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My Homeschool Transcripts Review by Cindy West

Steve Sensenig
My Homeschool Transcripts
http://www.myhomeschooltranscripts.com

Does the thought of maintaining detailed transcript records make you think twice about homeschooling through high school? You don't need to worry any longer! My Homeschool Transcripts is a wonderful, customizable, and easy-to-use online solution.

For a one-time fee of $29, you have lifetime access to MyHomeschoolTranscripts.com, where you can input class records and generate transcripts for each and every one of your children. Yes, I think that's pretty amazing! Don't let the low price fool you; the records you're able to keep for each child are extremely detailed.

Each child gets his own "folder," where you can set the graduation requirements based on your own state's regulations. You also get to set the grading scale, assign and describe courses, and determine how many credits each course is worth.

For instance, this year my 9 th grader's course schedule looks like this:

  • Bible/Character Training (1 credit)
  • Algebra 1 (1 credit)
  • Biology (1 credit)
  • English 1 (1 credit)
  • World History 2 (1 credit)
  • Spanish (1 credit)
  • Constitutional Law (1/2 credit)
  • Logic/Critical Thinking (1/2 credit)
  • Health/PE (1/2 credit)

Using My Homeschool Transcripts, I was easily able to chart out each course, giving a detailed description of what the classes entail and the credits they are worth. In the descriptions, I noted curricula, outside classes, and other factors that "count" toward the credit. Even though some of my daughter's high school requirements were completed in 8 th grade (like World History 1 and Physical Science), I was able to create an additional year on the transcript and count those credits toward graduation too.

As tests are graded or projects assigned, I can apply scores to the subject in which they belong and grades are automatically calculated for me. For some classes, like health and physical education, I don't give tests or assign grades for projects. I don't have to worry, though, because I can simply enter the quarterly grade into the "report card." Each course's ongoing grade is tabulated for you as you enter scores. Then, each quarter you can either input a grade or allow the computer to tabulate it for you. At the end of the year, a final grade is automatically assigned (and credits given) based on the quarterly scores. Additionally, you and your child can easily see the progress you've made in completing the credits necessary for graduation on a well-organized chart.

At any time, I'm free to add, change, or delete any part of the transcript. If I need to add a 2 nd semester class, I can do it. If my daughter retakes a test and I need to change the grade, it's no problem. If a certain class didn't pan out after all, I can delete it.

You can even track extra-curricular activities! Sports, clubs, quiz teams, community service, leadership positions--you name it and you can note it. You're given plenty of room to note the activity, its dates, and a description. This is a very handy list to have on hand when colleges ask for service and leadership experiences.

Once all credits have been earned, you can print a customizable and very professional looking transcript that even includes your school's name. There is also an option to print a "projected transcript" before graduation if needed.

My Homeschool Transcript is very easy to use! If you get stuck, however, or want to browse a tutorial before diving in, there is a PDF instruction guide that comes with the subscription. I love this product and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to stay organized through the high school years. If used as intended, this product will keep you from being one of those moms frantically trying to pull together a transcript when the time comes. And the time will come.

Product review by Cindy West, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September 2011

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