Online College Admission Process

College Admissions Process

Online College Admission Process

Online College ADMISSIONS PROCESS

In the ever-changing landscape of education, online college admissions have opened new doors. Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re a professional seeking career advancement, understanding this process is pivotal. This guide is your companion through the stages of online college admission, starting from that first advisor call to enrolling in courses tailored to your aspirations. Uncover essential inquiries, necessary forms, and valuable insights for a seamless transition into online education. Empower yourself to make well-informed choices about your educational path.

STEP 1: THE FIRST PHONE CALL

During the first phone call, the Admissions/Enrollment Advisor/Counselor may want to schedule an interview time to speak with you. Otherwise, they may want to discuss the following during the first call and then schedule an interview at a later time:

  • Selecting the right program for your career and life goals. Are you looking for a school that accepts low GPAs or does not require entrance exams. All things to consider.
  • Your schedule and any time or life constraints for going back to school
Online CollegeGPA RequirementOther Requirements
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY3.0
  • High school GPA of 3.0 or above
  • ACT score of 19
  • SAT (Math and Reading only) score of 1000
  • GED and transcript of all credit-bearing coursework of 680 or higher
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITYNo GPA Listed
  • High school transcripts
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Proficiency in English and math
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL CAMPUS2.0
  • SAT score of 880 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics sections or ACT score of 17
  • Official high school transcripts
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBALNo Minimum Listed
  • Official transcripts
  • Upload government issued ID
  • Pay application fee
  • Review degree plan

When you speak with the Admissions Advisor from each school, they should provide you with specific information regarding their school and its offerings. It’s a good idea to ask the same questions so you can make accurate comparisons.

The following list of questions will be helpful to you — you can print these out and write down the answers as you speak to each school.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ADMISSIONS OFFICERS

  1. What type of accreditation do you hold?
  2. Do you offer any scholarships?
  3. Do you offer Title Four funding (government financial aid)?
  4. If I do not qualify for financial aid, do you offer help with Private Loans?
  5. Do you accept transfer credits from _______ school? (if you have any to transfer)
  6. Do you offer any credit for life experience?
  7. Do you accept CLEP transfer credits?
  8. How long will it take to complete your program?
  9. What are your technology requirements?
  10. Do you have a career services department?
  11. Do you have academic advisors?
  12. Do you offer technical support?
  13. Are books included in my tuition?
  14. Will I have access to a library?
  15. How does your program work?
  16. What is the time investment associated with this program on a weekly basis?

Note: Be sure to let the Advisor know if you are Active Military or a Veteran.

STEP 2: APPLICATIONS AND FORMS

After you have spoken with the schools, there are several ways you can begin the Admissions/Enrollment process:

  • It is not uncommon to receive an e-mail with the link to a school’s application site. Many schools have strictly enforced deadlines; however, do not be intimidated by this. These deadlines are established to separate serious students from non-serious students. Since the application should take only 10 minutes or so, take this opportunity to display your seriousness to the advisor.
  • You may be asked to pay an application fee, depending upon the school’s requirements. Make sure you ask your representative if there are any fees associated with filling out the application.
  • You may be asked to fill out financial aid paperwork. Some schools will complete your financial aid package prior to your acceptance, while other schools may wait until you are accepted.
  • Always feel free to contact your Admissions/Enrollment Advisor/Counselor with any questions. Most will follow up with you to see what questions or concerns you may have.
  • You may be asked to speak with a financial aid representative or a student accounts officer to set up a payment plan.
  • Some schools may require you to take a short exam or write an essay.

STEP 3: ENROLLMENT PAPERWORK

When you have chosen and been accepted by the school you wish to attend, you will be asked to sign an enrollment agreement. This may be e-mailed or mailed to you, or you may be directed to complete it online at the school’s website.

This is typically a three to seven page document that contains your personal information, your program of interest, what the institution is promising you, and what your obligations to the institution are.

Once you sign the document (you may e-sign, or sign manually and fax or mail back), you are enrolled!

STEP 4: COURSE REGISTRATION

Most institutions will recommend which classes you should register for first. Others may let you select from the course catalog. Keep in mind that if your school recommends that you register for certain classes, it is best to do so according to their guidelines.

In most cases, you can register online or on the phone. Once your registration is complete, many schools offer an orientation course to familiarize you with their format. It is recommended that you complete this course, as it will serve to benefit you.

HELPFUL HINTS

You might become anxious as your start date draws near. Just remember that this is normal, and that the first week of school might feel like culture shock. After a couple of weeks, you’ll assimilate school into your daily schedule and everything will begin to feel normal.

Simply keep reminding yourself:

  • “My education may enable me to make more money over my lifetime.”
  • “My education may enable me to move up the ladder in my company or get a better job.”
  • “My education may empower me to provide autonomy.”
  • “My accomplishment may inspire my children.”

You may even want to post it next to your computer or on your desk. Remember, in the words of Woody Allen, “80% of SUCCESS is showing up.”

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The financial aid information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

1 You must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students with a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan in the 2018/19 school year who were approved when they returned in 2019/20. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2019/20.

2 This promotional benefit is provided at no cost to borrowers with new loans that disburse between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. Borrowers are not eligible to activate the benefit until July 1, 2021. Borrowers who reside in, attend school in, or borrow for a student attending school in Maine are not eligible for this benefit. Chegg Study® offers expert Q&A where students can submit up to 20 questions per month. No cash value. Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit http://www.chegg.com/legal/smtermsandconditions for complete details. This offer expires one year after issuance.