Your homeschool experience has helped you develop an individual path to college. Dean’s Admissions team will work with you to understand your curriculum, achievements and preparation for your next step.
Apply as a Homeschool Student
You’ve taken a unique path to college – and at Dean, that perspective is valued. Our personalized approach, close relationships with faculty and supportive community provide an ideal environment to build on your strengths, explore new possibilities and confidently take the next step in your education.
Homeschool students follow Dean’s first-year application process and submit additional documentation describing their curriculum and completion of secondary school requirements.
Your Application Checklist
Required
- A Dean College Application or the Common Application (Opening August 17, 2026)
- A homeschool transcript
- A brief overview of your homeschool curriculum
- Documentation showing that you have met the applicable homeschool and secondary school completion requirements
Optional
- SAT or ACT scores
- One or more letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
Dean is test optional. If you submit SAT or ACT scores, we will consider them only when they strengthen your application. Choosing not to submit scores will not negatively affect your admission or scholarship consideration.
Optional materials such as an essay or recommendation can help us learn more about your experiences, interests and goals.
The admissions office reserves the right to request additional information to assist with your application review.
Preparing Your Homeschool Transcript
Your transcript should include:
- All high school-level courses
- Grades, assessments or another clear method of evaluating your work
- The academic years in which courses were completed
- Any college-level courses completed
- Confirmation that secondary school graduation requirements have been met
If you completed college courses, request an official transcript directly from the college. Dean will evaluate eligible coursework for possible college credit.
Homeschool Authorization and Completion Records
Submit documentation from your local school district approving your homeschool curriculum or confirming that you met its homeschool requirements, when applicable.
Students who have completed their secondary school requirements must also provide a diploma or equivalent record confirming completion.
This section should be reviewed carefully by Admissions or legal counsel. Homeschool oversight and documentation requirements vary by state, so the current language may be too Massachusetts-specific for an institution recruiting nationally.
Test-Optional Admission
Dean does not require SAT or ACT scores. If you submit scores, we will consider them only when they strengthen your application. Choosing not to submit scores will not negatively affect your admission or scholarship consideration.
Meet With Us
Homeschool applicants are encouraged to visit campus and meet with an admissions counselor. We would be glad to learn more about your curriculum and experiences and answer questions about preparing your application.
How We Review Applications
Dean uses a holistic review process. We consider your curriculum, academic performance, experiences and potential for success as part of the Dean community.
Applicants are generally expected to have completed the equivalent of:
- Four years of English
- Three years of mathematics
- Three years of science
- Three years of social science
Additional Program Requirements
Some programs have requirements beyond the general application:
- Arch Learning Community: Indicate your interest on your Dean application and review the additional requirements, including the program interview. Review Arch Requirements.
- Engage: Students admitted to Dean may apply to enroll in Engage. Learn About Engage.
Application Deadlines
Fall admission
- November 1: Early Action Priority Deadline
- December 1: Early Action Deadline
- March 15: Priority Admission Deadline
- After March 15: Applications considered on a rolling basis
Spring admission
- December 1: Priority Admission Deadline
- After December 1: Applications considered on a rolling basis
Early Action Scholarship
Apply by December 1 to be considered for Dean’s $2,000 Early Action Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
Financial Aid
To be considered for the greatest range of financial aid opportunities, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Have You Applied to or Attended Dean Before?
If you previously applied to Dean but did not enroll, do not submit a new application. Complete the Reactivation Form.
If you previously attended Dean and want to return, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@dean.edu.
