Can students apply to college online?

College Admissions

Our Counselors Answered:

Can students apply to college online?
Zahir RobbCollege CounselorThe Right Fit College

Can students apply to college online?

Most schools have moved away from paper applications and it is much easier to submit online. Go to a school’s website and look under the admissions tab for instructions on how to apply. Keep in mind that some schools will still require paper essays and supporting documents (transcripts, test scores, etc.) but most of your work will be done online today.

Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps

Online Applications

Yes, students can absolutely apply online. A recent NACAC report showed the rapid growth of online applications. This method has become so popular and has helped so many admissions offices, that many only want students applying online. Online applications eliminate manual labor and ensure consistency, word counts and character counts. A student should seek directions on a target college’s website for whether or not they are welcome to download forms to submit as an alternative to applying online.

Suzan ReznickIndependent Educational ConsultantThe College Connection

Schools prefer online applications!

It saves them time and money when you apply online. While many schools still offer the option of a paper application, the majority of applications submitted now are completed online. Sometimes it can be more difficult to proofread your online application, so do check carefully that you have made any mistakes BEFORE hitting the submit button..

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

online options

here are many ways of applying colleges online such as common applications, direct application through university websites, and national application center etc., however, you may still need provide additional information and use paper applications to satisfy requirements. for international students, you should consider apply online yourself and pick the right email account to access communications without problems.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

online options

here are many ways of applying colleges online such as common applications, direct application through university websites, and national application center etc., however, you may still need provide additional information and use paper applications to satisfy requirements. for international students, you should consider apply online yourself and pick the right email account to access communications without problems.

Mildred PlanasSupervisor of Student Support ServicesBarringer High School

Can students apply to college online?

Yes! And most colleges prefer that you do so.

Some colleges even waive the application fee if you complete your application online (Drexel, Fairleigh Dickinson, Stevens Institute, and many others).
Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens

Definitely!

In fact, the vast majority of colleges in the US offer (and prefer) receiving applications online. Over 400 colleges and universities accept the Common Application, and over 50 schools accept the Universal Application. In addition, many public universities, such as the University of California, have their own online applications.

Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

Save the trees and your cash.

You may apply to schools online. Many schools use the Common Application which you fill out online and submit electronically. Schools may also have a supplemental application question that is special to the school. You will find out about supplemental questions via the Common Application. Some schools waive the application fee for students who are submitting applications on line.

Laura O’Brien GatzionisFounderEducational Advisory Services

Online Applications

Absolutely–through institutional applications, the Common Application and the Universal Application to name the most prevalent options.

Charles Bealcounselorcovina high school

Can students apply to college online?

Yes, in most cases it is the preferred way.Here in California cal st universities apps are done through CSUmentor.edu and U.C. schools are completed at UCOP.edu. I am also a big advocate of the common application which the counselor completes with student input and then the counselor submits this application on-line for all interested colleges to view and then make their decisions

Chip LawCo-founder Managing Director Educational Avenues

Yes they can and almost all do…

In fact nearly every college allows you to apply on line, so even if they do not participate in the Common or Universal App consortia they still let you create an account and file online.

The Common Application is the most talked about online app process because it has enrolled over 400 colleges and universities. It helps the student that wants to apply to many schools and the Common App schools use technology to reduce costs and increase productivity. The Universal College Application is another choice for students to use as they consider application. This less popular service covers a number of schools that do not use the Common App but has many that do.
Katherine Oldham

Online applications?

Yes! Colleges that offer applications online want you to apply online. Many colleges pay to participate in the common application or SEND EDU websites and they want students to use them! Also, it is better for the environment and easier for your high school guidance counselor.

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

Please do!

Nearly every college and university in the country accepts admission applications online. Submitting documents online improves the speed and accuracy of processing.

Nancy MilneOwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting

Online Applications

The Common Application is the most popular college admission form and available only online. There is also the Universal Application used by a number of schools and done online. The campuses that don’t participate in these applications may still have their own online applications as it has become a popular way to streamline the process.

Erica WhiteCollege & Career CounselorMiddletown High School

Can students apply to college online?

Yes…many schools are using the common application, the universal application or their own website based online application.

If you are on free or reduced lunch and will need a fee waiver to apply for college, make sure you can apply online before doing so. I often find that colleges that have their own online application require students to use a paper college application in order to send in a fee waiver.
Reena Gold KaminsFounderCollege, Career & Life, LLC.

