Determining where to pursue a degree program requires a lot of careful thought and consideration, particularly for those interested in attending online schools. Online learning presents a unique process that students should experience and understand before diving into coursework. If you’re considering an online school, here are five reasons why you should register for the next open house webinar.
Explore the online college
When you attend an open house webinar, you get the chance to explore your college of choice. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the program you are interested in while learning more about what the college has to offer. By the end of the open house webinar, you will have the answers to your questions and have a good understanding of what to expect.
People considering a brick-and-mortar school for college often attend an in-person open house so they can get a feel for the layout of the school. The same principle applies to those attending an online school. Get a feel for your virtual campus and where you can find all the important information that will help you with your program.
Virtually meet and hear from faculty and staff you will work with
At an open house webinar, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the people who will have the most impact on your upcoming academic career—professors who may teach your classes.
Listen to them and get a feel for their personalities and teaching styles. Ask them questions about taking online classes and what it takes to thrive in the degree program. This first introduction to your professors can help you better understand what it will be like to attend their classes, giving you a far better idea of what it will take to excel in an online class environment.
When you attend an open house webinar, you’ll likely get to meet your advisors for the first time. Your academic advisors will also play an important role in helping you work through your degree program. They will help you determine what classes you need to take and can help you navigate any problems that might arise. Ask them questions about admissions, transfer credits, and anything else that might be weighing on your mind.
Get the chance to speak with existing students
Sometimes students find that colleges look great on paper (or online), but later realized it wasn’t the right fit for them personally. One of the best ways to determine how well a particular school will fit your needs is to speak with existing students.
Through an open house webinar, participating students can help you get a better feel for what it is like to attend classes at your prospective institution. Ask them about their experiences, as well as the academic rigor and outstanding education they receive. You can speak with students enrolled in your degree program and ask them questions about their classes and professors.
Fits within your schedule
The benefits of online college begin with the open house webinar. You can take your tour of the school right from the comfort of your living room. This makes it easy to fit the open house into your schedule. You do not need to travel or take time off from work to attend this open house. You can select a presentation time around your needs and experience the online college environment firsthand. Find a quiet room in your home, set up your computer, get comfortable, and come explore what could be your new school.
Find out what it will be like to be an online student
When it comes to higher education, similarities between students taking classes in person and those taking them online abound. All students want to experience a high-quality education that sets them up for success in their chosen profession. Students also face stress from assignments, exams, internships, and navigating the complexities of academia.
Those attending classes online, however, find themselves facing some unique challenges. They need to learn how to keep themselves on track without a professor taking attendance. They must form connections with classmates for study groups and group assignments without seeing each other in person. They have to set up their own study area to review material or attend classes rather than relying on lecture halls and the traditional university infrastructure.
Attending an open house webinar will give you insight into what it is like to be an online student and help you gain an appreciation of the benefits and challenges. Interacting with others in the same position, as well as the faculty and staff, will give you a great introduction to the university and what your degree program holds for you. Furthermore, it will help you feel confident about your choice.
If you’re interested in attending ACU Online, coming to the open house webinar provides all this and more. You’ll experience the innovative, faith-based environment the university offers while also getting a feel for what life is like as an online student. Don’t wait any longer, register for ACU Online’s own Open House Webinar. Learn more about how ACU Online can help you achieve your career goals.