Course descriptions give a short but detailed summary of each class on a transcript.
The document don’t get as much attention as transcripts, but they are still important.
They add more details to the transcript. This document, which can be over 10 pages long, explains the topics covered and the materials used for each course.
It's not hard to make, but you need to be good at keeping records.
Homeschool parent
Do I really need to make it? People on internet forums say many colleges don’t require it.
It’s true that not all colleges require course descriptions.
However, it’s also true that you should prepare them.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why course descriptions matter and how to create them effectively.
Course Descriptions: A Must for Highly to Moderately Competitive Colleges
Colleges with moderate to low acceptance rates almost always require course descriptions. They want detailed records to evaluate a student’s education.
All students who were homeschooled will need to submit the following additional materials: Course descriptions for all courses taught by a homeschool administrator or with an online program - UW–Madison Guidance for High School Applicants
As the acceptance rate goes up, this requirement becomes less common. Many colleges with higher acceptance rates either make course descriptions optional or don’t ask for them at all.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Occasionally, applicants are asked to submit additional information describing the curriculum and/or texts used. - UMASS Home-Schooled Applicants
Still, it's a good idea to have them ready—just in case a college asks for them.
How Course Descriptions Give Colleges a Better Understanding of You
Homeschooling is super flexible, which is amazing and I love it!
With great flexibility comes responsibility.
Parents need to explain what "English 1" or "Biology" really involved. It might sound like extra work, but it’s not hard.
A couple of years ago, I recommended teriyaki chicken to a friend at a Japanese restaurant. We all pictured a big grilled steak with teriyaki sauce.
But what arrived?
A plate of diced chicken with broccoli. We were all surprised—it wasn’t what we expected. That’s why details matter. Homeschool courses are unique and creative—you just need to explain them.
Expectation vs. Reality: Teriyaki Chicken Edition
Admissions officers are very busy during application season.
However, they spend extra time reviewing homeschool applications to understand the student’s education. They look for details that provide context. For example, they may check if a course was self-directed, focused on a student’s passion, or included dual enrollment credits.
Course type explains how and where you took the class. It gives colleges a better idea of how the course was structured and taught.
Examples: [ Online ], [ In Person ] , [ Self-Paced ], [ Part of a group ]
Education Provider
The provider is the person, group, school, or organization responsible for teaching the course. This can include a parent educator, a homeschool co-op, an online platform, a private tutor, or even a college.
Examples: [ Home-based ] , [ Parent Educator (John Smith) ] , [ Independent Study ] , [ Green Valley Homeschool Co-op ] , [ Jane Doe, Private Math Tutor ] , [ Lincoln High School ] , [ Westlake Community College ] , [ Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes ]
Textbooks and Materials
Textbook or material refers to the resources you used to learn the course content. This can include textbooks, workbooks, online courses, videos, websites, or any other tools that supported your learning.
Examples: [ Algebra: Structure and Method, Book 1 by McDougal Littell, 2004 Edition ] , [ Introduction to Psychology by the University of Toronto (Coursera) ] , [ Organic Chemistry Tutorials by Leah4Sci (YouTube Channel) ] , [ Khan Academy - AP Biology ] , [ Instructor provided materials ] , [ Home Science Tools - High School Chemistry Lab Kit ] , [ Desmos Graphing Calculator App ]
Description
The description is a concise summary of the course, explaining the key topics covered, the course's objective, and the skills or knowledge the student gained. It can also include:
Mention that the AP course is College Board-approved.
Projects
Activities
Test Scores
Methods of Evaluation
In many cases, you don’t need to create the description from scratch. You can simply copy the provided syllabus. Just keep in mind, if the syllabus is too long, shorten it.
- Homeschool Co-op Course: Copy the syllabus.
- Public & Private High School Course: You don’t need to submit the syllabus unless the course is unique. Colleges are already familiar with standard courses.
- Dual Credit from Community Colleges: Copy the syllabus.
- Your Own Course: You or your student should write the description.
How to Organize Your Course Descriptions
There are two main ways to organize course descriptions: chronological order or subject-based order. It is best to match the format of the transcript.