Online applications are preferred.

Yes, students can apply on-line. In fact, most colleges prefer it as the data often feeds directly into their student management system.

The Common Application is accepted by more than 450 colleges. It allows students to enter information that all colleges need, e.g. address, senior courses, activities, and achievements one time and submit it to multiple schools. The number of colleges that accept the Common App increases each year. Most schools, particularly those that do not accept the Common App, have an on-line application on their website.
Reena Gold KaminsFounderCollege, Career & Life, LLC.

Online applications are preferred.

Yes, students can apply on-line. In fact, most colleges prefer it as the data often feeds directly into their student management system.

The Common Application is accepted by more than 450 colleges. It allows students to enter information that all colleges need, e.g. address, senior courses, activities, and achievements one time and submit it to multiple schools. The number of colleges that accept the Common App increases each year. Most schools, particularly those that do not accept the Common App, have an on-line application on their website.
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

Applying Online

Most institutions these days offer the option for students to apply online, but there is usually also the possibility of submitting a paper application, if the student prefers or has to, for some reason.

Lora LewisEducational ConsultantLora Lewis Consulting

Can students apply to college online?

Yes. All schools have an online application option, and most prefer it over paper applications. Increasingly, colleges discourage paper apps and many don’t accept them. At some colleges, application fees will even be waived if you apply online.

Mollie ReznickAssociate DirectorThe College Connection

Absolutely.

At this point in time, MOST colleges are accepting applications online. About 500 schools can be applied to with a single application using the common application (www.commmonapp.org) whereas you can find online applications for most large universities and state schools on their individual websites (usually under the “admissions” section.)

Benjamin CaldarelliPartnerPrinceton College Consulting, LLC

Can students apply to college online?

Yes. Almost all colleges offer an online application and prefer that you use it.

Robin WhitingGuidance CounselorGeorge P. Butler Comprehensive High School

Can students apply to college online?

Most definitely. Many colleges prefer online applications, they can be easier to process and the money saved on producing paper applications can be spent in other areas that will benefit the college community.

Bill PrudenHead of Upper School, College CounselorRavenscroft School

Apply Now–Online is the Way to Go

Increasingly students are not only able to apply online but are encouraged to do so. Whether directly or through an intermediary like the Naviance system–an option that is becoming increasingly popular among schools–online applications are the way to go. Indeed, many colleges and universities are waiving the application fee if the student applies online. This is a win-win proposition, for it not only encourages more applications–something schools always like to see–but it is also nice for the applicant’s pocketbook. So yes, you can, and it is generally in your best interest to apply online!.

Jill KaratkewiczCounselorEast Hampton High School

It’s Encouraged!

Yes, students can apply to college online. In fact, this seems to be the prevailing method, and colleges are even starting to accept things like transcripts and letters of recommendation through the world-wide-web as well! If asked, most colleges would likely tell you that they do not treat paper applications differently then online applications. However, online applications are certainly much easier (for you to fill out and for them to keep track of!)

Jill KaratkewiczCounselorEast Hampton High School

It’s Encouraged!

Yes, students can apply to college online. In fact, this seems to be the prevailing method, and colleges are even starting to accept things like transcripts and letters of recommendation through the world-wide-web as well! If asked, most colleges would likely tell you that they do not treat paper applications differently then online applications. However, online applications are certainly much easier (for you to fill out and for them to keep track of!)

Rana SlosbergOwnerSlosberg College Solutions LLC

Online applications

Most colleges allow students to apply online. Sometimes colleges waive their application fee if a student applies online, instead of using a paper application.

Corey FischerPresidentCollegeClarity

Online is now the norm

Colleges prefer online applications as your information is dumped right into their database so no one has to enter it. Also, most admission offices now have all the “files” online so the counselors can just review the student via the computer. Even documents that get mailed in are scanned into the students file. There are a few primary application services (such as the Common Application and Apply!), but the college will tell you how to access their application.

Kimberly ParsonsCounselorHerbert Hoover High School

Applying to schools online

Yes, you can apply to college online. These days many colleges prefer you to apply online, and for some schools this is their main method for college applications. Many college websites have you to create an account through the school, and if accepted, this is what you will use throughout your years there. This is a good way to communicate back and forth with the admissions department. Make sure though, that even if you apply online, to print out the application and any other documents, to put in your college folder!

