How to Get Started on Your Online College Degree

So, you want to earn a college degree on your schedule and at your own pace? Getting started as an online student can be more challenging than beginning courses at a traditional college. You'll need to take the initiative to study your options and research the claims that both credible online schools and disreputable diploma mills make.

As a potential online student, some of the most important decisions you make will be your first ones: what kind of college you choose, whether or not you apply for financial aid, and how you begin your first semester.

If you're considering earning an online degree, start with the absolute essentials:

The truth is that some students thrive in an online environment while others flounder. An unfortunate number of students let their tuition money go to waste while they forget to log in and complete their assignments. Counselors are looking for seniors who are demonstrating i.e. pro essay writer academic skills leading to college-level work. Take a while to reflect on your situation to find out if distance learning is right for you. Are you self-motivated? Do you do well working independently? Are you organized and good with deadlines? Is an online degree considered comparable to your intended career?

The last thing you want to do as an online student ends up “earning” a fake degree from a diploma mill. In fact, in some states listing a diploma mill on your resume is even illegal. Additionally, students attending unaccredited colleges generally cannot receive federal financial aid. Before you research online colleges, educate yourself on accreditation standards.

Regional accreditation is the most commonly accepted form, while DETC accreditation is also gaining widespread approval. Keep in mind that you can always check any college's accreditation status with the Department of Education.

What you've accomplished in the past and how you accomplished it should inform the decisions you are making now. If you are only a few credits shy of a degree, you may want to choose an online program specifically tailored to returning adult students with lots of credits. Have your past successes been in programs that were more flexible or more structured? Did you prefer to demonstrate your learning through test-taking or portfolio-making? What kind of learning style do you gravitate to? Use what you learn about yourself to make a more informed decision.

Now it's time to research online colleges. Use what you've learned about accreditation, your past accomplishments, and learning preferences to choose an online college that suits you best. This list of regionally accredited online colleges is a good place to start.

It's a good idea to have a backup school (or two or three). Find several online programs that would work for you and apply to all of them at the same time. Consolidate your efforts by requesting transcripts, test scores, etc. at the same time.

Keep in mind that online colleges aren't necessarily cheaper than traditional schools. You'll want to work with your school and file for federal financial aid as soon as possible. Talk to a financial aid counselor to find out if you also qualify for scholarships or grants. Additionally, many students can receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. It's often worth asking.

Once you've been accepted, it's time to prepare for your studies. Don't just log in an hour or two before your first assignment is due. Find a college essay writer who will help you throughout your studies. Get ready by buying your textbooks, setting aside a time and place to study, and marking major due dates on your calendar.

Without regular face-to-face meetings, it can get easy to let assignments slide. But, missing just a couple could derail your entire semester. Check-in with yourself to make sure you are on track each week. If you need help, ask for it. Working with your professors by email or phone can help you get caught up if you become confused or fall behind.

If online learning simply doesn't end up working for you, make sure that you quit the right way. Officially withdrawing through the proper channels can ensure that you don't ruin your transcripts with a failing grade or academic probation.

Even though you're learning online, keep in mind that there are people just like you on the other end of those message board posts and emails. Treating your instructors and classmates like people can help you feel a sense of community and make connections that may be helpful to your future studies or career search.