Homeschool Counselor Letter : Sample Guide

A counselor letter is basically a 1-2 page brag letter—written by a school counselor to help college admission officers see the best in a student.

The full name is “Counselor Letter of Recommendation,” or Counselor LOR for short. 

Many colleges ask for it.

Homeschool Parent

Wait, colleges ask for other letters of recommendation. How are those different?

Great question.

Some colleges ask for 1–2 teacher recommendation letters, and a few even accept optional letters from mentors, coaches, or employers. But here’s the key difference: 

A teacher recommendation is all about what the teacher sees in the classroom—how the student learns, works, and participates.

The counselor letter is multi-dimensional. It tells the story of the student’s high school journey—the ups, the downs, and everything in between.

It covers academics, character, adversity, and personal growth.

It brings the student’s story to life—far beyond what a generic, AI-generated blurb could capture.

In this post, I’ll take a deep dive into the counselor letter and show you what colleges look for—and how to deliver it.

I run freedu.us, a transcript service for homeschoolers. I’ve worked with lots of families. This post includes tips shaped by what college officers  look for. So you’re getting real advice. 

Let’s get started.

The Parent as Counselor: Yes, You’re Writing the Letter for Your Homeschooler

If you’re a homeschool parent, you’re also the counselor. That means you write the counselor letter. 

Don't panic.  You are already ahead of the game.

Here’s why.

Do you know how many students a counselor at a brick-and-mortar school works with?

About 400.

That’s more than any human can truly get to know.

Every fall, during college application season, they scramble to write letters for students they barely know.

But you?

You’ve seen it all.

You’ve been there for 18 years—the hard days, the proud moments, and the true joys.

That makes you the perfect person to tell their story.

No one else could do it better.

And I’ll tell you a little secret—it might take some pressure off your shoulders.

GPA and Course Rigor Weigh More Than Counselor Letters

Colleges care most about your teen’s grades and course rigor.

Counselor letter?

Somewhat important, but not a huge deal.

Here’s a stat from the 2023 NACAC “State of College Admission” survey:

(This is from College Essay Guy’s blog about counselor letters.)

See that? The counselor letter scored just 11 out of 100 in importance. Even though College Essay Guy says it matters, the numbers speak for themselves.

And here’s something an admissions officer from a big university once told me:

They don’t even read every counselor letter. First, they sort applicants into accepted, not accepted, and maybe piles—just based on GPA and course rigor. Then, and only then, they read the letters for the “maybe” pile to help decide.

So relax.

This one letter won’t decide your child’s future.

Homeschool Parent

But my teen might be in that “maybe” pile. It might be just enough to push the “maybe” into a yes. “

That’s why it still matters.

So—how do you make it count?

Let’s dive into how to write a strong counselor letter.

3 Key Points for a Homeschool Counselor Letter

• Academic performance. Share how your teen is doing in their courses and their overall progress.

• Activities, achievements, Interests, and Areas of Impact . Mention sports, clubs, volunteering, jobs—anything they’ve done outside of academics.

• Character growth, social development, and future direction. Talk about their attitude, work ethic, and how they’ve matured over the years. Include how they interact with peers and adults, and how they contribute in group settings.

  1. If relevant, share how they've faced and overcome challenges—whether it's a learning difference, a family hardship, or health struggles.

  2. You can also describe their goals: What do they hope to study or pursue in college and beyond?

Remember, the counselor letter is like a brag letter for your student. Save details about your homeschool setup for the school profile. Use the course descriptions and transcript for course lists and outlines. In the letter, your job is simple: sell your student to colleges.

How to Make the Letter Stand Out

Unique anecdotes. Be real.

This is a recommendation letter. Almost every letter admissions officers read is filled with the same fancy praise.

Do you know how many letters they read per day? Over 50.

That’s more than the number of YouTube or TikTok videos you or I scroll through in a day.

If you write a letter full of generic praise, it won’t help your child. Admissions officers see that stuff all day.

MIT put out a guide with real examples. Great letter. Boring one. And one just okay.

To stand out, pick a few strong, unique episode from your child’s journey Something real. Something only you could write. Then share it—simple and honest.

And one thing you really need to remember is: Adversity is gold.

Stories of hardship pull readers in. That’s the power of the underdog effect.

Listing your child’s achievement is giving information value to the admission. But when you write about your child’s challenges, you’re doing more. You’re giving emotional value. 

Facts show what your child has done. Emotions show who they are.

