Whether you’re a high school student planning your next chapter or an adult returning to college, applying to college can be both daunting and exciting.
Find an Online Class Today
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
This guide will walk you through the process of researching online programs, understanding admission requirements, and submitting successful applications.
Before you begin your journey, it’s essential to understand that applying to an online program is similar to applying to an on-campus program. By following the steps below, you’ll be well-prepared to find the right online college, complete your application, and get accepted into the program that fits your needs.
Application Terminology to Know
Before you start applying to any online program, it’s crucial to understand the different types of admission policies that colleges and universities use. Each policy has its requirements and deadlines.
Open Admission
Open admission means a college admits most applicants who meet their basic requirements.
- Admission Requirements: Typically, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Program Types: Many community colleges and some four-year universities have open admissions.
Because open admission policies are inclusive, these schools often have simpler application processes with few requirements. For more information about open admissions, you can visit the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator to explore schools that offer these policies.
Regular Admission
Regular admission is the most common enrollment policy for competitive four-year colleges and universities.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet a variety of criteria, such as minimum GPA, standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, and personal essays.
- Deadlines: Application deadlines usually fall between November and February for the upcoming fall term. Colleges review applications together and release decisions on a specific date. You can check specific deadlines by visiting College Board’s Application Calendar.
Regular admission policies require applicants to submit a complete application package by a set deadline. You can find detailed information about individual college deadlines on each college’s official admissions webpage.
Rolling Admission
Rolling admission means a college reviews applications as they are received and makes admission decisions on an ongoing basis.
- Admission Requirements: Similar to regular admission, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the college.
- Deadlines: Rolling admission colleges may have a broader timeframe for applications, often between fall and late spring. However, once a program is full, they stop accepting new students for that term.
If you’re applying to a school with rolling admissions, it’s best to submit your application as early as possible to maximize your chances of acceptance. Many schools with rolling admissions post their deadlines on their admissions webpages, so be sure to check these directly.
Popular Online Schools Accepting Applications
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Online College Application Deadlines
Knowing when to apply is critical. The application process and timelines vary depending on whether you’re a high school student or a returning adult, as well as the type of enrollment policy the college uses.
College Application Timeline for High School Students
Junior Year
This is the ideal time to start researching colleges and online programs.
- Explore resources like our guide to accredited online colleges and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to find schools that match your academic interests and career goals.
- Review each school’s admission standards and requirements by visiting their admissions websites.
- Register for standardized tests (SAT or ACT) and schedule them for early in your junior year. This gives you time to retake them if needed.
Summer Before Senior Year
Use the summer break to get a head start on college applications.
- Finalize your list of schools to apply to. You can use tools like College Board’s BigFuture to help narrow down your choices.
- Begin drafting personal essays and statements. You can find tips on writing college essays on the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
- Collect letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or employers. Guidance on how to request these can be found at The College Board: Letters of Recommendation.
Beginning of Senior Year
Many colleges offer Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Early Evaluation (EE) admissions:
- Early Decision: This option is binding. If accepted, you must attend that school.
- Early Action: This option is non-binding. You can apply to other schools and compare offers. For more information, you can check the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) guidelines.
- Early Evaluation: Another non-binding option where schools give you early feedback on your chances of admission.
Middle of Senior Year
This period is when most colleges with regular admission policies accept applications.
- Regular admission deadlines typically fall between November and February. Ensure you check specific deadlines via each school’s admissions webpage.
- Gather and submit all required documents (transcripts, test scores, essays) well before the application deadline to account for any delays or issues.
College Application Timeline for Returning Adults
If you’re an adult returning to college, your timeline for applying is flexible, but starting early is still beneficial.
12-18 Months Before Intended Start Date
Begin by researching potential colleges and online programs.
- Evaluate each school’s admission standards, program offerings, and faculty. You can find this information on each college’s admissions or academics pages.
- If required, register for standardized tests or any prerequisite courses. Some schools may allow you to skip standardized tests based on work experience or prior credits.
12 Months in Advance
Some colleges offer early application options:
- Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA): Early admission can increase your chances of acceptance if you apply to highly competitive programs. Check the individual college websites or resources like the University Early Application Guide for more information.
6-12 Months in Advance
Most colleges with regular or rolling admissions accept applications during this period.
- Check each school’s website for specific deadlines and application requirements.
- Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and start writing personal essays to ensure timely submission. You can find resources for adult learners on the American Council on Education website.
