Online School Application Tips

Be Tech Savvy With An Online Application

When you apply to be admitted to an online degree program, show the college that you are technically savvy. If they offer you the choice between having an application sent to your home or completing it online, this should be a no-brainer. Complete the admissions application for the online degree program by applying online. While this is not a requirement, the online school wants to know that you are comfortable working in an online environment. For those students who lack the needed technical skills, don't dismay. Knowing the technology is not a must to get into an online program, but if you lack these skills you may need to participate in additional training when you enter the program to get up to speed.



Completing Your Essay For An Online Application

Some schools require you to complete an essay to submit with your online application for admission. If this is the case, print out a copy of the application before you begin filling it out. Review everything that is being requested by the school and take some time to think about your responses. You don't want to be rejected for admission into your desired program just because you didn't put any thought into what you wrote. Instead write your essay response using a word processing program. Take the time to make sure that it is complete and error free. You also should read through it a couple of times to make sure it answers what the college wants to know. Then when you are prepared complete the information for the online application by just cutting and pasting the essay response.



Fill Out Your Online Application Correctly The First Time

Every impression counts, so make sure your online application is filled out correctly the first time to help you get accepted for admission. To start, you should complete the online application completely and accurately. Read through each item carefully before responding to make sure you are providing the information they are requesting. If you don't understand what is being asked, then don't be afraid to call and ask for help. It is better to stop and ask to get it right than to be rejected because you don't understand what the school wants to know.



Follow-Up On Your Online Application

After you submit your online admissions application, don't expect an immediate reply from the school. Generally, the school will send an email verifying that the application has been received and may even tell you when to expect a formal notice indicating if you have been accepted. Do be patient and let them review your application. Only call the school if you did not receive verification that they received your application within a day or so of submitting it online. Also, wait to call and check the status until they have had time to process your information. If they are waiting for you to send additional information, then make sure everything has been forwarded to the school before checking. Admissions offices get a lot of calls regarding the status of applications from anxious students so expect it to take some time to complete their review of your application.



Send In All Required Admissions Information

When you apply for admission to a college program, there may be additional information that is requested that has to be mailed in separately. This may include transcripts from schools you previously attended. Generally, when you identify on your college application that you attended another college or university in the past, whether it was to earn other online degrees or not, it will be expected that you submit the transcripts by the application deadline. There may be other items as well that need to be submitted including an application fee. When you complete the online college application, read everything carefully, understand all deadlines, and send in all required materials in a timely manner. If you do not send in everything that the school requires, your application for admission may not even be considered.