6 answers
Meranda
Student
Vinton, Ohio
2
Questions
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Any Advice for Online College?
I'm starting a bachelor's degree program online in the fall, but some family friends have insisted I go on campus instead. I want to do online so I can work my job and start freelance writing, and I'm curious about how to approach online college from here.
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Meranda !
Your plan to obtain a Bachelors Degree online and work as a freelance writer at the same time sounds like a good plan. What I am wondering about is are you aiming for a Bachelors Degree in a Writing related major ? If so, I would say that it could very well be done online. The same is not true for many other majors, however, and should be done in person. So you will need to express what you want to study online and advice can be better provided.
My first advice is to choose a university that has distance learning online so that the colleges' name is somewhat recognizable. As time goes on, consider hybrid opportunities wherein occasionally you have to go in person to the campus. You will have to do first hand research and choose if you want to study with a local college for online or hybrid. Since I do not know what your major would be, I am unable to refer you to some colleges or even say if online would be good for that major. If you ask more questions related to this, do mention what you would be studying in a different post.
Also not sure what you mean about how to approach online college. As I've mentioned, you will need to spend time online doing searches for exactly what you want - the college and major. Once you choose the college, read their application procedure and enroll. The college will instruct you as what to do from there,
If it's that you're worried that you think you may not take online study seriously because it's so comfortable and prone to distractions, do not worry. If you are interested in obtaining your Bachelors Degree, you will take it seriously and be self-disciplined. As well, online college costs and you will want your investment to work for you. Although you will not have access to campus resources or making contacts for your career, (if you need those for your major), because you will be remote you have to realize the vast amount of experiences you could have. Go with whatever you believe is the best choice for you.
No one should convince you to do anything that you believe is not in your plans. I do advise that if your major is in healthcare/medical or performing arts (and so many others), you'd have to do the real-time, in person hands on study. Make sure you have your entire tuition ready to submit to the school and review the school's policy about what they hold back when students do not pay. Try to avoid owing any money for tuition/fees to whichever online school you choose. Also find out which credits transfer to other colleges in case after a year you decide to attend in-person college. You never know what the future will bring.
Also, with your major in mind, consider if the degree from an online college will be competitive with other applicants who went in person for their degree. Although it is said that more employers are okay with online degrees, no one really knows how it would be considered because there is a diverse opinion about it, especially when so many do go through the in-person study with lab work, internships and presentations that give it a whole different path.
I would advise that you ask more questions about this, specifically stating what your major will be, and it will help you to get more pinpointed advice which you may benefit from.
Best wishes on selecting an online college and don't give up !
Your plan to obtain a Bachelors Degree online and work as a freelance writer at the same time sounds like a good plan. What I am wondering about is are you aiming for a Bachelors Degree in a Writing related major ? If so, I would say that it could very well be done online. The same is not true for many other majors, however, and should be done in person. So you will need to express what you want to study online and advice can be better provided.
My first advice is to choose a university that has distance learning online so that the colleges' name is somewhat recognizable. As time goes on, consider hybrid opportunities wherein occasionally you have to go in person to the campus. You will have to do first hand research and choose if you want to study with a local college for online or hybrid. Since I do not know what your major would be, I am unable to refer you to some colleges or even say if online would be good for that major. If you ask more questions related to this, do mention what you would be studying in a different post.
Also not sure what you mean about how to approach online college. As I've mentioned, you will need to spend time online doing searches for exactly what you want - the college and major. Once you choose the college, read their application procedure and enroll. The college will instruct you as what to do from there,
If it's that you're worried that you think you may not take online study seriously because it's so comfortable and prone to distractions, do not worry. If you are interested in obtaining your Bachelors Degree, you will take it seriously and be self-disciplined. As well, online college costs and you will want your investment to work for you. Although you will not have access to campus resources or making contacts for your career, (if you need those for your major), because you will be remote you have to realize the vast amount of experiences you could have. Go with whatever you believe is the best choice for you.
No one should convince you to do anything that you believe is not in your plans. I do advise that if your major is in healthcare/medical or performing arts (and so many others), you'd have to do the real-time, in person hands on study. Make sure you have your entire tuition ready to submit to the school and review the school's policy about what they hold back when students do not pay. Try to avoid owing any money for tuition/fees to whichever online school you choose. Also find out which credits transfer to other colleges in case after a year you decide to attend in-person college. You never know what the future will bring.
Also, with your major in mind, consider if the degree from an online college will be competitive with other applicants who went in person for their degree. Although it is said that more employers are okay with online degrees, no one really knows how it would be considered because there is a diverse opinion about it, especially when so many do go through the in-person study with lab work, internships and presentations that give it a whole different path.
I would advise that you ask more questions about this, specifically stating what your major will be, and it will help you to get more pinpointed advice which you may benefit from.
Best wishes on selecting an online college and don't give up !
Thank you for taking time to reply to this post! Your advice is incredibly helpful, I hadn't even considered some of the things you mentioned beforehand. I will definitely be sure to keep your advice in mind when making my future decisions, thank you so much!
Meranda
You are very welcome, Meranda !
