Admissions Requirements at Online Universities (Undergraduate Business Programs)
Admissions requirements can vary from one online university to another. Although every university requires that potential business students complete an application, requested documents can vary depending on the school and the level of study.
Most online universities ask undergraduate business students to submit proof of a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school transcripts may also be requested. Some online universities will also ask to see SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores to determine an applicant's level of knowledge and ability to learn. Other required documents may include:
- TOEFL Scores (if you are a foreign student)
- Personal Essays
- Recommendation Letters
The admission requirements of an online university MBA program are very similar to those of an undergraduate program. Potential students must submit an application and undergraduate transcripts. Many admissions committees like to review the transcripts and undergraduate GPA to make sure students are MBA material.
Online universities that have relaxed their admissions guidelines will not ask for anything else. However, there are quite a few schools that will also want to see GMAT scores, recommendation letters, essays, and a resume in addition to transcripts and an application.
Example Admissions Requirements
The following interviews demonstrate how different admission requirements can be from one online university to another:
- Rasmussen College Admissions
- Western Governors University Admissions
- Kaplan University MBA Admissions
Many online universities accept applications from business students throughout the year. Others have specific application periods. If the online university you are interested in does not accept applications all year long, you should make every effort to apply early in the process.
How to Make Sure You Get Accepted
The best way to get accepted to any business program is by following directions. Although some online universities will accept anyone who applies, others are very selective and turn down a number of applicants each year. If you follow application directions, take time to prepare your application package, and submit everything that is required, you will be much more likely to get accepted.
Learn More about Online Universities
To learn more about the types of degrees available through online universities, you can visit OnlineUniversities.org. If you already know what type of degree you're interested in, you can visit the Distance Learning section of About.com to learn more about paying for an online degree.