Margaret TungStrategistYale University

Can students apply to college online?

You should check with your school, but generally these days, almost all colleges have an online application, and in fact, prefer an online application to a written one–if you have a totally separate supplemental package that you want to send, my advice would be to send it all at once before the due date, to make sure it all gets there and is evaluated together.

Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

Can students apply to college online?

Short Answer:

Of course. Detailed Answer: They prefer that you apply online, because it’s less paper handling and fewer mistakes on the inputting of your data. And often colleges will charge less (or zero) for an online application and charge more for one submitted on paper. Sometimes you get your decision faster, too, if you apply online.
Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

Can students apply to college online?

Short Answer:

Of course. Detailed Answer: They prefer that you apply online, because it’s less paper handling and fewer mistakes on the inputting of your data. And often colleges will charge less (or zero) for an online application and charge more for one submitted on paper. Sometimes you get your decision faster, too, if you apply online.
Ellen [email protected]OwnerEllen Richards Admissions Consulting

Can students apply to college online?

In today’s world of college admissions, it seems the exception rather than the rule for students to apply to college via paper. With the introduction of the common application to the admissions process several years ago, the number of students applying to college online has increased substantially every year as have the number of colleges that accept the common application online. Thus, students can do and sometimes must apply to college online. In fact, some schools even waive the application fee for the students who do so. The common application was originally intended to make the college application process easier on the students because the notion was that students could complete one application and send it to several schools rather than complete various applications that essentially convey the same information but now they could do it with one application. However, over the years, schools have added supplements to the common application meaning that students must keep track of which schools accept common application and then of them schools which ones require a supplement which could have no additional essays or up to five to six additional essays for the most competitive colleges so the common application-tool meant to simplify the lives of college applicants-has actually made the entire process more complicated and time consuming for them.

Eric ChancySchool CounselorApex High School – 9-12

Can students apply to college online?

More often than not, students are applying online, and over the last few years, I have seen fewer and fewer paper applications. In fact, so far this year, I have seen NONE. I would dare to say that in this day of technology utilization, if a student can’t or won’t navigate the online process, it may be a red flag to the school.

Eric SchenfieldSchool CounseleorNew Britain High School

Can students apply to college online?

Students can apply to colleges online. Today, colleges and students both prefer the on-line process. The Common Application is a one stop shopping for over 450 colleges across the country and even for a few countries in Europe. The website www.commonapp.org walks you through the process of applying to all participating colleges online. The website includes information on transcripts, letters of recommendations, deadlines and supplements required for each school. Schools that do not participate with the common application usually have their own on-line application.

Geoff BroomeAssistant Director of AdmissionsWidener University

Yes

No explanation needed. Virtually every college now has an application that is online either through their website or the Commonapp.

Megan DorseySAT Prep & College AdvisorCollege Prep LLC

You can and should.

I worked in public education for two decades, so I have a personal understanding of how the field of education tends to lag behind in technology, but we have fully entered the world of online college applications. Even in low-income areas, most students have access to computers and the Internet and prefer the speed and ease with which online applications can be submitted. Gone are the days of typewritten or handwritten paper applications. Most students can and should apply online.

Francine SchwartzFounder/ PresidentPathfinder Counseling LLC

Online Applications – The Preferred Way to Go!

Most colleges will tell you that they prefer to have applicants apply online. With the Common Application students can use one form to apply to hundreds of colleges. Be aware that many colleges also require a supplement to be completed with questions specific to their school. Francine Schwartz M.A, , LPC, NCC Founder and President Pathfinder Counseling LLC

Francine SchwartzFounder/ PresidentPathfinder Counseling LLC

Online Applications – The Preferred Way to Go!

Most colleges will tell you that they prefer to have applicants apply online. With the Common Application students can use one form to apply to hundreds of colleges. Be aware that many colleges also require a supplement to be completed with questions specific to their school.

Francine SchwartzFounder/ PresidentPathfinder Counseling LLC

Online Applications – The Preferred Way to Go!

Most colleges will tell you that they prefer to have applicants apply online. With the Common Application students can use one form to apply to hundreds of colleges. Be aware that many colleges also require a supplement to be completed with questions specific to their school.

Kathleen HarringtonOwnerNew Jersey College Consulting

Can students apply to college online?

Almost all colleges have an online application that can be accessed via the internet. An online application is the preferred method for application submission.

