We went to the local community college on Monday. Faythe is thinking of starting there in January, and transferring to four-year university after two years. The advisor from the four-year university was there, and we sat down and had a wonderful, informative talk with him. After, we talked with an admissions counselor at the community college. They told me that she would either have to get a GED or have official transcripts/diploma from her home district to be able to receive any federal financial aid (!!!) Of course, they claim that this is not THEIR policy, but the Federal Government's policy. So I went home and looked it up. WRONG!!! The federal guidelines allow for homeschooling according to the state laws. And yes, the community college's website DOES say you need a GED or certified transcripts/diploma from the home district. I called to ask about this, and was told (by a number of different people) that 1) Yes, Faythe will need a GED. 2) It's not the Federal government, but the State government that is requiring this. 3) Oh, no! YOUR transcripts/diploma is just fine! When I asked why their web site said otherwise, I was told to refer all questions to Mr. M. I've left two messages on his machine ("Your call is very important to me! I will get back to you ASAP!") Needless to say, I've not heard back. So I've been in communication with HSLDA to see if they can find out what's going on! Basically, Faythe has a GPA of 3.5, and 22 on her ACT. I would think that's "good enough", and she shouldn't have to "prove herself" any further. And she will NOT be getting a GED, PERIOD!!!
Sounds pretty bogus to me, Jacks. Keep after them! I think you're gonna win this one. Hell hath no fury like a Jackie unleashed....lol One letter from HSLDA, and they'll be rolling out the red carpet for Faythe. Sorry for your headache. You're in the right. Good luck.
Is she set on that school? Is there another one she is interested in? If not, can you talk to a higher up?
No, we're not set. We ARE set on the university, but we're not sure if we're going directly there, or spend two years at the community college first. And I'm having HSLDA check it out for me!
I would be angry too Jackie. My two oldest children were both eligible for federal financial aid as homeschoolers. I issued their "official" homeschool transcripts and diploma. Going to community college for two years will save her a lot of money!
HSLDA sent me an email today. This has been an on-going battle for them, but the guy in charge at CCSC knows the problem and is accepting homeschool diploma/transcripts. She said that if, when it comes time, I have any trouble to contact him, and mention HSLDA when I do so. If that doesn't resolve the problem, let HSLDA and they will put their weight behind it. But she honestly seemed to think that it wouldn't come to that. But she did say, most empathically, that Faythe didn't need a GED.
