How to Get Recruited by Top Online Schools

Catch their eyes!

The emergence of online schools and long-distance course offerings by traditional colleges and universities affords the additional benefit of introducing more price competition. As technology advances, the course offerings and methods of teaching online improve and expand to give today's student the option of a college education at home. The process of getting recruited by a top online school is similar to catching the attention of a traditional school.

Instructions

1. Research the top online schools to find the schools that offer the degree or certificate you wish to earn. Begin your online-school search at USNews.com in their Online Education section.

2. Request information from the top online schools of interest to you. Fill in their general request form online or call the college's admissions office.

3. Study the information you receive in the mail. Learn more about each school by browsing its website and reading all the pages associated with the major or program of choice.

4. Create a notebook for your online-school search materials. Narrow your search to your favorite five or 10. Place each school's information in its own section in the notebook.

5. Take all standardized tests needed for admission as early as you can. If you are applying for an undergraduate degree, take both the SAT and the ACT; each has a distinct style of testing, so some students fare considerably better on one than the other. By taking the tests early, you will have enough time to try again if necessary.

6. Call or email directly the department or program of interest. Speak to a professor or department chair, and ask about relevant courses you can take or experience you can gain to enhance your chances for admission. This could predispose her to consider recruiting you.

Tips & Warnings

• Send thank-you cards to any admission counselors or professors who offer you assistance. Keep all your contact information, even if you don't end up attending the school; it may be useful for postgraduate work or job references.

References

• Online Education Offers Access and Affordability - US News
• Three Quetions You Should Ask About An E-Learning Program - US News
• Prepping for Top Careers through Online Degree Programs

Resources

• Online Degree and Education Programs - US News
• Definitions for Commonly Used Terms in Online Education
• Accredited Online Colleges, Universities, and Schools
• Get an MIT or Yale Education Free - Yahoo! Education