The Common Application is an online application website that allows you to send your application online to over 463 colleges in the USA.
Dr. Bruce NeimeyerCEO/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

Can students apply to college online?

Yes! In fact, many schools prefer that you do so. By applying on line students accomplish a number of things. First, their application processing speeds up greatly because they are eliminating the need to re-enter all that information into a colleges data system by an admissions clerk. Second, they are ensuring that the information – most especially the spelling of their NAME – is entered correctly. This is critical especially if the schools to which the student will ultimately enroll as the admissions record it typically the initial student record that will follow them through their entire relationship with the school. Third, in some instances, it allows students to receive their admissions decision faster and to skip momentarily the need to run around for pieces such as SAT/ACT score and their high school transcript. Many colleges allow students to self report those scores on their application. Beware though, if you choose to enroll in those schools, your class grades and your entrance exam scores better be accurate as the college will verify that information as you go to enroll for the fall and if they find you falsified those numbers/grades, they do reserve the right to rescind your admissions and you could find yourself without a college to attend! I am happy to say that most colleges that offer this service do not find that many students actively lie about this self-reported information because of the stiff consequences but….better to know up front if you haven’t done this before. Finally, some college will even offer an application fee waiver if you complete yours online. So, choosing to do so just might even save you some of that hard earned college tuition money. My advice is always to apply on line if at all possible. It really is a win-win situation.

Eric Beers, Ph.D.College and Career CounselorAir Academy High School

Can students apply to college online?

Most colleges today require students to apply online. Every year, a large number of colleges eliminate the option of applying with paper copies (they just get too much mail!) Many colleges waive application fees if students apply online. And it is just easier to track what has been sent when you can just do it online. Students are so much more computer savvy than adults…if you are a parents worried about how to do it online, just have your student show you!

Lynda McGeeCollege CounselorDowntown Magnets High School

Can students apply to college online?

In a few years, this will be the only way you can apply! In fact, some state schools (such as California) have already done away with the paper application. To encourage you to apply online, many colleges and Universities will waive the application fee entirely. Online applications are superior in that you never have to reveal that your handwriting is sloppy, and you can use editing tools to doublecheck your writing for errors. Almost all of these applications will allow you to cut and paste essays and short answers that you have already carefully crafted in a spearate document. Just remember: once you launch that application, you can’t take it back, so check it carefully and then check again to be confident that it is done correctly.

Mary Mariani

Can students apply to college online?

Yes, there are a number of colleges that have applications on line. The California State Universities and Universities of California are all online. Most if not all of the community colleges also have online applications. Our local community college will only accept online applications.

Many of the letters of recommendations are also done online, essays also. But I have also noticed that many of the private schools give students the option of having online and paper/pencil applications. They also ask for mid-year and final reports which have been pen/paper forms. Students must remember that they still have to have their transcripts sent to the different colleges. These requests can be made online if you have taken classes at a community college, but the high school requests are usually a form filled out at the registrar’s office at the home school.
Inna BeilinaStudent

Can students apply to college online?

Sure! Moreover, today colleges/universities PREFER you to apply online. Some of them even make their online application fees cost $0 if you submit them online.

So go ahead! You can apply online.
Inna BeilinaStudent

Can students apply to college online?

Sure! Moreover, today colleges/universities PREFER you to apply online. Some of them even make their online application fees cost 0$ if you submit them online.

So go ahead! You can apply online.
Jessica BrondoFounder and CEOThe Edge in College Prep

Can students apply to college online?

Yes. Almost all, if not all, college applications are online nowadays. 400 schools use the Common App, an online application accepted by those schools which means you only have to fill out forms, and write a personal essay once, making the process much easier. It allows you to track your progress online as well. Each school will have their own supplement to the main Common App which includes other questions and essays, but will be based off of the main document.

Please be suspicious of a college that does not use an online application. In this day and age when technology is not only so prevalent but so necessary to an education that prepares a student for the real world, a college with no online application may not be able to give that necessary skill to its students.
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

Can students apply to college online?

Yes

Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting

Can students apply to college online?

Of course! In fact, most students will find that almost all colleges now have either their own online application on their website, or many use the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or Universal College Application (www.universalcollegeapp.com). The great part about applying online is that you have an electronic record of everything you’ve submitted AND you’re often able to track your application status online. The downside is that technology has its glitches so you need to make sure you keep hard copies of EVERYTHING!