Let me give you an example using my own story:

• Mia was always a straight-A student from elementary school through high school. She got into a top university and discovered the internet during the ’90s. Later, she launched an internet startup.

Sounds impressive, right?  But honestly… kind of flat.

Here’s the same story—with the real stuff included:

• Mia was a straight-A student and got into a top university. Her parents pushed her relentlessly, creating constant pressure throughout her childhood. The pressure was so heavy that she watched her brother take his own life as a teen. After battling and overcoming depression, she started an internet company to support homeschool families—believing technology could unlock better ways for families to learn, connect, and grow together.

Which one moved you more?

Be honest—did the first one make you want to puke a little?

People don’t connect with perfection.

They connect with pain, resilience, and hope.

That’s why the book: Wonder became so popular. We all wanted Auggie to win people’s trust—because we saw his pain, his courage, and his heart.

Your child’s adversity may not be that dramatic—and that’s okay.

Think about any adversity your teen has faced—big or small. These experiences show colleges what kind of person your student is becoming. Maybe they took a two-hour bus ride every day just to play a sport. Maybe they worked four days a week at McDonald’s to save for their first car. Maybe they stepped in to care for a younger sibling while a parent was sick

These stories matter. They show character. They make the letter feel real.

So don’t hold back. 

Put the hard stuff in. That’s what makes it shine.

Including Disabilities or Learning Differences - A Smart Choice

If your teen has a disability or learning difference, don’t leave it out. In fact, that might be the very reason you chose to homeschool in the first place. Colleges want the full picture.

They’re not just after facts. They’re drawn to stories—especially the underdog kind I talked about earlier.

Colleges really care about context. This survey shows what colleges expect in a counselor letter:

(This is from College Essay Guy’s blog about counselor letters.)

Yes—disabilities and learning differences fall under “extenuating circumstances.”

I know. Sharing your weakness is hard.

Maybe your teen feels embarrassed. Maybe they’d rather no one mention it.

I get it. I’m neurodivergent. I remember how lonely it felt. My dad blamed me—but honestly, I blamed myself even more—for struggling with things that others found easy.

But here’s the thing: being different is a strength.

Sure, it can feel like a weakness. That’s what the school system and peer pressure make us believe. But today—especially with generative AI churning out generic text every second—being unique gives your teen an edge.

Just remember this: The Hero’s Journey always ends in hope.

A person isn’t a hero because they struggled. They’re a hero because they made it through. That’s what admissions officers want to see. Not perfection. Progress.

So be honest. But make sure it ends with growth.

Here's the basic structure for writing an adversity story in the letter:

1. Achievement, positive outcome – Establish what the person accomplished.

2. Reason of difficulty – Show the challenge or pressure behind it.

3. Example of action – Give a vivid or emotional example that shows the cost or impact.

4. Restate the achievement – Reinforce the success in light of the struggle.

Here's examples using that structure:

Sofia is curious and determined. She scored a 5 on the AP U.S. History exam. She was diagnosed with ADHD and found it hard to sit still or stay organized. She broke her study time into short sprints, used timers, and asked for weekly check-ins with her teacher. That focus and grit helped her succeed—even in the most reading-heavy class she’d ever taken.

Jason is a deep thinker and brave. He gave a TEDx talk his senior year. He had a stutter growing up, and speaking in class was once his worst fear. He joined speech therapy, practiced for hours, and eventually entered the debate club. His voice, once a source of fear, became his strength.

Ready to put the pieces together?

Here’s how to structure the full letter.

The Complete Blueprint for a Homeschool Counselor Letter

A great homeschool counselor letter is like a short, powerful essay. It shows off your teen, proves it with real examples, and wraps up strong.

To help you write one, try the PREP method: 

Point – Reason – Example – Point (Restate).

 It’s simple, effective, and fits perfectly with the letter structure. The PREP method is a proven approach, kind of like writing an expository essay. 

Since a counselor letter touches on many things—academics, activities, character growth, and social development, etc.—it has a layered structure. Like a Russian doll, or matryoshka, each section fits inside the bigger picture.

Before the opening statement, add a simple formal greeting. Here are a few you can use:

• To the Admissions and Scholarship Committee:

• To the Admissions Committee:

• To Whom It May Concern:

Pick the one that feels right. If you’re writing to a specific college, you can also say something like:

 To the Admissions Committee at XXX University:

If you're not sure, "To Whom It May Concern:" is a safe go-to.

