Students in Non-Traditional High School Settings

The University of Richmond welcomes applicants from all educational backgrounds, including students coming from homeschool and virtual school environments. Students who have spent at least two years in a homeschool, online, or hybrid program by the time they graduate are considered non-traditional applicants to the University of Richmond. A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is required for admission.

Because educational records from non-traditional environments widely vary, homeschooled and virtual school students are offered several opportunities to provide additional information to the admission committee to further highlight their preparedness for the University of Richmond. In addition to the standard complete admission application, students coming from non-traditional high school backgrounds are required to submit:

  • A brief narrative (~350 words) explaining your decision to take high school coursework in a non-traditional setting, including what a typical day is like for you during the school year and any special arrangements made for instruction.
  • Official standardized test scores. While the University of Richmond is test-optional for students in traditional high school settings, SAT and/or ACT scores provide the admission committee with additional context to support your academic performance in a non-traditional high school setting through a standardized assessment tool. 
  • Letters of recommendation from individuals other than your parents or family members that you have interacted with in an academic setting.
  • External evidence of subject proficiency in history, natural science, and a second language. Advanced Placement courses or exams, International Baccalaureate courses or exams, select CLEP exam scores, or community college courses can be used to meet proficiency requirements. One course per field is needed to satisfy the requirements. Applications without demonstration of subject proficiency will be considered incomplete and ineligible for review by the admission committee.
  • A comprehensive transcript from grades 9-12 through the first semester of senior year. If you are not provided with a transcript through an educational institution or cooperative, create and submit a transcript that will help the admission committee understand your high school curriculum. Include courses taken and grades earned from grades 9-12 including units earned, a full description of the content, and texts used for each subject. If you have taken courses at a community college, university, or other organization, please submit transcripts from those institutions as well.
  • An interview will be scheduled by an admission officer if an application is deemed to be academically competitive by the admission committee. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • I attended a virtual school/was homeschooled for two years but am graduating from a traditional high school. Why am I considered a non-traditional applicant?
    We understand each applicant brings their own unique educational background to the college application process. For students who have spent at least two years of their high school experience outside of a traditional high school environment, the admission committee asks for additional documentation (standardized test scores, subject proficiency requirements, etc.) to demonstrate your academic foundation and readiness to engage in collegiate coursework at the University of Richmond. These additional requirements serve as contextual markers to help the admission committee understand your educational achievements in the context of our academic profile.

  • I did not take any AP, IB, or community college classes. How can I fulfill my subject proficiency requirements?
    The Chemistry CLEP exam and ACT Science score can fulfill the natural science subject proficiency requirement. Outside of these two exceptions, we are only able to consider AP, IB, or community college coursework to fulfill subject proficiency requirements. We do not accept National Latin Exam scores or Duolingo scores for the fulfillment of the second language subject proficiency requirement. 

  • Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

    Letters of recommendation serve as opportunities for the admission committee to get to know you through the eyes of a teacher, trusted mentor, or community member. Letters that speak to your academic work as a student are ideal. For many students, family members (especially parents) serve as the primary coursework instructors. We ask you to find an additional recommender who is not a member of your family to write a recommendation that speaks to your work as a student. This could be a community college professor, a homeschool co-op instructor, or another mentor who has supported you in an academic context.

  • How do I schedule an interview?

    If you have been selected for an interview, an admission officer will reach out to you directly. We will contact you via the email you provided when you submitted your application.