How to Apply for College Online

In the past, applying for college was a strenuous exercise, requiring the would-be college student to put pen to paper and fill out form after form.

With the advent of the Internet, however, applying for college is easier than ever. Now, college-bound students can apply online to hundreds of colleges.

The Benefits of Attending College

In today's competitive professional environment, it can be difficult for individuals without advanced degrees, which is why obtaining a college education is so important.

In fact, figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that having an advanced degree improves one's employment outlook as well as his or her earning potential.

In 2008, the unemployment rate for those with only a high school degree was 5.7 percent. However, that percentage dropped to 3.7 percent for those with an associate's degree and 2.8 percent for those with a bachelor's degree.

That same year, the median weekly earnings for individuals with only a high school degree was $591, compared to $736 for those with an associate's degree and $978 for those with a bachelors degree.

Online College Applications

There are two types of online applications available to prospective college students.

The first type is the Common Application, a standardized application, created and supervised by a committee of high school guidance counselors and college admissions offers. There are close to 350 colleges and universities that accept the Common Application, including such prestigious institutions as Harvard and Yale.

Established in 1975, this widely used application can be completed both online and in print. It can be sent to any of the participating colleges or universities, saving applicants valuable time by avoiding the need to complete application after application.

The second types of online application are those specific to certain colleges or universities. Many schools still require prospective students to complete their own applications versus the Common Application. Fortunately, online versions of these applications are usually available.

Components of a College Application

The value of a college application is really the sum of its parts, ranging from an applicant's high school transcripts to his or her letters of recommendation. The goal of the college application is to create a consistent portrait of who the applicant is and why he or she will bring to the college.

For the most part, college applications require some or all of the following components:

• Application Form: This form consists of an applicant's basic information.
• Application Fee: Typically a nonrefundable fee, the average college application fee is around $35.
• High School Transcript: This form is completed by an official at the applicant's high school.
• Admissions Test Scores: These are the scores an applicant earned on standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT.
• Letters of Recommendation: Many colleges request that applicants submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or other adult who knows the applicant well.
• Essay: When applying to a private college, the essay is an essential component of the application and should convey the applicant's individuality in a way that sets him or her apart from other applicants.