6 Tips That Increase Your Chances of Success in Online College

Pursuing a degree can be challenging enough, even more so when done online. A large majority of schools are now embracing online education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, it's still possible to earn a degree online, especially if you embrace these tips below.

1.) Plan your day in advance

The hardest part about online school boils down to effectively managing your time. Without the extra pressure of in-person classes, an online school can stir unwanted procrastination in even the most disciplined individuals. For this reason, I recommend you plan your day.

Every evening before bed, write down your priorities for the following morning. But most important of all, whatever your priorities are, do them first thing the following morning. Studies show that an individual's motivation and discipline levels spike in the morning but stagger around 4pm.

So do the hard things first.

2.) Tackle one project at a time

The second cardinal sin for online students (besides non-effectively managing their time) is multi-tasking. Online schools encourage multi-tasking by providing all of your given assignments for the week at one time. It can be tempting to tackle these all at once and free up time for more enjoyable activities. However, I would highly recommend against doing so for two reasons.

Multi-tasking has been proven to reduce an individual's overall work quality and reduce (if not eliminate) personal skills. Therefore, when you are learning something, you should be fully attentive to the given task at hand — especially when it costs you money.

Multi-tasking has been linked to an increase in procrastination and misplaced priorities. Therefore, tackling multiple assignments simultaneously is not a good idea, especially when some are more important than others.

3.) Establish a workplace and eliminate distractions

One of the best things you can do for yourself while in online school is to establish some healthy habits. After you write down your tasks for the following morning, ensure that you have a clean place designated for your schoolwork. And, most important of all, utilize the same space — if possible — every time. Eventually, you’ll build a habit of getting straight to work as soon as you sit down (in your designated workplace).

Also, it’s of similar importance that you remove any distractions while handling your schoolwork. Meaning that you turn off your phone, shut the door, and alert others of your temporary absence. Don’t forget that your computer is also a potential distraction. So do your best to stay away from any internet-related activities that don’t involve your schoolwork. And for the love of God avoid the video games.

4.) Turn your computer off before bed

PCs generally don't consume that much energy, but an active PC (one that's on 24/7 a year) can cost an extra $20 per month (or $240 a year), which doesn't seem like much but can put a dent in the wallet of any unemployed college student. Also, refusing to shut off your PC occasionally can lead to incidental power surges and slow internet speeds. Even if you don't shut it off completely, ensure that you put your PC into sleep mode before bed every night.

5.) Don't be afraid to ask for help

Many online students are afraid to ask their teachers for help. Don't make this same mistake. Quite often, teachers will be more than willing to share advice or give feedback and are also known to extend deadlines for those in need. But don't take advantage of their help or mistake goodwill for charity, as many teachers will also have limits to what they're willing to offer for help — so not to pick favorites.

6.) Hold yourself accountable

Above all else, the most important thing that you can do for yourself is to hold yourself accountable. Cut the excuses. This is your future that we’re talking about, after all.

It is 100% possible to earn a degree online. But you have to hold yourself accountable. Sometimes you’ll have to say no to others — friends, family, even your partner and kid(s)— because you have to prioritize your schoolwork. And if they complain, then they don’t understand the true significance that a degree means to you. Only you will ultimately have the power to do what needs to be done. You won’t always have the motivation to do what needs to be done, but you’ll have a system.

Follow the system (the above tips) and you’ll be just fine.