The College Application Process: A Complete Checklist

Deciding to pursue a college education is a crucial step toward achieving your personal and professional goals. However, beginning the college application process can seem overwhelming. Where do you begin? When should you start planning? Don't worry! This comprehensive guide can simplify the process and help you get started.

Applying for college doesn't have to be confusing. Unless you use a tool like Common App, applying for each college that interests you can be time-consuming, with varying requirements and deadlines for each school. However, by following these steps, you can simplify your multi-college application journey with Champlain College Online's straightforward process.

• Research potential colleges: To start your college admissions journey, research the colleges and programs that interest you. Concentrate on applying to colleges that provide degree programs and certificates that align with your future goals.
• Review application requirements: Once you have identified the colleges you are most likely to attend, you should review each school's application requirements. Writing a list or building a spreadsheet can help you stay organized.

• Create a list of comprehensive deadlines: After you have finalized the list of schools to which you intend to apply, you can develop an extensive schedule that will keep you on track throughout the college admissions process. Here are important deadlines to keep in mind when applying to Champlain College Online:

  • Application deadlines*: Champlain College Online offers multiple start dates for our undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the year. For more information, visit our admissions page.

  Undergraduate Programs Upcoming Deadlines (Fall 2024 & Spring 2025)
  Fall	Session	Materials Deadline	For Classes Starting
  	Fall A	August 15, 2024	August 26, 2024
  	Fall B	October 10, 2024	October 21, 2024
  	Fall Full Term	August 15, 2024	August 26, 2024
  Spring	Spring A	January 3, 2025	January 13, 2025
  	Spring B	February 27, 2025	March 10, 2025
  	Spring Full Term	January 3, 2025	January 25, 2025

  Graduate Programs Upcoming Deadlines (Fall 2024 & Spring 2025)
  Fall	Session	Materials Deadline	For Classes Starting
  	Fall 1	August 22, 2024	September 2, 2024
  	Fall 2	October 17, 2024	October 28, 2024
  Spring	Spring 1	December 20, 2024	January 6, 2025
  	Spring 2	February 20, 2025	March 3, 2025

  *The exact dates for Champlain's application deadlines are subject to change each academic year.

  • Financial aid deadlines: Complete your FAFSA application as early as possible. The form becomes available each October for the next school year, and while Champlain College Online accepts applications year-round, submitting your FAFSA early ensures you meet state and school deadlines.
  • Scholarship deadlines: Scholarships offered by other organizations will have various deadlines throughout the year, so make sure to add your deadlines to an admissions calendar as you research scholarships.
• Put in your requests early: Some applications require additional materials such as high school transcripts, previous college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Acting early is the best way to ensure timely receipt of your application materials, as admissions offices often process many requests simultaneously.
  • Your Champlain College Online application does not require a letter of recommendation, and if you are eligible, we can order your transcripts for you at no cost. Speak with an admissions counselor for more information.
• Craft a compelling personal statement or essay: A college essay is a standard part of any application, with topics varying widely from one school to another. Luckily for you, Champlain College online does not require an essay for admission. Instead, focus on ensuring all necessary materials are complete and submitted accurately.
• Submit applications on time: Submit your application by the required deadline and follow up with the colleges to which you applied to verify that you are not missing any materials

Why Should I Plan?

Preparing a college application process checklist and strategy can increase your chances of success. Before submitting applications, you should contact an admissions or transfer counselor to learn more about the opportunities available to you. The counselor can often advise you on creating an application plan and inform you about the opportunities for prior learning assessments*. At Champlain College Online, we offer credit for prior learning, which can help reduce the time needed to complete your degree or certificate program.

*A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) recognizes and credits learning gained outside a traditional environment, such as through work or military experience. It helps students accelerate their degree completion by validating their existing knowledge and identifying areas for further study.

