What Do I Need to Apply to Online College?

The advent of online learning has revolutionized the college experience. Students can choose to complete their entire degree online, beginning with the application process. Many colleges have improved upon the traditional application process to offer faster, more convenient application options.

Accredited schools typically require similar application materials for online and in-person undergraduate programs, including official transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. Graduate program applications often include additional requirements.

Many students wonder, “what do I need to apply to an online college?” Find out below.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

An online college typically conducts its application process through an online portal. Although some online colleges may use centralized application systems, like the Common App, other online schools require students to submit individual applications to their specific institution.

Whether applying to online schools individually or through a centralized platform, experts advise students to apply to 4-12 schools. This strikes a balance between having a diverse slate of options and feeling overwhelmed.

Students should be mindful that schools may have different admissions policies (open, standard, early decision, or rolling admissions) and decide which option aligns with their needs. They can also consider other factors, including flexibility, residency requirements, and learning style when choosing an online program. In many cases, the online application process expedites the timeline for enrollment decisions.

Applying to college requires advanced planning. High school students who intend to submit regular applications should begin working on college applications at the start of their senior year, at the latest. They should start by mid-to-late junior year if they plan to submit an early decision application.

Students interested in a school or program that has an open admissions or rolling admissions policy can often apply at any time throughout the year. However, returning students may need to apply by a school’s set priority deadline. Many schools with these flexible admissions timelines return an offer of enrollment or decline admission in 2-8 weeks.

While individual costs vary, online colleges typically charge an application fee of $40-$60. This fee may vary based on a variety of factors, including a school’s reputation and level of competitiveness. For example, some Ivy League schools may charge around $100 to apply. Scholarships do not typically cover application fees, although students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for fee waivers.

Exploring how to apply to online college starts with gathering application materials. Students should begin the collection phase of the process as early as possible to save time and reduce stress when submission time rolls around.

The following materials are commonly required for a standard college application. Students who apply online can often upload and submit supporting documents electronically.

Official transcripts are commonly requested by college admissions administrators. Official transcripts are original, watermarked documents. They are mailed directly from one school to another in a sealed, signature-verified envelope.

In contrast, unofficial transcripts are scanned for email delivery, or copied from the original documents. Students can request transcripts from their school’s registrar by completing a form online and paying a processing fee.

Standardized test scores are another common requirement for online college applicants. Schools often require aspiring undergraduates to submit scores from tests like the SAT or ACT, while graduate programs may require GMAT or GRE scores. Individual schools decide whether to uphold a strict policy when it comes to minimum standardized test scores.

Some schools waive this requirement for students who exceed a minimum GPA or possess abundant work experience. Others may accept AP scores or prerequisites in lieu of standardized test scores. Applicants who have not taken any of the commonly required standardized tests may pursue schools with a “test-optional” or “test-flexible” admissions policy. Though a number of schools have moved away from test score requirements, some schools have testing requirements for specific majors or programs.

Many online colleges also require English language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, to test the language skills of international applicants.

Personal statements can be used to demonstrate a student’s ambitions for a college program and showcase their writing skills. Not all online programs have this application requirement.

Aspiring undergraduates may be asked to respond to a prompt that mimics a college-level writing assignment. Graduate applications tend to request broader statements, exploring a student’s career and/or independent study goals. Successful college essays may discuss:

While extracurricular activities can enhance a college application, some colleges may not value these activities as highly as others. Schools may also use extracurriculars to try and better understand how an online student connects to their community and peers. Keep in mind that it’s typically better to pursue quality extracurriculars that you’re passionate about, as opposed to focusing on quantity. Common extracurriculars for high school students and older learners include:

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Students should be sure to highlight their academic honors and achievements on their online college application. Common examples of appropriate accolades include membership in the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholars, and AP Scholars.

Many undergraduate applicants choose to include their class rank and/or honor roll status. Applicants may also be asked to write and submit a resume, which can outline both professional and academic achievements. This requirement may be more common among graduate-level options and programs targeting older learners.

Letters of recommendation can help provide college administrators with additional insight about an applicant’s character and potential. Some online programs do not require letters of recommendation. But if they do, letters from a student’s mentors, teachers, or counselors can help round out a student’s application by highlighting their achievements and successes.

Students may also ask a trusted employer, coach, or religious leader for a recommendation. Try and give letter-writers several weeks to complete the request.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 30, 2024.