simply contact your Human Resources department and ask for more information. Continue reading “100 Employer / Employee Scholarships”
Homeschooling for College Credit 