Researching and Applying
Rule number one in choosing an online college: never pick a school before you decide on a career goal and a major. Choosing a college before choosing a major is like choosing a medical specialist for an injury you don't have yet. Don't even browse through college names until you have a major in mind.
Why not? Because some colleges don't offer certain majors — even popular options. And some colleges can't help you work towards professional certification. For example, if a teacher education program is not recognized by the college's home state as being "state-approved," you probably can't apply that degree towards teacher certification in your state.
This doesn't mean that the school in question is a bad school. In fact, the college may have wonderful programs to offer other students, who happen to have different circumstances. But you need to be sure that the college you select is ideal for your chosen major and your chosen career plan.
If you don't yet have a career goal or a major in mind, go back to the previous section — Subjects to Study (and Careers that Go with Them). If, on the other hand, you're already confident about the major you want to pursue, search eLearners' catalog for a list of online colleges that offer your major. Using the Quick Degree Finder tool, you can enter your desired degree level, the category of your major, and the exact subject you wish to study.
Once you have a list of colleges that offer your chosen major, you can compare them based on the other factors that we discuss in the section.
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Inside Accreditation and the DETC
Much has been made of the issues surrounding credits from schools that are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Because there are some traditional schools that still do not...
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The ABC's of Accreditation
Accreditation is a topic that can be confusing as there is a lot of information to consider, including what accreditation means, the different kinds, when it matters most, how schools get it, and how to...
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5 Questions to Discover Your Best Learning Environment
There are several ways to earn a college degree these days. Students have the option to take classes though traditional programs in classrooms. They can take courses online through web-based universities...
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How Do I Choose a School That's Right for Me?
Every student is unique. And every school is unique. You might find several colleges that offer colorful Web sites, attractive tuition prices, and quick degree options, but unless these schools are in...
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Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Going back to school is a huge investment of time and money. It is not a decision to be made lightly, so be ready to ask a lot of questions of any college or university you are considering. Unfortunately...
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How to Request Your Transcripts
What is an official transcript? Colleges and universities document and record your dates of attendance and academic grades. You can request to have a copy of the record sent to you as an official transcript...
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Transferring Credit from Foreign Universities to U.S. Schools
American higher education is well regarded throughout the world. The United States currently hosts half a million foreign students, more than any other country. But it's not always practical for foreign...
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Standardized Tests for College Students: SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT
If you hate tests — don't worry; it's now possible to attend college without taking any of these standardized exams. In fact, most online colleges do not require SAT or ACT scores for admissions...
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Essays & Statements of Purpose
As part of the application process, some colleges may ask you to submit a brief essay or a "statement of purpose." Usually the essay assignment asks you to explain why you want to attend the...
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Letters of Recommendation
Depending on the type of college program you are considering, you may be asked to include letters of recommendation with your application. Letters of recommendation are a common requirement at traditional...
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