Opening: A Snapshot of Your Teen’s Strengths

Once you’ve added your greeting, it’s time to begin the letter with a strong opening. This first paragraph does a lot of important work. It should:

• Share your role as a homeschool parent or counselor

• Clearly recommend your teen for admission

• Highlight your teen’s standout strength—whether it’s character, academics, or activities

• Explain why that strength matters in a college setting

Think of it as your main message—your “snapshot statement.” You’re answering the question: Who is this student, and why should a college want them?

Let me show you one example:

As both the homeschool counselor and parent guiding Charlotte’s education and training, I’m proud to recommend her for college admission. Charlotte excels as a dual-sport athlete in cross country and track & field, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional endurance, mental focus, and goal-oriented discipline. What makes her stand out is not just her physical stamina, but the steady mindset she brings to every challenge—whether it’s pacing herself through a long-distance race or mastering precise timing in track events. These qualities matter because they reflect the perseverance and self-motivation essential for success in both college academics and athletics.

You'll find more opening examples later in the blog post.

Body Paragraph : Support Your Opening

Body Paragraph 1: Your Strong Story

After your opening, it’s time to back it up with a clear example. Think of this as proof that your teen really is as awesome as you said.

Start with their strongest selling point—academic, social, or activities. Why lead with the strongest? Because honestly, most people don’t read the whole letter.

Know how many people finish a blog post?

Only 15%.

(Still reading my post ?  You’re amazing! Thank you.)

Admissions officers are the same. If your letter doesn’t grab them early, they might not read to the end. That’s why your first body paragraph needs to hit hard.

Use the PREP method to shape this paragraph:

• Point – What’s their standout trait or strength? Paraphrase students strength in opening message

• Reason – Why does it matter in a college or real-world context?

• Example – Tell a real, specific story that shows it in action.

• Point (Restate) – Bring it back to your opening message and reinforce it.

This paragraph should make the admissions reader pause and think, “Wow. I want to know more about this student.”

Take a look at this example:

Charlotte’s ability to perform under pressure is a direct result of her quiet consistency and mental toughness. That’s exactly the kind of mindset that helps students handle setbacks and stay on track—whether in a long race or a demanding college semester. One meet in junior year stood out—it had stormed the night before, and the course was a slick mess of mud and uneven ground. Several runners slipped or dropped out early, but Charlotte adjusted her pace and stayed focused. Around mile two, she made a strategic push up a soggy incline when others hesitated, ultimately finishing in the top three. “When the course changes, your mindset has to change with it,” she told me afterward. That moment captured her approach perfectly: steady, adaptive, and unshaken by setbacks.

You'll find more body examples later in the blog post.

Body Paragraph 2: Add Another Layer to the Story

This paragraph is just like the first—another strong example. But this time, choose a different angle than what you used before.

Why?

Because repeating the same topic doesn’t add anything new. Admissions officers want a fuller picture of your teen. By switching topics—academic, social, or activity—you give them more to see and appreciate.

Keep using the PREP method to write this paragraph.

Even though this is the second example, it’s just as important. It shows your teen in a new light and adds depth to your original message.

The same steady discipline shows up in Charlotte’s academic life. That kind of consistency matters—college demands both independence and time management, and those are skills many teens are still developing. During her junior year, she took two college-level courses—General Biology with lab and Human Anatomy & Physiology—at our local community college while training six days a week for cross country. The schedule was intense: early morning practices, evening labs, and constant deadlines. Charlotte built a strict routine for herself, carving out time for studying, recovery, and workouts—sometimes even writing essays on the bus to meets. She never missed a practice and finished both classes with A’s. When I asked how she kept it all balanced, she said, “Racing clears my mind. Then I’m ready to focus again.” That ability to stay focused, organized, and self-directed through real pressure is what defines her most.

Body Paragraph 3 (Optional): One More Dimension, If It Fits

This paragraph is optional—but if you have one more strong story to tell, go for it.

Just like the first two, this should support your core message. And again, pick a topic you haven’t used yet—academic, social, or activity.

Only include this paragraph if it adds something new. If it feels like a repeat, skip it. The goal is to give the admissions officer a well-rounded view, not more of the same.

Keep using the PREP method here too. Short, focused, and specific.

If your teen shines in multiple areas, this paragraph is your chance to show that off—without overexplaining.

