Carson-Newman University insists on GED for HS'ers not under an umbrella school

[avdelp]

My daughter and I visited a Christian college fair at a local private school today. They had invited area homeschoolers. Out of ALL of the 35-40 schools that were there (including academically selective schools like Wheaton), only ONE required the GED for homeschoolers who are not under an umbrella school program.

 

Carson-Newman University insists that they need homeschoolers, regardless of their SAT/ACT scores, to take the GED to be eligible for admission. CNU's average ACT is a 22! My daughter received a 31 on her ACT and 4's and 5's on her AP tests and they still insist that she would need to take the GED. According to them, in order to be in "compliance with Federal regulations" they need an "official" transcript and diploma from an accrediting body. They said it's not their rule it's federal law. HUH????

 

We live in NC, where you do not have to be under an umbrella school and very few people choose to be. We have homeschool friends that have kids in colleges over the country. Public and private. Some are even in Ivy League schools (Brown) or well respected state schools (UNC-Chapel Hill). Many of them receive Federal Financial Aid (I know friends whose kids are at Covenant College do). How come none of them were asked to take the GED?

 

We live in Western NC, only an hour's drive from CNU. My youngest daughter might consider it, but NOT if she has to take the GED. I'm curious if this would be a matter for HSLDA. At best, it seems like a huge misunderstanding of federal regulations on CNU's part. At worst, it seems like discrimination. Thanks for letting me vent!

[blessed3x]

I would call (or visit) and speak to someone directly at CN to ensure the information given to you at the fair is correct.

 

My younger daughter attends CN and loves it there. She was not homeschooled in high school, or I would have been able to help you. :glare:

Their offices have been very helpful since we have been working with them, but it is a matter of getting the right person on the phone.

 

If the GED information is correct, please do call HSLDA.

[Leonor]

Yes, this is a matter for HSLDA. This university obviously has no idea what to do about homeschoolers and they do not even know the law.

 

I think this is an opportunity for an education or enlightenment.

 

I would also not consider the school if I had to make my child take the GED with all of your daughter's credentials. However, I think it is worth putting up a fight for the purpose of educating the administration at said school.

[avdelp]

Thanks ladies.

I actually did speak to the dean of admissions as well as 2 admissions counselors at CNU. They all gave me the same information. I agree, that even though I doubt my daughter would actually end up going to CNU, I would like to educate them about homeschooling. It seems ridiculous, that in 2010 this kind of thing is still going on after all that homeschoolers have accomplished. I am not actually a member of HSLDA. Do I have to be in order to contact them regarding a matter like this?

[RegGuheert]

...Out of ALL of the 35-40 schools that were there (including academically selective schools like Wheaton), only ONE required the GED for homeschoolers who are not under an umbrella school program.

 

Carson-Newman University insists that they need homeschoolers, regardless of their SAT/ACT scores, to take the GED to be eligible for admission. CNU's average ACT is a 22! My daughter received a 31 on her ACT and 4's and 5's on her AP tests and they still insist that she would need to take the GED. ...

I'm a big believer in voting with my wallet. As such, I would let them know that their policies, which discriminate against homeschoolers, are quite unique and have caused you to look elsewhere for your daughter. Keep in mind that if this is the admissions policy for this school your daughter may face many other forms of discrimination against homeschoolers if she attends there.

[cbollin]

on the xpost thread on high school forum, it began to make a bit more sense.

 

This specific university is in TN. And there are interesting definitions of "legally homeschooling" vs "Category IV" private school off campus in the home, schooling. So, it makes sense what they are saying if you are from TN, but reads very strangely to out of state "homeschoolers" who are legal and issuing diplomas. I'd definitely look into asking them how they determine "approved" when it is an out of state applicant who was legally approved in their home state.

 

It's a bizarre wording issue on their policy but it makes legal sense in TN about Category IV private school vs. "homeschool"

 

and it's complicated. Basically in TN, few people really "homeschool" from a legal definition due to the legal wording and that the parent can't issue a recognized diploma and the local district won't issue the diploma. (it's complicated). So, since that is crazy nutso, most of us in TN actually enroll our children in state approved Cat. IV private schools that permit off campus instruction in the home, but from a legal/technical stand point, those children aren't Homeschooled, and it is the private school that issues the diploma.

 

very weird, but the policy makes some sense seeing that this university is in TN.

 

not sure how they apply it to out of staters who are legal in their state???????

 

good luck finding the better fit for your needs. :)

 

-crystal (in Memphis, TN)

[tajott]

We had the same situation with another college, but it had to do with Financial Aid. So, a few well placed calls and emails cleared the whole thing up, and they (the College) ended up re-writing policy to correct their mistake. Dd went there on a very nice scholarship package.

 

Now, I don't know about the GED for admission to a private school. I'm pretty sure they can't require it at a state school. Perhaps they have the "right" to do that. If so a few phone calls and emails will clear it up and you then are free to vote with your wallet.