With the growth of online education, students have more and better choices than ever before.
Although having so many colleges from which to select is great news for students, for some it presents what might seem like a difficult task.
Fortunately, the narrowing down process is easier than it may seem. Step one is for students to ask themselves what they are looking for in an online college or university. As that question is answered, it raises the questions students must answer about the colleges they wish to consider.
Below is a list of questions to which all students should get answers by reviewing college publications and websites and/or speaking with admissions representatives. You can and should add to them, depending on what you are looking for.
First, students should eliminate from consideration any institutions which are not fully accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.
After accreditation, the next most important questions relate to majors. At which online colleges can you find the major you seek? How many credit hours are required to earn a degree in the major in question? Does the program at any of the colleges offer unique characteristics or special strengths? What degrees do faculty members hold? What experiences have they had in the field? What courses are required? From which elective courses may you choose? All are important questions.
Finances, of course, are important to most people. But, asking only about tuition does not result in a full picture. Be sure to find out about the availability of scholarships, student loans, grants and tuition installment options. All can play a role in making an institution affordable.
The next most important factor for people with significant professional or college experience is the transfer credit policy of each college on their list. For what experiences is college credit awarded? How many transfer credits can be applied to a degree? Will your college credits be evaluated, in writing, prior to your enrollment? Remember that the more transfer credits you are granted, the shorter your path to a degree.
The final "must" questions are about student services. Is anyone available to help you with filling out financial aid forms? How tough is it to contact a professor if you have a question? Does the college offer free job placement, and if so, how effective has it been?
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
The necessary answers are easy to find once you first find the right questions. The good news is that you now have all the information you need to make a good college choice. - 16928
Although having so many colleges from which to select is great news for students, for some it presents what might seem like a difficult task.
Fortunately, the narrowing down process is easier than it may seem. Step one is for students to ask themselves what they are looking for in an online college or university. As that question is answered, it raises the questions students must answer about the colleges they wish to consider.
Below is a list of questions to which all students should get answers by reviewing college publications and websites and/or speaking with admissions representatives. You can and should add to them, depending on what you are looking for.
First, students should eliminate from consideration any institutions which are not fully accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education.
After accreditation, the next most important questions relate to majors. At which online colleges can you find the major you seek? How many credit hours are required to earn a degree in the major in question? Does the program at any of the colleges offer unique characteristics or special strengths? What degrees do faculty members hold? What experiences have they had in the field? What courses are required? From which elective courses may you choose? All are important questions.
Finances, of course, are important to most people. But, asking only about tuition does not result in a full picture. Be sure to find out about the availability of scholarships, student loans, grants and tuition installment options. All can play a role in making an institution affordable.
The next most important factor for people with significant professional or college experience is the transfer credit policy of each college on their list. For what experiences is college credit awarded? How many transfer credits can be applied to a degree? Will your college credits be evaluated, in writing, prior to your enrollment? Remember that the more transfer credits you are granted, the shorter your path to a degree.
The final "must" questions are about student services. Is anyone available to help you with filling out financial aid forms? How tough is it to contact a professor if you have a question? Does the college offer free job placement, and if so, how effective has it been?
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
The necessary answers are easy to find once you first find the right questions. The good news is that you now have all the information you need to make a good college choice. - 16928
About the Author:
Daniel Kane has been assisting students for more than 25 years through his positions in higher education and more than a dozen educational websites on online education and online universities.
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