What’s the Difference between Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions?
What’s the Difference between Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions?
We sometimes are asked by homeschool high school moms about the difference between transcripts and course descriptions. They need to know this in two cases:
- If a homeschool high schooler is transferring to regular school settings (especially public schools), those schools often ask for BOTH a transcript and course descriptions.
- If a homeschool high schooler is applying to a college that has had few homeschoolers apply, they may ask for BOTH a transcript and course descriptions.
Transcripts and course descriptions are actually 2 different things. Here is a description of both:
Homeschool transcript:
The transcript is the high-level overview of high school. It lists courses taken each year, amount of credit earned and at what level of rigor, and grade for the course. It can also include extracurriculars, competitions and service hours (these are important for college applications but not so much for transferring to a local high school).
Here are some helpful links:
Course Descriptions:
The course descriptions can be attached to the transcript when needed but is on a separate page. Course descriptions are slightly detailed (usually a paragraph or two) description of:
- Text used for course
- Topics covered by the student in the course
- Methods used for instruction (text, real books, inquiry-based activities, etc)
- How the course will be graded
- Amount of credit earned and at what level of rigor
- Plus a syllabus, where possible (Here is a post on how to write a syllabus.)
You can find a course description that lists the topics covered by the text when you go to the 7Sisters store and look up each curriculum. However the methods, amount of credit earned and the amount of rigor varies by student, so each homeschool parent who needs course descriptions will need to explain those in the description.
For an example of the text and topics part of the course description, here is that portion from a Psychology course:
Text: Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Perspective by Vicki Tillman, published by 7SistersHomeschool.com
The topics in the fifteen chapters of this Psychology curriculum for high school cover:
- The Brain and How it Works
- Perception
- Genetics
- Learning
- History of Psychology (Ancient to Pre-modern Times )
- And History of Psychology into Modern Times
- Communication
- Needs and Motivation
- Looking at Personality & Theory
- Sleep & Dreams
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychological Testing
- Christian Counseling
- Careers in Psychology
- How to Help a Friend in Crisis
This course includes:
- new words and key concepts reviews
- comprehension questions for each chapter
- tests
Transcripts are a part of educational life for all homeschool high schoolers. Course descriptions are occasionally needed. When they are completed, it is rewarding to see the fine work done by your homeschool high schoolers.
Homeschool high school transcripts are important! But do not worry. We are looking out for you!
Your 7Sisters have put together everything you need for homeschool high school transcript, including Files:
- 1: A transcript template in easy-to-use editable pdf format
- 2: A high school checklist, to help you and your teens keep the course requirements organized
- 3: A detailed, 75-page guide with details on how to create a meaningful high school transcript
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