So you have made the decision to become an online student. You’re probably wondering about the process to apply to online schools. Before you get to the point of filling out any online school application, however, you should carefully research online schools of interest. Consider following the guidelines posted next to help you learn about the overall process, from choosing an online school to enrolling in one.

How to Apply for Online Schools

Your first step before filling out an online school application is to determine the best school for you, based on your interests and your eligibility. We offer you some assistance here at Web College Search with a convenient search engine to help you locate just the right school and program. After you read the results provided, take these next steps:

• Visit the school’s site to learn more about the program you want and about the admission and application process. Make sure that any US-based online school is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation boards. This will ensure that your school and its program have met high standards as a credible institution with high quality education, so your time, effort, and money won’t be wasted.
• Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you are not able to pay for your degree program from your own funds. Nearly all students qualify for federal student loans, which offer low interest rates, are not based on credit history, and repayment is usually deferred until six months after you graduate.
• Consult with an enrollment or admissions advisor for guidance throughout the application process.
• Gather all the materials you will need ahead of time to fill out the application. This usually includes previous educational records, employment history, financial aid information (this is why it’s important to fill out the FAFSA first), and details about extracurricular activities, community involvement, and cohesive thoughts about why you want to be an online student. You may also need to submit standardized test scores, depending on the school’s requirements.
• Carefully and completely fill out the application. Consider this just as important, if not even more so, as a job application. Make sure there are no errors and don’t omit anything, unless it clearly doesn’t apply. For instance, if you are an independent adult, you won’t need to fill out information about your parents. Be truthful and don’t try to hide anything negative, such as a poor grade in some earlier course. The application may include one or more essay questions, or may request the essay in a separate document.
• Draft your essay. Most colleges require at least one student essay highlighting why you want to earn a degree, including how you believe it will help you advance in your career or life’s pursuit. This essay must also be error-free and well-written, because often an entire panel of school officials read the essay during the application review. The essay represents you and your value to the school as one of its students, so make it your very best representation.
• Include application fee and apply! Most colleges have at least a nominal, non-refundable application fee (around $20-25, possibly more). Don’t delay the application process by forgetting to enclose this fee!
• Obtain transcripts. Request that your high school and any prior colleges you have attended send your transcripts to your selected college, as these transcripts of your grades also enter into the application review process.

Ready, Set, Go Apply!

Now that you’re armed with some basic guidelines, get the higher education wheels in motion. Find the school program that interests you and then fill out our handy sign-up form to receive all the important details. Then, fill out your FAFSA, and go apply. We are here at Web College Search to help send you on your way. Bookmark our site so you can return as often as you need to for ongoing assistance and valuable articles to keep you informed along your educational journey.