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Online High Schools with College Preparation are the K-12 educational programs that help high school students prepare for all aspects of college online, including coursework, exam training, standardized testing, application processes, and skill development.
Online Schools are education organizations allowing students to earn K-12 certificates remotely. Likewise, college is an education organization allowing students to acquire higher education degrees. Just like schools offering K-12 education, they can be traditional and remote.
Is Online Education Effective for College Preparation?
Traditional teaching methods might seem to be a safe, familiar choice. However, high-quality virtual schools can not only provide students with a new academic perspective and better prepare them for college and future careers but also offer a more personalized learning approach that could benefit your child.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you’re wondering whether you should switch to online high school to prepare your child, here are five ways virtual schooling can support students on their path to college.
College Preparation for Online School Students
Online high school not only prepares students academically but also teaches soft skills essential for college and future employment.
Here are five reasons why virtual school may be more beneficial than traditional brick-and-mortar schools for college-bound students:
Access to a Wide Selection of Courses
Students in online high schools can access courses that may not be available at their local public schools. These courses can include unique topics such as game design or astronomy. Online high schools often provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can enhance college applications and potentially earn college credits.
Having more course options stimulates and broadens a student’s interests, especially when deciding on a college major or exploring college course catalogs. The variety of options allows students to delve deeper into subjects of interest.
Development of Time Management Skills
With flexible scheduling in online courses, students learn to manage their academic and personal time effectively. They are not required to attend classes at the same time every day, so they complete work at times that suit them best.
By managing their own schedules, students practice prioritization and organization—skills necessary for success in college and the workforce.
Familiarity with Online Work Environments
The most important difference between traditional schools and online schools is that online schools prepare kids for the active use of online instruments. College professors often incorporate online components into their curricula, such as online tests, quizzes, and forums.
What’s more, the most prestigious colleges always make sure they provide the most comprehensive education to their students and use all available instruments, including the most advanced technologies. Taking high school courses online gives students a head start in adapting to these technologies before entering college. The rise in remote work means that online classes expose students to the skills required for future remote job opportunities.
Enhanced Communication Skills
The general difference between K-12 schools and colleges is that the latter are less controlling when it comes to students. Online schools suggest that a teacher is not physically present, so students learn to be proactive when seeking assistance. This fosters the development of communication skills valuable in college courses and career paths, especially for students who are typically reserved.
Increased Responsibility and Self-Discipline
The most advanced online schools make sure students have teachers and a Learning Coach to guide them with greater control over their learning due to customized scheduling and increased flexibility. This autonomy encourages self-discipline and responsibility, which are essential for college success. When choosing an online school, make sure that it features both specialists.
Legacy Online School provides comprehensive college preparation. Students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Honor/Credit classes, and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment Programs are available for students.
How Colleges View Online High School
Colleges generally view an online public high school education comparably to a traditional public high school education. Online high school does not negatively impact college admissions.
Taking online courses helps students develop drive, self-sufficiency, and confidence in addition to academic knowledge. By experiencing more independent learning, virtual school can effectively prepare students for college.
Legacy Online School provides comprehensive college preparation. Students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Honor/Credit classes, and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment Programs are available for students.
Applying to College: Steps for Success
Applying to college is a significant step for students nearing high school graduation. They have spent years building foundational knowledge and exploring interests. The application process is an opportunity to showcase their learning, ambition, and passion for their chosen schools.
When to Apply to College
Many students begin applying to college during the summer before their senior year or in early fall. If aiming for early decision deadlines, check each school’s specific requirements.
Typically, students take the SAT and ACT exams during their junior year. Retaking these exams in the fall of senior year can help improve scores before submitting to colleges.
How to Apply to College
Follow these steps to ensure a well-prepared college application:
Identify a List of Colleges
Select between five and ten schools to apply to, considering factors like programs offered, location, and campus culture. Remember, even the best colleges might vary in the quality of the education on specific courses that your child requires. Sometimes it’s with checking out teachers profiles if your child has clear intentions on choosing specific programs.
We recommend seeking out universities with honors programs, opportunities to study abroad, internships, or cooperative programs if these are significant to your child.
Don’t forget to examine the college’s rates of placing students in jobs, placing students in graduate schools, and the strength of the alumni network. Judge by the actual testimonials of the alumni, not just the official website.
Gather Necessary Paperwork
Begin both physical and digital document folders for storing duplicates of necessary documents. Make sure application forms and personal statements are organized, clear, and free of mistakes. Verify how each college wants documents submitted, including whether they should be mailed, uploaded online, or submitted in person.
Make a List of Important Dates
Schedule notifications a couple of days prior to each due date to prevent submitting work at the last minute.Deadlines and extra requirements, such as art portfolios, may vary between colleges, so keep track separately for each. If the college requires physical copies of the documents,
Ask for Recommendations
Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors for recommendation letters well in advance to give them ample time to prepare. Don’t forget to show gratitude once the application process is over and send notes of thanks to those who wrote recommendations and update them on the status of your application.
Obtain Transcripts
Request official transcripts from your school counselor to be sent to the colleges on your list. Certain institutions may impose fees for transcripts or necessitate formal requests, therefore, verify any necessary procedures. Purchase additional copies of transcripts in case you require them for more applications or scholarships and check in with each school to make sure they have received the transcript.
Complete Early Decision Applications Promptly
If applying early, ensure all materials are prepared and submitted by the specified deadlines. Early Decision may include extra prerequisites, such as mandatory commitments or earlier due dates. Don’t forget to make sure to check the college’s financial aid options in advance to ensure affordability.
Plan College Visits
If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and ask questions to current students and faculty. Arrange meetings with the admissions office, professors, or students to learn more about the school and ask questions.
Some schools offer guided tours of the campus to get a sense of the layout and see the different buildings and facilities with information sessions or sample classes to experience the academic environment. Both you and your child will feel more certain with your choice if you actually experience what the academic environment feels like.
The Challenge of College Readiness
When it comes to general assessment, high school students who graduate from traditional schools are often unprepared for college-level work. Up to 65% of community college students take at least one remedial course within six years of initial enrollment.This data prompts students and parents to seek educational options. These include K-12 online schools such as Legacy Online, with comprehensive curricula, personalized counseling, and individualized learning strategies.
At the same time, the stats provided by the American Educational Research Journal and International Journal of e-Learning and Distance Education reports on the positive impact of Online Course-Taking on High School Graduation and College Enrollment:
- Students taking online courses showed a 100% positive correlation with high school graduation.
- Limited online course-taking led to a 15% increase in college enrollment.
- The quality of online instruction significantly impacted college readiness.
- Online learning enabled at-risk students to work at their own pace, benefiting all students who required flexible scheduling.
- 80% of students who participated in online learning reported improvements in their time management and responsibility.
- 65% of students reported that the ability to self-manage learning in an online setting prepared them for future independent study in college.
By creating personalized academic plans, regularly assessing each student, and focusing on individual strengths and challenges, online schools help ensure students are on track and college-ready. They foster a college-going culture that makes a significant difference in student success.
Legacy Online School School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reflects our mission to deliver the best online education that will cover the needs of every student with our personalized learning plans regardless of their origin, race and nationality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right educational path is crucial for college preparation. Online high schools offer unique opportunities for students to develop academically and personally, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in higher education and beyond.
