Understanding transcripts, diplomas, college entrance exams and college applications.
This guide provides helpful information to assist you and your homeschooled student in preparing for college. Homeschooled students can go to college, receive scholarships and place well on entrance exams.
Families are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether graduation is the best plan for each student. Ensign Peak Academy students may choose whether or not to graduate, and students are always welcome to enroll in less than the full set of live courses offered each year.
If you graduate from Ensign Peak Academy, then you do not need to apply to college as a homeschooler.
If you choose not to graduate, it is helpful to know that most colleges have a homeschool admissions track, to facilitate the many homeschoolers wishing to attend college each year.
Click the links below to jump to a specific section
- Transcripts »
- Admissions »
- Scholarships »
- School-specific requirements »
- Utah secondary school requirements »
- Criteria for selecting a college »
Transcripts
Many colleges will accept a homeschool/non-accredited transcript
In addition to the accredited transcript anticipated through Ensign Peak Academy, transcripts may also created by the parents of the student, or administrator of a homeschool co-op. It is acceptable to submit multiple transcripts. In this case, a parent may create a transcript reflecting subjects studied independently, at home, during the high school years. Both transcripts, in addition to transcripts from other institutions, will be accepted by many college admissions departments. Note that the BYUs do not accept transcripts from non-accredited entities.
Admission of homeschooled students without any transcript
Alternately, many homeschooled students are admitted to colleges each year without a transcript of any kind, accredited or non-accredited. Some colleges do not accept non-accredited transcripts, but do accept homeschooled students. The acceptance decision is based on a holistic review of the application, which includes a number of criteria, demonstrating a well rounded, diligent student who is ready for the college experience.
Ensign Peak Academy Transcripts and Grade Reports
At the end of each school year, a grade report, reflecting courses completed and grades earned, will be provided to each middle school student (grades 7-8). A transcript, reflecting courses completed and grades and credit earned, will be provided to each high school student (grades 9-12).
Recommendations for Building Your Transcript
If you opt not to graduate from Ensign Peak Academy, but to take some classes, you will still receive an accredited transcript. In addition, you may decide to create a separate transcript showing subjects learned as an independent homeschooler. In that case, you may find it helpful to review Transcripts Made Easy by Janice Campbell
A good transcripts reflects the following:
- Minimum of 15 credits (though transcripts of less than 15 are accepted by college admissions)
- Variety of courses
- Courses spread over time (not all in one year)
- Good grades
Sample transcripts
Sample Transcript Template – Spreadsheet
Admissions
Markers that admissions departments look for
In considering the whole application, it is helpful to demonstrate achievement in the following areas:
- Academic success
- Leadership
- Service
- Talent development
- Extra-curricular activities
- A well rounded life
The main theme or your application is to provide evidence and descriptions about the opportunities you have had in your life and what you have done with those opportunities.
The High School Diploma
Most high school seniors are admitted to college before graduation from high school, and therefore don’t yet have a diploma. Some college applications ask if the student is on track to graduate at the end of the semester in which they are enrolled, at the time of their application. This is not typically a requirement, but does contribute to the overall admissions decision. Colleges are typically more interested in the student’s academic achievements rather than whether or not they have graduated from high school.
ACT and SAT Exams
Ensign Peak Academy ACT High School Code: 662718
Most colleges require a standardized exam for admissions, such as the ACT or SAT. This applies both to students who attended school and those who were homeschooled.
These exams serve two purposes:
- Minimum admission criteria (unless applying to an “open enrollment” college, in which case there is no minimum score for admission)
- Placement
Exams are primarily focused on language arts and math. They are used to establish that the student can read, write and understand English, sufficient for college work.
Competency in Algebra 1 will assist a student in scoring well enough for admission at most colleges. Additional math competencies will increase the score, help with scholarships and provide a greater chance for admission. It is also helpful to be placed in a higher college math course.
ACT info can be found at act.org
The ACT exam can be taken in your local area by registering online for one of the dates that the exam is offered in your area.
