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UVF’s 83rd Baccalaureate & Commencement

On the sixth day of May, 2022, the University of Valley Forge (UVF) held its 83rd annual Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies and conferred degrees on the class of 2022. Students, family, and friends gathered in the Flower Chapel at 10 a.m. for a time of worship and a baccalaureate message from Dr. David Dippold and seniors Jared Gehman ’22 and Sadie Perez ’22 – the first true baccalaureate service at UVF since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The service was also live-streamed on the university’s website via YouTube and social media for those who were not present. Rev. Jennifer Gale, Vice President of Student Life, greeted those present and opened the service in prayer before a time of worship and the message. In keeping with the tradition of UVF’s baccalaureate services, the three speakers spoke about the legacy of the past, present, and future, and the faithfulness of God throughout.

The 83rd Commencement ceremony began at 3 p.m. in the Flower Chapel due to inclement weather. The service was also live-streamed on the university’s website for those who were not present. Dr. Douglas, vice president of academic affairs, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and introduced alumna Kaitlyn Davi ’13 who led the audience in congregational singing, followed by two hymns and the alma mater sung by the University Concert Choir.

President David S. Kim then introduced commencement speaker, Dr. Beth Grant, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project Rescue, a 25-year ministry working to bring healing to survivors of sexual slavery around the world. Dr. Grant serves as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer on the engagement of the church in justice, women’s issues, and cross-cultural studies in universities in India, Europe, and the United States. An ordained minister, she currently serves the Assemblies of God as the first woman Executive Presbyter. Dr. Grant and her husband David have served as Assemblies of God ministers working in Eurasia and Europe for 44 years. She earned her Ph.D. at Biola University, School of Intercultural Studies in Intercultural Education, co-edited Hands That Heal (2007), an international curriculum to train caregivers of trafficking survivors, and authored Courageous Compassion (2014), a call for followers of Jesus to confront social injustice God’s way.

Dr. Beth Grant congratulated the class of 2022 for their accomplishments and making it through a difficult few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She admonished the graduates to listen well, love well, look well, and receive the Holy Spirit and go out in the power of the Spirit. “After you love well and listen well, people tend to hear you differently… Wherever God calls you, loving well disarms [people] and represents Jesus with integrity.” She also shared some wonderful testimonies about what God was doing in Asia in the red-light districts in which Project Rescue ministers during the pandemic. Amidst the “storm” of the global pandemic, women were being released from sexual slavery and trafficking and able to gain freedom and healing. “Don’t be so distracted by the storm that you miss what [He is] going to do in the storm.” She also encouraged the graduates to be listening to the Lord and his leading. “If God has called you, He will open doors for you, [but] not everyone open door is of God. He will give you open doors, but discern whether or not it is His open door for you.”

After Dr. Grant’s message, Douglas and Kim presented each graduate with their respective graduate or undergraduate degree. These graduates have now joined the mission of thousands of other University of Valley Forge alumni to live a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world.

To watch the Baccalaureate service, click here.
To watch the Commencement ceremony, click here.
For more information on the University, visit https://valleyforge.edu

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.