- If the schools you’re interested in have open enrollment programs, apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
What to Do If You Miss Application Deadlines
If you miss a college’s application deadline, don’t panic:
- Contact the admissions office to see if they are still accepting applications or if any exceptions are possible. Many colleges have phone numbers or live chats available on their admissions pages.
- Consider applying for the next academic term or exploring colleges with rolling or open admissions if you need to start sooner. You can search for schools with flexible deadlines using the Common App’s Find a College feature.
How to Fill Out an Online College Application
Applying to an online college is usually as straightforward as applying to any traditional school. Here’s how to get started:
- Research and Prepare: Gather all necessary information, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The College Board’s Application Checklist is a great resource.
- Check Application Requirements: Each school’s website will list their specific application requirements and instructions. For example, you can refer to the Admission Requirements at SNHU or a similar accredited institution for examples.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out your personal details accurately. You can start with the Common Application if you’re applying to multiple schools that accept it.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or send in any required documents such as transcripts, resumes, and essays. Many colleges require these documents to be sent electronically or through services like Parchment.
- Pay the Application Fee: Most schools charge an application fee. If you cannot afford this fee, ask about waivers or financial assistance. The College Board’s Fee Waiver Guide provides information on eligibility.
Expert Tip: Be consistent with your personal information across all application materials. For example, if your full name is Katherine, use the name “Katherine” in all official documents rather than alternating between “Katherine” and “Katie.”
Required Supporting Documents
- High School or College Transcripts: Official transcripts must be sent directly from your previous schools. You can request these through your high school’s guidance office or your previous college’s registrar office, or use online services like Parchment.
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT): Check if the school requires these scores. If they do, you can send them directly through the College Board (SAT) or ACT websites.
- Personal Essays or Statements: Tailor each essay to the specific program or scholarship you’re applying for. You can find tips and guidelines for writing effective college essays on the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
- Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths. You can find advice on requesting letters of recommendation through NACAC’s guidelines.
- List of Extracurricular Activities and Awards: Highlight your achievements, leadership roles, and volunteer work.
- Portfolio of Work: For art or design programs, you may need to showcase a portfolio. Each school will have specific requirements for portfolio submissions on their admissions pages.
College Application Costs and How to Save Money
Application Fees: Many colleges charge an application fee ranging from $25-$90 to process your application. For specific fees, check each college’s admissions page or use tools like the College Board’s Comparison Tool.
How to Save Money on College Applications:
- Fee Waivers: Many schools waive application fees for students who demonstrate financial need. Check the college’s financial aid website or contact their admissions office for details. The Common App Fee Waiver, for example, provides waivers to qualifying students.
- The Common Application: If you’re applying to multiple schools, consider using the Common Application. Some schools will waive application fees if you use this platform. The Common Application’s Fee Waiver page explains how you can request a waiver.
- Early Applications: Some colleges have reduced fees or waive fees entirely for students who apply early or online. Visit each college’s admissions page to see if they offer early application discounts or incentives.
FAQs About Applying to Online College
Q: Do I Have to Take Standardized Tests to Apply to Online College?
A: Requirements vary by institution. Some online colleges require test scores like the SAT or ACT, while others do not. Check each school’s admissions page to verify their policies. For instance, schools listed in this guide to test-optional colleges do not require standardized tests.
Q: Is Online College Worth It?
A: Yes. Online degrees from accredited colleges are widely respected. They offer flexibility, often at a lower cost, and they provide the same credential as an on-campus degree. Just ensure the program is accredited and aligns with your career goals. Check out Salary Score to see how alumni salaries from various programs compare.
Q: How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
A: The College Board recommends applying to 5-8 colleges: three “safety” schools, two “match” schools, and one “reach” school. This range gives you options and increases your chances of acceptance while keeping application costs manageable.
Q: How Long Does It Take To Hear Back From My College Application?
A: Response times vary by admission policy. Rolling admissions might respond in 6-8 weeks, while regular admissions colleges often release decisions after their deadline, usually between March and April for fall admissions. You can find specific timelines on each college’s admissions page or through resources like the Admission Timeline Guide.
Trust the Process
After submitting your applications, the waiting game begins. This can be stressful, but rest assured that admissions counselors carefully review each application to find students who are the best fit for their programs. If you’ve done thorough research, chosen schools that align with your interests and goals, and submitted polished applications, you’re likely to be accepted into the right program for you.
Next Steps: Once accepted, you’ll work with your academic advisor to register for classes, explore financial aid options, and start planning for your future success.