Alternately, the “ACT Residual” exam is offered at more frequently time intervals, at most colleges, to meet the admission requirements of that particular college, without being transferable to any other college.
It is recommended that you prepare for the ACT by studying Princeton Review’s Cracking the ACT or by taking an ACT prep course.
SAT info can be found at collegeboard.org
The GED
This exam is required by some colleges, for homeschool applicants who do not have a diploma from an accredited high school. Check with your college of choice to learn if it is required. (This is the case with BYU Idaho, but not with BYU in Provo.)
Info can be found at ged.com
A separate exam is administered for four subjects and each test is a different length, as follows:
- Math– Quantitative & algebraic problem solving (115 minutes)
- Science– Life science, physical science, earth and space science (90 minutes)
- Social Studies– Civics and government, U.S. history, economics, geography and the world (70 minutes)
- Reasoning Through Language Arts– Ability to read closely, write clearly, and edit and understand written text (150 minutes)
Please search online for the cost of taking the GED in your state.
The cost for taking the GED in Utah:
- Pay for one subject at a time
- $30 per subject
- Retake your test at a discount if you don’t pass
You will receive your score within 3 hours
- Passing score = 145
- College Ready = 165 – 174 (you are ready to begin attending college classes)
- College Ready + Credit = 174 – 200 (means you could earn up to 10 hours of college credit)
200 per subject = maximum score.
Minimum age to test in Utah = 18 if their age mates have graduated. (Special exceptions for ages 16-18 – check with Utah State Dept of Ed.)
It is recommend that students take the test to find out if more study is needed. Study materials are available.
Practice test: $6 per subject or $24 for all four subjects
Prep materials: $30 – $114 (Depending on the level of service)
Common App
CommonApp.org helps students find a college that matches their goals. It manages the college application journey for multiple colleges. Note that BYU doesn’t use CommonApp.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not just for students with accredited transcripts. Many homeschooled students receive scholarships. Seek information from the financial aid office of the college of your choice to assist you in identifying scholarships that will accept homeschooled applicants. You may also find private scholarships online.
CES Universities and Colleges
This section provides helpful links and information about BYU Provo, BYU Idaho, BYU Hawaii, Ensign College and the BYU Salt Lake Center.
Regarding financial aid, it is helpful to apply every year for scholarships. These are available based on need and achievement.
BYU in Provo
Begin by reviewing the Admissions Guide, to learn about the AIMS of a BYU education, admissions process, due dates and tuition.
You will also find helpful information here about how to prepare yourself to succeed at BYU: Preparation Recommendations
BYU offers one application that includes many scholarships. BYU has a financial aid initiative to help Pell-eligible students cover the cost of tuition. It is called Cougar Pell Promise.
BYU uses a holistic review process. This means that all parts of the application are considered. A certain GPA or ACT score does not guarantee admission.
The ACT and SAT are not required through Winter 2026 for students who have a high school diploma from an accredited high school. This is subject to change. Those students are still welcome to submit their ACT/SAT score, especially if it is an accurate reflection of academic ability.
Homeschoolers and those with some high school credit but no diploma are required to take the ACT or SAT. A few 4-year scholarships also ask for the ACT/SAT. More information is provided here for homeschool applicants: Homeschool Applicants
Review the BYU Entrance Stats to determine how to improve your chances for enrollment.
When applying to BYU Provo, there is a button you can click to also apply to BYU Idaho at the same time. No additional fee is charged for this.
The BYU Application Essay: The essay is a very important part of a BYU application. Make sure that your essay helps BYU know about you, your character, your choices and why you care about the things that are valuable to you. Admissions wants to see how well you have used the opportunities you have been given, to develop your talents and abilities. On the right side of the page on each essay page, you will find links to the AIMs of a BYU education and a link to help you better understand the AIMs. These are very helpful to review prior to deciding how you will respond to the prompts. It is also helpful to be aware of the space available and make good use of all that is provided. This is how the admissions committee will be able to get to know you. Be genuine, be yourself and share your passions for learning and life. Some of the prompts have multiple facets to the questions, so be sure to respond to all of them in your essay. It is also important that the work is your own. You are able to have someone review your work grammatically, but the essay needs to be your own.
