There’s a common misconception that online colleges are easier to get in than a traditional college. This is actually far from reality. According to data gathered from online college admissions back in July 2016 to June 2017, online colleges only had a 2.4% higher admission rate than traditional counterparts. There are also new reports indicating that some online colleges are harder to get into.
How to get into online college
In a traditional college, you have to apply for admission first. Usually, you are required to pay an admission fee and submit an essay. Lastly, you are going to provide a transcript of records as proof that you went to high school.
When it comes to online colleges, the requirements are slightly different. There’s an online application, and you will be asked to submit specific requirements. Online colleges will ask to show proof of internet access. They will check if you have a computer capable of handling online classes. Sometimes an essay is also required.
Regarding acceptance rates
A lot of people assume that online colleges have higher acceptance rates. There are indeed online schools which accept every applicant, but there are more selective ones out there. There are also traditional colleges that offer course continuation online. However, this often requires passing a lot of paperwork and risking rejection. Colleges that focus more on profit tend to welcome every applicant.
If you’re a student with poor grades, you can still be accepted. But sometimes, this means you’ll need to take introductory courses to continue. There are colleges which are known for high acceptance rates. These are located typically within New York, Arizona, Delaware, and Washington.
Looking for quality education implies trying your best to get into online colleges with a low acceptance rate. However, if you just want to get a degree for the sake of completion, then it’s safer to apply at online community colleges. Nevertheless, you need to take your online classes seriously and work hard whichever you choose.