Michelle M.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
IS ONLINE COLLEGE RIGHT FOR YOU
PROS OF GOING TO A ONLINE COLLEGE
CLASS TIME IS ANYTIME
One of the best aspects of online learning Meranda is that you can be in class anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Without a commute or worrying about parking, you're able to focus on your classwork. This also means you can access to any school in the world. With no set class time, you're able to fit classes in late at night, early in the morning, or even between work meetings. Fitting school into your schedule means that you are able to work at your own pace and find a balance that works for you.
LESS CLASS TIME
Online classes are regularly less expensive than traditional classes. For instance your spared the high cost of room and board on campus as well as travel expenses. You are also able to continue working full time while taking online classes, so this could mean less financial aid or loans, reducing your debt at graduation. Another benefit you can complete your degree in less time. Online schools often function on a different schedule from traditional schools. You may be able to spend a month on a class as opposed to 3 months in a traditional setting, plus online classes often allow you to take classes during months that are break times for traditional students, such as January and the summer months. Shorter time from beginning to degree completion means that you’ll be on your way to your end goal sooner.
CONS OF GOING TO A ONLINE COLLEGE
HELP MIGHT NOT BE ON TIME
With a traditional class, you know that any question you may have during the lesson can be answered at the end of the class period. With online classes, you are at the mercy of your professor’s timeline. Most professors set specific times that they check their emails or work on grading online assignments. This means that a last-minute question or issue with an assignment may go unanswered until after the assignment is due. Without a classroom, finding someone to study with is a lot harder. Synchronous sessions are helping students and professors to meet each other, but they are not the same as face-to-face interaction.
PROS OF GOING TO A ONLINE COLLEGE
CLASS TIME IS ANYTIME
One of the best aspects of online learning Meranda is that you can be in class anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Without a commute or worrying about parking, you're able to focus on your classwork. This also means you can access to any school in the world. With no set class time, you're able to fit classes in late at night, early in the morning, or even between work meetings. Fitting school into your schedule means that you are able to work at your own pace and find a balance that works for you.
LESS CLASS TIME
Online classes are regularly less expensive than traditional classes. For instance your spared the high cost of room and board on campus as well as travel expenses. You are also able to continue working full time while taking online classes, so this could mean less financial aid or loans, reducing your debt at graduation. Another benefit you can complete your degree in less time. Online schools often function on a different schedule from traditional schools. You may be able to spend a month on a class as opposed to 3 months in a traditional setting, plus online classes often allow you to take classes during months that are break times for traditional students, such as January and the summer months. Shorter time from beginning to degree completion means that you’ll be on your way to your end goal sooner.
CONS OF GOING TO A ONLINE COLLEGE
HELP MIGHT NOT BE ON TIME
With a traditional class, you know that any question you may have during the lesson can be answered at the end of the class period. With online classes, you are at the mercy of your professor’s timeline. Most professors set specific times that they check their emails or work on grading online assignments. This means that a last-minute question or issue with an assignment may go unanswered until after the assignment is due. Without a classroom, finding someone to study with is a lot harder. Synchronous sessions are helping students and professors to meet each other, but they are not the same as face-to-face interaction.
Thank you for replying! This advice was very insightful, I didn't have a clue about a lot of the things you mentioned before this 😅 thank you!
Meranda
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Do not take too many classes at once.
In my college advising career I pleaded with students to beware of the full online class schedule and working. It is a combination for catastrophe.
Start out with a class or maybe two, to see how you adjust to the college online requirements.
Online standards can be very rigorous and expectations and communication standards with professor's are high, so start out with fewer credits, and progress in increments, until you adjust to the online schedule.
In my college advising career I pleaded with students to beware of the full online class schedule and working. It is a combination for catastrophe.
Start out with a class or maybe two, to see how you adjust to the college online requirements.
Online standards can be very rigorous and expectations and communication standards with professor's are high, so start out with fewer credits, and progress in increments, until you adjust to the online schedule.
Thank you! That really helps a lot, because I was really planning on going head first into online classes to knock out as many as possible 😅 I'll be sure to keep this advice in mind, thanks!
Meranda
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
128
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Look into what classes you can CLEP out of. You will save loads of money and time for each one. Some tests only require you to get a 51% to get credit.
Emma Kinkaid
Tax Consultant
34
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Online courses can be an excellent choice if you're seeking flexibility. Some of these courses have specific meeting times, while others allow you to work at your own pace throughout the week, provided you meet all the deadlines. Over the years, I've enrolled in numerous online courses, and my top advice is to stay organized, particularly for courses that don't have a regular meeting schedule. Write down the due dates for assignments and strive to keep up with the schedule to avoid last-minute stress. Don't forget that you can still engage with your classmates in online classes. I would suggest active participation for a complete learning experience.
Orianna D'Landazuri
Art Curator
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Orianna’s Answer
Hi Meranda! I'm currently an upcoming sophomore in college, but throughout my time in school, I have taken an online class. I'm also a creative writing major, so having time to write is crucial. With online class, I enjoyed it and could take it at my own pace even though it was still through Zoom I still felt the lenience and freedom it provides. What I will say is that being able to be on top of your classes without the pressure of being in-person can be difficult and it does take a lot of work. Also, being in person in college gives you the opportunity to still network and make connections with peers and students that can help you in school and with a future career, which is something you miss out on with online classes. It is all about balancing time with writing and work, which is hard I did it, but it is achievable. As long as you stay on top of your work and hold yourself accountable for online homework you will be just fine!:)