Applying for Financial Aid

In addition to securing admission to your preferred college, don't forget to focus on financial aid. Many different types of financial aid are available to help you achieve your educational goals The most common types of financial aid include:

• FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA form becomes available each October for the next school year, and it's best to complete it as soon as possible to meet the state and school deadlines.
• Loans: Federal loans are available for students and parents of dependent students seeking financial aid. Loans must be paid back with interest.
• Grants: Grants are a form of federal financial assistance that does not require repayment. Common grants include Pell Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are available from various organizations, including private corporations, governmental bodies, and nonprofits. In general, scholarships are awarded to students based on merit or financial need and do not require repayment. It is up to the student to research and apply for private scholarship opportunities.

Most students require financial assistance for school. Complete the FAFSA form to determine what financial aid you might be entitled to during your academic career. Students should fill out the FAFSA form each year they are enrolled in a degree or eligible certificate program to ensure they receive the maximum amount of aid available.

Monitor your Champlain-assigned email for critical communications from Compass, our student services office. Once admitted, you will also receive access to your Champlain College Online Self-Service account. where you can view and upload required financial aid information, student billing, and additional requirements.

Additional Payment Options and Programs at Champlain College Online

• Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to help their employees further their education. Champlain College Online partners with various organizations to provide employees the opportunities for tuition assistance. If your employer offers such a program, you could receive financial support for your studies, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
• TruED: The truED program offers preferred tuition rates and customizable learning solutions to employees of partner organizations, as well as eligible family members. This program makes education more affordable and accessible. By Enrolling through the truED program, you can benefit from reduced tuition costs and support from your employer, making your education journey more affordable.
•  Transfer Credits: Maximize your transfer credits by having your prior learning, professional experience, and military training evaluated. Champlain College Online's transfer credit evaluation process helps ensure you get the credit you deserve, potentially reducing the time and cost to complete your degree.
  • For undergraduate programs, a student may be awarded up to one-fourth of the total credit toward a certificate, up to 45 credit hours toward an associate's degree, and up to 90 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree 
  • For graduate programs, no more than 6 credit hours are awarded at Champlain College Online

For more information about transfer credits, please contact our Transfer Credit Evaluation Team.

What Happens After Submitting the Applications?

While waiting to hear back after submitting your applications, there are a few proactive things you can do. It can be both an exciting and stressful moment. Continue to check on deadlines for other materials, such as scholarship applications, and verify that you have submitted all materials needed for admission. Most importantly, ensure that your transcripts are available as quickly as possible to make the process smoother and more efficient.

Champlain College Online has a quick and efficient admissions process. Typically, there is no waitlist due to the rolling admissions system. However, in the rare event that you are placed on a waitlist, U.S. News and World Report recommends that you:

• Contact the admissions office to express your continued interest in attending
• Focus on maintaining strong academic performance and engaging in activities that enhance your profile

If your application is rejected, consider the following steps:

• Continue applying to other schools
• Request feedback about why your enrollment was denied
• Explore future transfer options. Champlain College Online offers a flexible transfer credit policy.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Admission After Applying?

Although your academic transcript is essential in the admissions process, you can increase your chances of being accepted by submitting a comprehensive application. In your application, emphasize your participation in extracurricular activities and your dedication to community service. You can also include additional application materials showcasing your skills in unique areas or hobbies that interest you.

For graduate students, it's essential to demonstrate relevant professional experience and clear career goals or the transition from a relevant undergraduate degree. Engaging with the admissions team and seeking advice on strengthening your application can also be beneficial.

Champlain College Online prides itself on a quick and straightforward application process, with a no-cost, 15-minute application that does not require an essay or resume.

Discover the Possibilities for Your Future at Champlain

By getting organized early and creating a list of deadlines, you may find the college application process rewarding. Applying to Champlain College Online opens the door to a whole new world of possibilities, all of which can help lead you toward success.

Now is the best time to begin to explore your options. Our degree and certificate programs can provide a gateway into your chosen field and allow you to pursue your passions. Apply to Champlain College Online today.