Homeschool Application Process
Thank you for your interest in applying to Berry! We’re excited to work with you and your family throughout the admission process. This page is your resource for more information on process and timelines. And if you ever feel lost, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Where do I start?
- Submit an application via the Common Application or the Berry Application.
Please note: The regular decision application deadline for Fall 2023 first-year admission has now passed. Due to an unprecedented volume of applications, we will prioritize making admission decisions for those applicants who met the application deadline. While you may still submit an application, please be aware that you will be considered for admission and financial aid only on a space-available basis. - Submit the following:
- Official transcripts of the high school years and/or any dual-enrollment transcripts.
- Two Personal Recommendation Forms. (optional)
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores. (optional)
- Berry SAT Code: 5059
- Berry ACT Code: 0798
Standardized Testing is Optional
ACT or SAT scores are not required as part of the admission process. Why? Our data indicate that SAT and ACT scores are not the best measures of potential student success. In fact, our holistic review process has always centered on getting to know you as an individual through: your admission application, your academic performance as indicated by your school transcripts, your extra-curricular engagement and a personal essay. These four factors will continue to matter most while helping us fulfill our historical mission to provide access to a world-class education for students from all backgrounds.
If you have taken the ACT or SAT, we still encourage you to submit your scores to Berry. Submitted test scores (or a lack of test scores) will not negatively impact your admission and will not be used in awarding institutional merit-based scholarships*.
* Georgia homeschool students who wish to be considered for the HOPE Scholarship or the Zell Miller Scholarship must apply through GA Futures and submit test scores for qualification. More information is available at gafutures.org.
My application is submitted! What’s next?
Waiting is one of life’s less pleasant occupations. Please know that while you’re sitting mournfully by the mailbox, we’re reviewing your application, reading your essay, taking our time to get to know you and imagining you as a member of this community.
We take this work seriously and do it carefully. Which takes time.
While you wait, keep busy, keep working hard, do good in your community (these are the things that Berry students do every day).
If you just can’t keep Berry off your mind (it’s a challenge, we realize), you are welcome to come see us.
We also welcome you to get to know your admission counselor by calling the office or sending an email. We’re especially interested to hear if you have received an honor, award or recognition since submitting your application.
You might also spend some time on MyBerry. It’s an easy way to check on the status of your application, check on your requirements and learn more about Berry.
I'm done applying! When should I hear back?
This depends on what application timeline you selected. Important deadlines and notification dates for each of these timelines are listed below.
Application Deadlines
| Application Term | Admission Option | Application and Materials Deadline | Notification Date | Deposit Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Early Action | Nov. 1 | Begins Dec. 1 | May 15 |
| Fall 2024 | Regular Decision | Jan. 15 | Begins Mar. 1 | May 15 |
| Spring 2024 | Regular Decision | Nov. 1 | Rolling | Dec. 1 |
*priority date for submitting the FAFSA and applying for signature scholarship programs
What kind of curriculum are you looking for?
We recommend the following high school courses as the best preparation for students pursuing enrollment at Berry:
- 4 years of English (grammar, composition, literature, etc.)
- 4 years of Mathematics (to include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry or Trigonometry, and a fourth level of math that exceeds Algebra II, such as Algebra III, Advanced Algebra/Trig, PreCalculus, Calculus or Statistics)
- 3 years of Social Sciences (such as history courses, economics, government, civics, geography, psychology and sociology)
- 3 years of Natural Sciences (such as biology, chemistry, physical science, physics, environmental science, anatomy, etc.)
- 2 years of Foreign Languages (we recommend two years of the same language, and we will accept languages such as Spanish, French, German, Latin, American Sign Language, etc.)
Do many homeschool students attend Berry?
We have a wide range of educational backgrounds in our student community. Our students come from public schools, private schools, international schools and other colleges or universities. We currently have more than 100 Berry students who homeschooled during high school. In fact, homeschool often represents the largest “feeder school” in our new, incoming class.
Who should I contact for more information?
Charlotte Ellard, Coordinator for Homeschool Admission at cellard@berry.edu.
Need more information? Please see frequently asked questions.