HELPFUL HINT: Applicants who submit the application by the priority deadline will receive extra consideration in the admission process.
Applicants will need an endorsement from their bishop and stake president. Seminary graduation is a good indicator of the spiritual strength of the applicant. If the student has not graduated from Seminary, be sure to include why and how the Gospel is a priority in the student’s life.
BYU FlexGE
Earn BYU Credit without the standard application requirements. Participate in campus events and activities. Live with other students and attend a YSA ward. You can have the BYU experience you’ve been wanting! Visit the BYU FlexGE page for full details. Note that BYU FlexGE doesn’t provide degrees or on-campus housing. Students may earn up to 24 credits and may transfer into BYU or any other Utah university (not NCAA eligible).
This program is for those who were not accepted to BYU. Classes are held in the evenings during Fall and Winter semester and during the day for Spring and Summer semesters. Students must have a high school diploma or equivelant, with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be a U.S. Citizen and at least 17 years old.
BYU Idaho
BYU Idaho is an affordable option and not as competitive. Learn about admissions and costs here: BYU Idaho Admissions
An ecclesiastical endorsement by both bishop and stake president is required for admission. After admitted, an annual endorsement from a bishopric member is required.
ACT and SAT tests are optional until Fall 2025.
Learn about the average stats of accepted students: BYU Idaho Academic Requirements
Brigham Young University-Idaho offers a variety of enrollment options. To better help you understand the enrollment option that will best fit your needs, visit the BYU Idaho application info page.
Note that BYU Idaho doesn’t not ask for an application essay. There is also no application fee.
BYU Idaho Concurrent Enrollment, also called “Early College,” is a great opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit by taking online courses through BYU Idaho. They use the same application as those attending on campus. If and when they decide to attend on campus, no new application is required. They simply call Admissions to inform them that they would like to become an on-campus day student.
Homeschooled students use the same application. They select the option for “I have (or will have) completed secondary education through home school”
Homeschooled students either confirm that their homeschool program meets their state’s secondary education requirements or they complete a high school equivalency exam if their program does not meet their state’s requirements. That is typically the GED but may be an exam administered by their state.
BYU-Idaho homeschool applicants information
BYU Hawaii
Average ACT 26 (SAT equivalent 1170-1200)
Average GPA = 3.5
Admittance rate = 42%
BYU–Hawaii gives priority to students from the target area of the Pacific Islands and East Asia.
Ensign College
The goal of Ensign College is to help students to become career ready.
It is an Open Enrollment College (no minimum ACT score required)
Equivalency of high school graduation/completion, GED, or the completion of at least 24 semester credits of college work
The ACT or the SAT is not required.
An ecclesiastical endorsement is required as well as an essay.
91% acceptance rate
Degree/Certificates
- Associates Degree – 60 credits, 2-year degree offered in 20 programs
- 265 Certificate Programs
- Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees is awarded in:
- Business Management
- Communication
- Cyber Security
- Digital Marketing
- Accounting
BYU in Provo accepts some classes in the general Ed category, such as English, History, Math, etc. but not the business classes.
Most students are 18-30 year old.
BYU Salt Lake Center
Visit the BYU Salt Lake Center website for complete details. Classes are held in the same building as Ensign College. Class sizes are smaller than BYU in Provo.
No degree is offered, however, classes taught at the BYU Salt Lake Center may count towards BYU undergraduate degrees. Free tutoring is included.
Credit may be earned for classes and may be transferred to any of the BYUs. Some regular BYU students take classes here when they cannot fit a Provo BYU class they need into their schedule.
The simple application is really a “clearance for enrollment” which takes 10 minutes. Non-admitted BYU students are required to apply to the FlexGE program. Yes, it’s a quick application. The form is called the Clearance to Register.
An ecclesiastical endorsement is required.
No tests are required (No GED, ACT or SAT).
