There are advantages to applying for college online, as well as disadvantages. Filling out online college applications can be a great way to save time if you’re applying to a lot of schools. Most experts, however, advise against applying to dozens of colleges and instead focusing on the few that you truly want to attend.
In general, if the college to which you’re applying has an online application, you should use it. Searching online, on the other hand, yields generic online college applications, many of which are accepted by colleges in lieu of personalized applications. This method will save you time by allowing you to fill out only one application and submit it to multiple colleges. These generic online college applications are usually accepted and treated the same as if they were filled out by hand, but this is not always the case.
Filling out the university’s specific application online, or filling out and mailing in the college application, can be a good way to make yourself stand out in the application process. This is especially true if you’re submitting a portfolio or artistic work. If you’re applying to a competitive college, keep in mind that you want to make your application as memorable and professional as possible.
In most cases, filling out online college applications does not save you money. Each school to which you apply will almost always charge an application fee, which can range anywhere from $50 to $200 US Dollars (USD). These fees may be waived for a variety of reasons, but one of them is usually not filling out an application online. In addition to the application fee, make sure that you fill out all of the required information on online college applications.
Even if a standard online application does not include extras like letters of recommendation, essays, or interviews, you should check with a university’s admissions department to see what is required. Even if it makes the application process more difficult, if a university prefers to see letters of recommendation or meet prospective students for an interview, you should do so. Take note of application deadlines as well; the fact that you’re applying online has no bearing on the deadline. While applying for college online can save time, make sure you are still being as conscientious and thorough as possible.