When the transcript lists courses by year, keep the course descriptions in the same order. This helps maintain consistency and makes it easier for admissions officers to follow.
Subject-Based Order
When the transcript is organized by subject (e.g., Math, Science, English), arrange the course descriptions in the same way. This keeps related courses together and provides a clear overview of each subject area.
Where to Upload Course Descriptions in the Common App
The Common App is a major platform where students apply to multiple colleges. The Common App isn’t built for homeschoolers. Finding where to upload course descriptions can be tricky. Parents a.k.a. counselors often get confused.
Where to Upload Course Descriptions on Common App
In the counselor account, the Common App allows up to four transcript uploads. Here’s how to include course descriptions:
Combine Transcript and Course Descriptions: Put them in one PDF and upload it as a single file.
Upload as Another Transcript: If the transcript is separate, use another transcript slot for the course descriptions.
This way, colleges get all the needed information without confusion.
How to Make Course Descriptions at freedu.us
Creating course descriptions at freedu.us is quick and easy. Just follow these easy 4 steps:
1. Go to the Records screen: Tap the document icon next to the course name.
Easily Add Course Descriptions – Step 1: Tap the Document Icon
2. Enter Course Information: Fill in details like class type , provider, text books / materials, description.
Step 2: Enter Course Information
3. Create a Transcript (if needed): If you haven’t made a transcript yet, go to the Transcript screen and create one.
Step 3: Create a Transcript (If Needed)
4. Preview and Download: Go to the Course Descriptions menu to preview and download your course descriptions.
Step 4: Preview and Download
That’s it! You’ve just created a professional document with ease. Nice work!
A Polished, College-Ready Course Description
Examples of Course Descriptions
Spanish 1
credit: 1.00
grade: A
Twice weekly In-Person
María González, B.A., M.Ed., Cornerstone Homeschool Learning Center
Textbook: ¡Avancemos! 1 (McDougal Littell); Supplementary Materials: Duolingo, SpanishDict, authentic short stories, music, and videos
This introductory Spanish course immerses students in the fundamentals of the language, focusing on communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will develop their vocabulary and grammar knowledge through interactive lessons, cultural exploration, and real-world applications. Topics include basic conversational phrases, sentence structure, verb conjugation, and everyday vocabulary related to family, school, food, travel, and daily life.
Class activities include role-playing exercises, listening comprehension practice, pronunciation drills, and cultural discussions. Students will engage with authentic Spanish-language materials, including music, short stories, and videos, to enhance their understanding of Hispanic cultures.
Methods of Evaluation
- Speaking and Listening Proficiency (30%)
- Written Assessments (25%)
- Project-Based Learning (20%)
- Vocabulary and Grammar Mastery Checks (15%)
- Class Participation and Engagement (10%)
Algebra I
credit: 1.00
grade: A
Independent Self-Learning
Algebra 1 by McGraw-Hill as the primary textbook
interactive practice from Khan Academy, IXL Math and Desmos
This course covered foundational algebraic concepts essential for higher-level mathematics. Topics included:
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Systems of Equations
- Polynomials and Factoring
- Quadratic Functions and Equations
- Exponents and Exponential Functions
- Rational Expressions and Equations
- Radical Expressions and Equations
- Data Analysis and Probability
Methods of Evaluation
Progress was assessed through a combination of:
Unit Mastery Checks – Tobby completed self-paced quizzes and assessments to demonstrate understanding before moving forward.
Problem-Solving Assignments – Regular practice problems and real-world applications reinforced concepts.
Cumulative Assessments – Midterm and final exams tested overall mastery of course material.
A scientific calculator was used throughout the course for problem-solving and graphing functions.
Mia Watanabe
Founder of Free Homeschool Transcript Maker.
Started homeschooling after my son came home from school in tears every day. Homeschooled for 10 years, learning as I went.
Built a free homeschool transcript service when I couldn’t find one.
Now helping over 100 families at https://freedu.us/
Founder of Free Homeschool Transcript Maker.
Started homeschooling after my son came home from school in tears every day. Homeschooled for 10 years, learning as I went.
Built a free homeschool transcript service when I couldn’t find one.
Now helping over 100 families at https://freedu.us/