Offering approximately 150 undergraduate university courses each semester
A non-admitted student can take classes at the Salt Lake Center or Evening classes through the Clearance to Register application which includes an ecclesiastical endorsement. The Clearance to Register sorts students into either FlexGE, Visiting Students, Audit, or Post-Baccalaureate categories. All students not admitted to BYU go through the CTR to gain access to BYU Salt Lake Center classes.
24 credits may be earned at the BYU Salt Lake Center in order to be a transfer student for BYU Provo admissions, which means that no high school records are needed for entry into BYU Provo.
Same tuition as BYU Provo
Most students in 18-30 age range
Smaller class sizes.
BYU Independent Study
Visit this website for information: BYU Independent Study
Students enrolled in BYU Independent Study, BYU Online High School, BYU Salt Lake Center, or BYU FlexGE have access to the BYU Student Success Center
Other Open Enrollment Schools in Utah
Open enrollment schools have no minimum ACT score requirement. These schools have strong LDS Institute programs and are recommended here for LDS students.
- Utah Valley University (in Orem, UT)
- Snow College (in Ephraim and Richfield, UT)
Community colleges are also typically open enrollment
BYU Pathway Worldwide
Visit the BYU Pathway website to learn about this exciting option. BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides access to spiritually based degrees completely online at an affordable price.
Utah Secondary School Requirements
Check your own state for requirements. These are helpful in comparing your homeschool program, if you are required to meet these standards in a college admissions scenario.
Students in grades 9-12 shall earn a minimum of 24 units of credit through course completion, or through competency assessment, to graduate.
Grades 9-12 Core Curriculum credits from courses approved by the Board, as specified:
English/Language Arts (4 Credits)
Mathematics (3 Credits):
- Successful completion of Secondary Mathematics I, II, and III or higher.
- Parents may request that students replace Secondary III with a course from the Applied or Advanced approved course list.
- Students who successfully complete Calculus have met graduation requirements regardless of the number of credits they have taken.
Science (3 Credits):
- 2 Credits (from the four science foundation areas; Earth Systems, Biological Science, Chemistry, AP Computer Science, or Physics).
- 1 Credit (from the foundation courses or the applied or advanced science core list).
Social Studies (3 Credits):
- 1 Credit (U.S. History)
- 0.5 Credit (Geography)
- 0.5 Credit (Civilization)
- 0.5 Credit (U.S. Government and Citizenship)
- 0.5 Credit (LEA Discretion)
Directed Coursework (3.5 Credits):
- 0.5 Credit (Fine Arts)
- 1 Credit (CTE)
- 0.5 Credit (Computer Technology)
- 0.5 General Financial Literacy
Physical Education Health (2 Credits):
- 0.5 Credit (Health)
- 0.5 Credit (Participation Skills)
- 0.5 Credit (Fitness for Life)
- 0.5 Credit (Individualized Lifetime Activities)
- Optional: 0.5 Credit Maximum (Team Sport/Athletic Participation*)
* Can be used in place of Participation Skills or Individualized Lifetime Activities only.
Required Electives (5.5 Credits)
Total Credit Hours (24)
To view the Utah State Graduation Requirements online, visit School.utah.gov
Click on “Departments” then click on “A-Z Index”
Click on “G” and select Graduation Requirements, see left menu
Click on “Education Requirements”, select High School
Other Recommended Colleges
The colleges on this list welcome and support all Christians, including Latter-day Saints. In addition, they promote the cause of liberty and honor the roots of American freedom. Their core curriculum is generally aligned with the same core values upon which Ensign Peak Academy is founded.
Criteria to Consider when Selecting a College
- Credibility and Quality: which is preferred?
- Ivy League University
- Private University
- State College
- Community College
- Latter-day Saint vs secular or general Christian perspective
- Cost/scholarships
- Availability of Latter-day Saint students as possible marriage companions
- Proximity to home
- Access to Latter-day Saint Institute
- Strength of the core curriculum
- Strength of the major program of your choice
- Preparing for the specific career that the student wishes to pursue
- Average class size
- Research university or more teaching focused (BYU in Provo vs BYU Idaho)
- Is a trade school or apprenticeship a better path?