Information for Freshman Applicants Completing a Home School Program

Students from home-school backgrounds are encouraged to apply for admission to The University of New Mexico. We understand that home-school students come from a variety of educational experiences and backgrounds. To ensure a student is well prepared for success at the college level and environment, admission decisions will be based on either a GED or HiSET score, or a transcript detailing the secondary level (high school) program of study.

APPLICANTS WITH A GED or HiSET SCORE: A successful GED or HiSET score will be considered graduation/completion of the secondary level. Applicants using a transcript may need to provide an initial transcript demonstrating progress at time of application, followed by a final transcript demonstrating the completion of the secondary curriculum/graduation prior to enrollment in UNM.

APPLICANTS WITH A TRANSCRIPT: If you are providing a transcript, we will be reviewing your academic history for evidence of progressive skill-building college preparatory subjects and your level of mastery / performance in the various subjects. Specifically, applicants will need 4 years of English language or composition, 4 years of mathematics, 3 years of physical / laboratory-based science, 3 years of social studies and 2 years of study of a language other than English.

Obtaining a transcript - Some curriculum resource providers offer transcripts as part the service, or you may need to construct your own transcript. It is important that the transcript convey both the material and your level of mastery of that material. Course descriptions are helpful. Descriptive course titles, grades and an indication of length of study for each course are usually sufficient. For example: Algebra I, full academic year, grade = B.

Other important elements to be sure are included in your transcript:

  • Student name and address
  • Chronology of study including the courses taken
  • Graduation date once curriculum is completed
  • Grading Scale – for example: A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Average, D = Below Average, F = Insufficient
  • Signature or validation from the homeschool administrator verifying the information is accurate.

SCHOLARSHIPS

New Mexico Lottery Scholarship for Homeschool Students:

  • New Mexico Homeschool students are no longer required to have a GED or High School Equivalent to be eligible for the Lottery Scholarship.
  • Proof of PED-approved registration as a homeschool student will be required
  • Students enrolled in non-accredited private “homeschools” operating in New Mexico are not eligible unless they have also registered with PED.
  • The 18 month “gap year” begins June 1 of the final year a student is registered with PED as a homeschooled student.
  • Lottery begins the second semester of your freshman year and is renewable for up to 7 consecutive semesters. If you are eligible we’ll award Lottery For more information on Lottery visit our UNM Scholarships website.

Other Freshmen Scholarships:

  • To be eligible for other UNM Freshman Scholarships, simply follow any application instructions and abide by the deadline.
  • Homeschool students require no additional actions to apply for UNM Scholarships

FINANCIAL AID

The instructions below are for prospective applicants. If you are an enrolled student, please visit the  financial aid website for continuing students.

  1. Apply for Admission to UNM
  2. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as October 1 of your senior year
    FAFSA tips:
      • Question 26 should be answered “3=Homeschooled”.
      • Question 27 can be skipped if you answered “3=Homeschooled” for question 26.
      • Use our UNM Freshman Guide for step-by-step guide to Financial Aid at UNM.
  3. Apply for UNM Freshman Scholarships
  4. Follow-up and submit any Additional Documentation needed to complete your Financial Aid file

 

Financial Aid Priority Dates and Deadlines

Deadline for Admission and/or Application

Priority Date*

UNM NM Resident Freshmen Scholarship Deadlines

(Regents, Presidential, Woodward, UNM Scholars, UNM Achievers)

December 1

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

January 5

More UNM NM Resident Freshmen Scholarship Deadlines

(UNM Lobo Leaders, Lobo Pride, )

February 1

Financial Aid Additional Documentation Date

(submit any required additional documentation to UNM Financial Aid)

February 1

*priority dates are only best consideration dates, you may still submit after the priority date.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR FEDERAL AID

To receive Federal Financial Aid, a student must be qualified to study at the

postsecondary level. A student qualifies if that student:

  • has completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law;
  • has completed secondary school education in a homeschool setting which qualifies for an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law, if state law does not require a homeschooled student to receive a credential.