In the 2024–25 academic year, more than 20,000 Boise State students took at least one course online. That’s 38% of the university’s for-credit enrollment. Online learning continues to grow in popularity thanks to flexible, asynchronous classes, affordable options and a wide variety of course and degree offerings.
As demand grows, so does competition for online programs. One of the best ways to stay ahead is to apply early, something Heather Ropelato, Associate Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, emphasizes when working with students.
“Applying and registering for classes early helps students keep their momentum. It allows us to connect the dots between their past credits and their new program so they can move forward with confidence. Students who apply early often feel more in control, less rushed and ready to hit the ground running when classes begin,” said Ropelato.
Here are the top five reasons applying early for online programs can be very beneficial for students in the long run.
Top benefits of applying early for program admission
A recurring theme with many of these benefits is the time you’ll save. The application-to-admission process can be incredibly time-consuming for both students and university recruiters, student success coaches and staff. Starting early enables you to prepare your admission materials and get your questions answered without the added pressure of looming deadlines.
1. You’ll have more time to review and prepare admission requirements
Each program has its own set of admission checklists. But, there are a few recurring items you can expect:
- Applications for both Boise State University and your chosen online program
- Transcripts from your previously attended schools
- A minimum grade point average (GPA)
- A letter of intent or resume
- Attending a meeting with a student success coach
The online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning, for example, requests a work resume, proof of adequate hardware and software for coursework completion and a 500-1,000-word statement of purpose, which is definitely not something you’d want to procrastinate on.
If you’re curious about the requirements for a specific online program, Boise State Online’s helpful “How Do I Apply?” page features an easy-to-use dropdown menu located under Step 1: Review Your Program. Here you can select your desired program and the tool takes you straight to the application requirements.
2. You’ll have more time to request your official transcripts
Requesting and receiving official transcripts may take a little longer than anticipated, especially if you’ve earned credits from multiple institutions.
Having adequate records of prior credits isn’t just required; these records can be very beneficial when analyzed by a student success coach to help determine your ideal degree plan — and timeline — by utilizing any transferable credits or credit for workplace experience.
If you’re returning to school after 20 years or more, you may run into delays accessing digital records. Note that Boise State will not accept transcripts that have been faxed or mailed from a personal address. They must be sealed and mailed from the institution or sent digitally as a PDF from an approved transcript service provider.
You can find a list of acceptable transcript service providers on Boise State’s official transcripts page.
3. You’ll have more time to explore your financial options
Higher education is a major financial investment, and luckily, institutions and organizations offer grants, scholarships and financial aid to help ease the strain.
Filling out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early may increase your chances of receiving the full amount of aid available, as some agencies process requests in the order they receive them. Boise State Online suggests applying at least 10 weeks before your classes begin.
You’ll receive the breakdown of your financial aid offer sooner, giving you time to make other arrangements, such as researching and applying for additional grants and scholarships to help cover what your offer doesn’t.
4. You’ll get more one-on-one time with advisors and coaches
Student success coaches and advisors are there to help guide you toward achieving your educational goals. That said, depending on the size of the program, there may be just a few (very dedicated) coaches available to help each student at any given time. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet with your coach and allow them to get to know you and your individual needs or concerns.
5. You’ll get your first choice of courses
This is a big one, as many prospective students may not realize that online courses and summer sessions — especially popular or required courses — can fill up fast. Some courses are only offered in certain semesters as well, which could significantly impact your graduation timeline.
Applying early means:
- Registering sooner
- Securing your preferred course schedule, and
- Staying on track toward graduation
Your program advisors and student success coaches can help you plan ahead and build a schedule that best suits your needs, while avoiding potential bottlenecks down the road.
Learn more about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.