Taking a course through an online college can be one of the easiest, or one of the hardest, ways to achieve a qualification. Here is our guide to the things you really should know before signing up to any program.
10 Well Kept Secrets about Online Colleges
How much time can you spare?
Preparation – Irrespective of whether you are continuing on from high school or starting a course as a mature student, correct preparation and choosing the right course for you is the key to your success when studying online. The biggest resource you are going to need is time, so consider your commitment over the next couple of years and how it will affect your lifestyle.
Find out who you really are – Are you really cut out to be a brain surgeon? Career Management International has a fun self assessment quiz that may open your eyes to the career you should be following. You have more chance of success if you pursue a course which is most suited to your character. Even if you think you know your career path, take the quiz anyway. You might be surprised!
Make sure your course provides what your future employer requires
Course selection– Now you have to find a course that will give you the qualifications required to pursue your chosen career. Have a look through job advertisements and speak to career counselors to see what educational experience is required by employers in your field. A useful source of information is www.jobqualifications.net and you can find plenty more details online.
Pre-qualification – Do you meet the entry requirements for the course you want to do? Are your grades high enough? Do you need to have relevant work or community experience? Do you have undisturbed access to a computer with internet access? Will you need to re-sit your ACT or SAT, rearrange your life, your home and upgrade your computer before you begin? You need to know all these answers before you start!
Research the college – Do they have proper accreditation? You need to ensure that you degree is going to be worth more than the paper it is written on. The Distance Education & Training Council (www.detc.org) has a list of accredited institutions available online, as does the US Department of Education.
Application – Although application to an online college in most cases is similar to that of a campus-based university, some institutions will have specific admission criteria depending on the program. By having a preliminary chat with the institution´s Admissions Counselor, you will get more knowledge of what is required and the people and resources that will help you succeed.
Don´t let money worries burn a hole in your aspirations!
Financial Aid – Although an online college education is cheaper than other post-secondary options, it can still burn a hole in your pocket. Take advantage of the grants and financial aid available wherever possible. Most online colleges have a Financial Advisor who will help you with details of the financial aid available. If you are always worried about money, it will detract from your studies.
Seek Help – If you are struggling to find the time to study, tell somebody. All colleges have online support for their students, plus the more people that you tell that you are studying online, the more support you will get from family and friends. www.phinished.org is an excellent discussion board offering support for people struggling with their coursework and also advice on what to do when you have “PHinisheD”.
Persevere – Sometimes it is going to be hard. You have to balance your life, your family, sometimes work and still find the time to study. Set yourself little goals along the way and stick to them. Reward yourself when you have achieved them, and then set new ones. Your ultimate goal gets closer with every little achievement you make.
Succeed – Congratulations! You now have your qualification and you now are going to find out that the virtual classroom is only the beginning of your education. Get out into the world, celebrate your success and be proud of your achievement!
