Enrolling in an online school is a great way for students to get a higher education that’s convenient and tailored to their specific demands. However, it’s not uncommon for some confusion to set in when it comes to applying for online school because of its perceived differences from more traditional educational institutions. Thankfully, the process isn’t as complicated as some people think.

For starters, you’ll need to have your relevant grade and other information handy. If you’re applying for an undergraduate program, have you SAT or ACT score; similarly, if you’re hoping to get into a graduate program, have access to your GRE results. These are the test you’ll need to take in order to get into a quality online school, and they can also help determine the amount of financial aid you might receive from the government or your school.

Applying for an online school, not surprisingly, is a process that largely takes place online. There are two different types of applications: the Common Application, and an application overseen by an individual school. The Common Application is not-for-profit organization that provides a standardized college application that’s accepted by almost 400 schools. If your online school isn’t on the list, don’t worry. You’ll just apply to the school via their own application process.

Most students typically apply for admission to an online school via that school’s specific channels, which can be found by visiting the school’s site and clicking the links for admissions. (For example, here’s what the admissions pages look like for Kaplan University and University of Phoenix.) Every online school is a little different, and their site will let you know what materials or information you need to apply and whether it can be done solely online or if you’ll need to mail in physical copies of things like transcripts. Additionally, you might be required to present certain qualifications or documentation for special degree fields. Nursing students, for instance, are often required to show proof of any required health exams or immunizations before taking clinical courses or internships.

Ultimately, applying for online school requires checking with your school to see what they’ll need from you. Check this information early in the process so you’re not scrambling to complete tests on a tight deadline application. Being prepared is the best way to complete a successful application and get into the online school of your choice.