Homeschool Course Descriptions : Sample Guide

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Mia Watanabe
February 2, 2025
Course Descriptions Featured Image

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

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.

Brown University

Brown University

we ask that you provide a detailed account of the entire curriculum you have undertaken during the last four years - Undergraduate Admissions, Home-Schooled Applicants

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

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.

Teriyaki Chicken
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.

Mia

Mia

This can be an advantage for homeschoolers!

Key Components in Course Descriptions

Course Type

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.

Chronological Order

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.

CommonApp Course Descriptions Upload
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.

Course Description Document Icon
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.

Course Description Detail Entry
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.

Course Description Make Transcript
Step 3: Create a Transcript (If Needed)

4. Preview and Download: Go to the Course Descriptions menu to preview and download your course descriptions.

Course Description Preview Download
Step 4: Preview and Download

That’s it! You’ve just created a professional document with ease. Nice work!

Course Description Final Document
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 Profile

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/