Admissions

Once you’ve decided you want to go to graduate school, make sure you start preparing your application several months before the school’s deadline. Most colleges and universities—like Walden University—have an online application process and experienced enrollment specialists to assist you in completing your application. Once you’ve researched schools and made your choice(s), the process of applying typically follows these steps:

1. Complete an online profile, open your online application, and begin filling in your information.
2. Gather supportive documents for your application. (These may vary by school and/or program.)
3. Provide official transcripts.
4. Include applicable test scores.

Once you receive and accept an offer of admission into your university of choice, you’ll be considered a student and will receive further instructions on how to apply for financial aid, set up your student account, register for courses, and more.

Depending on the degree program you’re interested in, many U.S. schools require a written statement as part of the admission process that explains why you’d like to pursue a certain field of study at that particular institution. If you’re passionate about a specific academic area, writing a goal statement shouldn’t be too difficult. And, if you have any questions, most colleges and universities have knowledgeable enrollment specialists who are available to answer questions about your goal statement and other elements of the admission process.

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree online, you’re in good company. But with so many colleges and universities to choose from, how do you select the right one? Here’s a list of six criteria that can help you narrow your search and select the best institution for your personal and career goals.

1. Accreditation. When it comes to selecting the right institution, the best place to start is accreditation. Accreditation by an independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as The Higher Learning Commission, signifies that an institution meets rigorous quality standards and you will receive a quality education.
2. Programs. If you already know what you’d like to study, make sure the online colleges and online universities you’re considering have strong programs in your area of interest. If you’re still undecided about what you will study, choose an institution with diverse offerings to provide a number of options.
3. Curriculum. Once you’ve identified an online program you’re interested in at an accredited university, investigate its curriculum. Many colleges show required and elective course descriptions for each program on their websites, making it easier to determine the right program for you.
4. Technology. An institution is only as strong as its technology. From mobile apps to video chatting with instructors and classmates, technologies employed by colleges and universities to help online students learn and stay engaged are important. Be sure to investigate the technologies used by the institution you’re interested in attending to ensure they meet your needs.
5. Price. Many institutions offer financial aid, grants, and scholarships for adult learners. An Enrollment Specialist at the university of your choice can help you identify the funding options available.
6. Graduate success. Explore the websites of your top university choices to see what graduates have done with their education. One inspiring story may be enough to help you make your final decision and get started pursuing your dream career.

If you’re living outside of the U.S. and are interested in attending a U.S.-based college or university online, the admission process may be easier than you realize. In addition to documents that are required for all students, you must also submit your transcripts to be evaluated for academic equivalency to U.S. education standards. And since you’ll be learning in English, U.S. schools typically request official scores from one of four English proficiency tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
• Academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English

Because online learning success at a U.S. college or university depends on your ability to read, converse, and write in English, U.S. schools require a minimum English proficiency test score for admission.

Once you have made the decision to pursue an online degree program, you can begin gathering or considering some of the things you’ll need to complete your online application. Here’s a preview of what information you can expect to provide with the online application at Walden University:

• Program of interest. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to speak with your Enrollment Specialist for recommendations on which online degree program best suits you and your goals.
• Preferred start date. Here, you can choose from any of our upcoming start dates. Typically, there are several start dates available for each program to accommodate your schedule.
• Academic history. If you have previously earned a degree, you can include your previous institution’s information, your major, year of graduation, etc.
• Employment History. Take the opportunity to fill in where you work and what you do. For this section, you may import your information from your LinkedIn profile. Military experience is also considered and may translate into potential credit toward your degree.
• Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility of credit transfer, but you must submit official transcripts for financial aid to be processed, if admitted to the university. Be sure to request official transcripts once you have decided to apply to Walden.
• Résumé. Don’t forget to update this as well with your previous academic, work, military, and life experience!