Here’s an example to illustrate this:

Charlotte also learns with purpose and curiosity. In Human Anatomy & Physiology, she stayed after lab one day to ask her professor how muscles adapt to repeated stress—especially in endurance sports. Later that week, she used what she’d learned to help adjust her team’s warm-up routine before a meet. Charlotte doesn’t just memorize information—she applies it thoughtfully. She began tracking her recovery time after races and noticed a pattern: she rebounded faster when she followed a specific sleep and hydration routine. “It’s like reading my body as a system,” she told me. “Once I see the pattern, I can improve it.” That kind of reflective learning—rooted in science, tested in life, and shared with others—is what makes her a true scholar-athlete.

The Closing: Bring It All Together with Confidence

The closing is your final opportunity to reinforce your core message: why you believe in this student. 

You’ve already shown their strengths and shared real stories—now it’s time to bring it all together with clarity and purpose.

Think of it as the “restatement” part of the letter. You’re circling back to what you said at the beginning: your strong recommendation and what makes your teen truly stand out.

Here’s what to include:

• Reaffirm your recommendation – Keep it clear and strong. Yes, I recommend them—fully.

• Reflect on their growth – Add a quick insight about how far they’ve come. Colleges don’t expect perfection—they’re looking for progress.

• Look ahead –What will they bring to a college—and eventually, to the world? Think academic drive, curiosity, leadership, kindness, or a strong sense of purpose.

• (Optional) Leave a lasting impression – If it fits, end with a short quote, a personal reflection, or a few words that really capture who they are.

Your goal here is simple: remind the reader who this student is and why they matter.

This example shows how it can be done:

I fully and confidently recommend Charlotte for admission. She’s grown into someone who doesn't just set goals—she meets them with steady effort and quiet determination. One of her coaches once told me, “Charlotte never skips the hard parts. She shows up, even when no one’s watching.” That kind of mindset—rooted in consistency, not attention—will make her a valuable contributor to any campus and community. I have no doubt she’ll continue to lead, support, and thrive—wherever she goes next.

More examples of strong closings appear later in the post.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Too long or too short. Keep the counselor letter to 1–2 pages. Admissions officers read 50+ letters a day. Make yours clear and easy to skim.

2. Not saying who you are. Say upfront that you’re both the homeschool parent and the counselor. Don’t assume they’ll guess. About 10% of U.S. students are homeschooled. Since the pandemic, homeschooling is widely understood. No need to hide it or feel unsure.

3. Missing the high school focus. Talk about your teen’s growth during high school. It’s fine to mention how and why you started homeschooling—just keep it short.

4. Don’t repeat—add value. Avoid repeating what’s already in the student’s essay or teacher recs. Your letter should offer new insight—things only you, as the parent and counselor, would know.

5. Skip generic praise. Saying your teen is “hardworking” or “kind” isn’t enough. Show it through real examples. Be specific and personal.

How to make counselor letter at freedu.us

Creating a counselor letter on freedu.us is quick and easy:

1. From the Homeroom screen, select Counselor Letter in the student panel

   

2. Start typing your content in the Edit Counselor Letter screen.

3. After entering the text & save, you can preview or download your counselor letter

That’s it! You’ve created a clean, professional-looking counselor letter. Well done!

freedu.us generated this professional counselor letter PDF—access it through this link.

Where to Upload Counselor Letter in the Common App

The Common App lets students apply to lots of colleges—but it’s not really made for homeschoolers. Uploading a school profile can be tricky, and many parents (aka the counselors) get stuck.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in as a counselor at https://recommend.commonapp.org/

2. In your Common App counselor account,  click on your student's name.

   

3. Click on Counselor Recommendation

   

4.  After answering two questions, upload your counselor letter.

   

5. Follow the instructions in the popup (choose file → review → upload).

   

6. Final Step: Check both boxes, sign and date, then click the "Submit" button. You're all set!

   

4 Sample Opening Paragraphs for a Homeschool Counselor Letter

1.

Over the past four years guiding Olivia’s education as her homeschool counselor and parent, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into a deeply curious, self-motivated scholar. I wholeheartedly recommend her for college admission. What stands out most is Olivia’s intellectual persistence, especially evident in her self-directed science research, where she designed and carried out a long-term project on neurobiology. Her ability to pursue complex questions with discipline and independence speaks to the kind of mindset essential for success in the intellectually demanding environment of college.

2.

It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Liam for admission. In my role as his homeschool counselor and parent, I’ve watched his passion for innovation flourish—he is a creative coder, an independent thinker, and someone who learns not just for school, but for life. What makes Liam exceptional is his initiative; he routinely sets ambitious goals and follows through with discipline and curiosity. This trait is vital in a college setting, where students must take charge of their own intellectual journey.

3.

As Amelia’s homeschool counselor and parent, I am proud to recommend her for college admission. Amelia demonstrates a remarkable sense of global responsibility and ethical leadership, having launched a human rights initiative that engaged both our homeschool community and broader networks. Her commitment to justice and her ability to organize and inspire others are qualities that matter deeply in today’s world—especially on a campus where collaboration and civic engagement are valued.

4.

Recommending Leo for college admission comes with complete confidence. As both his parent and homeschool counselor, I’ve observed his exceptional ability to grasp and apply complex mathematical concepts. Leo’s defining trait is his intrinsic motivation; he tackled AP Calculus early and independently pursued topics like graph theory and probability theory. In a college environment that demands both talent and self-direction, Leo will not just succeed—he will thrive.

3 Sample Body Paragraphs for a Homeschool Counselor Letter

1.

Olivia is a self-driven, resilient learner who thrives when exploring tough questions on her own. While taking advanced biology at our local community college, she launched a research project on early-stage Parkinson’s—an idea inspired by caring for her grandfather, who lives with the disease. Juggling her coursework and caregiver role wasn’t easy, but Olivia stayed focused. She reached out to local labs and landed a volunteer position at UC Irvine’s Biorobotics Lab, where she helped gather data from real patients. Dr. Elena Park, the lab’s director, told me, “Olivia shows up with questions most college students haven’t even thought to ask. And she doesn’t quit when things get hard—she doubles down.” Her persistence and intellectual focus show the kind of maturity colleges look for.

2.

Liam is a builder—curious, independent, and always thinking beyond the assignment. He sets ambitious goals and follows through with quiet focus. When managing feedback or open-ended tasks felt overwhelming due to his high-functioning autism, Liam didn’t pull back—he created something that could help others facing the same struggle. He built MindTrack, an open-source app for tracking moods and building calming routines, then shared it on GitHub and invited others to contribute. At first, response was slow, and online feedback wasn’t easy to manage—but Liam stayed with it. Over time, the app reached over 1,000 downloads, and one parent wrote, “This helped my son finally talk about how he feels.” Liam’s work is more than technically impressive—it shows discipline, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose.

3.

Amelia’s leadership is grounded in empathy and a strong moral compass.  She doesn’t take action just to be heard—she acts because she sees a need. After learning about child labor practices in the fashion industry, Amelia started a campaign called Threads of Justice, aimed at raising awareness about ethical consumerism. She organized an online speaker series featuring activists, invited homeschool students across different states to join a collaborative blog, and led a secondhand clothing drive that collected over 300 items for local shelters. It wasn’t always smooth—some adults questioned whether teens should speak out on “adult issues,” and she struggled early on to get engagement outside our immediate community. But she didn’t back down. Instead, she learned how to adapt her message, build partnerships, and keep the mission front and center.  Amelia’s work reflects not only bold leadership, but a deep belief in shared responsibility—and her ability to act on it.

4 Sample Closing Paragraphs for a Homeschool Counselor Letter

1.

I wholeheartedly recommend Olivia for admission. She brings a rare combination of intellectual drive, emotional maturity, and quiet determination. Whether she’s studying advanced neurobiology or supporting patients in a clinical research setting, Olivia leads with focus and integrity. She’s not only ready to thrive in the rigor of college—she’s ready to contribute. I have no doubt she’ll be a standout in any academic environment, and one day, I believe she won’t just be participating in research—she’ll be leading it.

2.

Liam is exactly the kind of student who will make a college community stronger—and someday, make the tech world more human. His creativity, independence, and sense of responsibility set him apart. As one of his mentors said, “Liam doesn’t look for shortcuts. He builds what needs to be built—and he brings others with him.” I recommend him wholeheartedly and can’t wait to see where his ideas take him next.

3.

It’s with genuine pride that I recommend Amelia. I’ve watched her grow from a curious teen into a young woman with a strong moral compass and the courage to act on it. She listens deeply, leads collaboratively, and always brings her values to the table. I have no doubt she’ll continue creating meaningful change—wherever her path leads.

4.

Leo has the kind of mind that doesn’t just solve problems—it seeks them out. He brings a calm intensity to everything he studies, and he never takes shortcuts when he can dig deeper instead. I fully recommend him for admission and look forward to the day when his ideas and insights are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in math—and wherever it leads him next.