Master College Admissions: The Common Application from Udemy

We get it. College admissions are confusing. A lot of the times you just feel lost in the sea of information that's out there. It feels like a daunting process and is difficult to get started in the right direction. But no worries Learnerator is here to help.

In this course, you will learn:

What each section of the Common Application entails
How to deliver meaning in your activities sheet/resume
The fundamentals of a great story and how to tie things together
What makes a story stick
How to master your story

This course includes: 6.5 hours of easy-to-follow video mashup content, engagement exercises, and unlimited support.

The best part about this course is that it's continuously growing. We personally respond to questions and create a new videos for the bonus section of this course based on the questions we receive.

What are you waiting for? Join the most enrolled course on Udemy for college admissions. Enroll now to start mastering your story today.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

We'll walkthrough all 9 sections of the common application
We'll create a reference sheet for your application deadlines.
We'll explore potential areas of interests/career paths.
We'll address common concerns of students when it comes to standardized tests.
We'll elevate your resume/activities sheet to a whole new level.

We'll breakdown what makes a great story.
We'll gain insights on how to make a story stick.
We'll equip you with helpful tips and tricks in editing your essays.
We'll address how to decide which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation.
We'll begin to master your story.

We'll walkthrough all 9 sections of the common application
We'll create a reference sheet for your application deadlines.
We'll explore potential areas of interests/career paths.
We'll address common concerns of students when it comes to standardized tests.
We'll elevate your resume/activities sheet to a whole new level.
We'll breakdown what makes a great story.
We'll gain insights on how to make a story stick.
We'll equip you with helpful tips and tricks in editing your essays.
We'll address how to decide which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation.
We'll begin to master your story.

Syllabus

Welcome

This video welcomes you to Master College Admissions: The Common Application. It also provides background credentials on Will.

*Note*: 2.1 million enter college; not the workforce.

In this bonus content video, Will fields student questions about listing multiple officer positions, self-reporting versus sending scores through the College Board, what to do about the additional information section and how he came up with the 3.4 GPA cutoff.

In this video Will discusses:

-The 11 Myths of College Admissions

-Why You're Not Special and Why that Doesn't Matter

-Identifying Institutional Priorities: How to Figure Out What They are Looking For

-Early Decision/Early Action: Yay or Nay? Should I Do It?

In this video Will discusses:

-Why the Essay Can Make or Break You

-Step-by-Step Breakdown of Winning Essays: What Made Them Work?

-How to Find a Topic that Sticks

-Writing Hacks to Kickstart Your Essays

In this video Will discusses:

-A Day in the Life of an Admissions Officer

-How Admissions Approaches Applications

-To What Extent Pure Stats (SAT/ACT/GPA) Matter

-How Admissions Officers Evaluate Essays and Teacher Recommendations

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides actionable tips and insights for completing the Common Application, which is specifically designed for college admissions

Engages learners through interactive exercises and discussion-based activities, making the learning experience interactive and immersive

Offers comprehensive coverage of all sections of the Common Application, ensuring that learners have a holistic understanding of the application process

Provides learners with personalized support through unlimited access to course instructors, ensuring that they receive individualized guidance

Includes a continuously growing bonus section that addresses frequently asked questions from learners, ensuring that the course remains up-to-date and relevant

Taught by experienced instructors known for their expertise in college admissions, providing learners with access to insights from industry professionals

Reviews summary

Master college admissions: common application

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and clear guide to navigating the complexities of the Common Application. Many found the sections on essay writing particularly impactful, praising the focus on storytelling and practical tips to make their essays "stick". Students frequently highlighted the value of the guidance on structuring their activities sheet using the STAR method. The instructor, Will, is often described as knowledgeable and engaging, and the inclusion of bonus content addressing student questions is seen as a significant plus. Learners feel the course helps demystify the process, providing actionable strategies that build confidence.

Ideal for those new to the college application process.

"As someone completely new to this, the course was a perfect starting point."

"Highly recommend for first-time college applicants or their parents."

"Made the initial steps of the application process much clearer for me."

Instructor is knowledgeable and responsive to student needs.

"Will is a fantastic instructor – knowledgeable, clear, and easy to follow."

"Appreciated the bonus content where he answered student questions. Shows he cares."

"His teaching style made a complex topic approachable."

"Felt supported knowing questions were addressed and added to the course."

Practical advice for describing extracurriculars.

"Learning the STAR method for the activities section was a game-changer for me."

"Provided clear examples and strategies for making my extracurriculars shine."

"I struggled with how to describe my involvement, and this section gave me the tools I needed."

"Helped me elevate my activities list beyond just listing things."

Strong focus on storytelling and making essays stand out.

"The lessons on finding and telling your story were invaluable for my essays."

"Loved the tips on how to make my essay 'stick' with admissions officers."

"It helped me think differently about my experiences and how to write about them effectively."

"The essay writing section alone was worth the price of the course."

Covers all sections of the application clearly.

"The course breaks down every single section of the Common Application step-by-step. It was incredibly helpful."

"I finally understood what information was needed for each part. Made filling it out much less daunting."

"Provides a thorough walkthrough of the entire application, leaving no stone unturned."

"This really gave me a solid overview of the Common App and what to expect."

Some examples or references may be from past years.

"Some specific examples or prompts mentioned seem to be from earlier application cycles."

"While the core principles are timeless, applicants should cross-reference with the current year's app."

"Not a major issue, but noted some references to older versions of the application."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master College Admissions: The Common Application with these activities:

Create a personalized college list based on your interests and goals

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Start narrowing down your college choices by identifying institutions that align with your aspirations.

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Reflect on your academic interests, career goals, and campus life preferences.
Research colleges that offer programs and majors that interest you.
Consider factors such as location, size, and student life.
Create a spreadsheet or document to track your research and compile a personalized list of colleges.

Join or form a study group with classmates

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Benefit from peer feedback, diverse perspectives, and a supportive learning environment.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Reach out to classmates to form a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and allocate responsibilities.
Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials and completing assignments.
Engage in active discussion, ask questions, and provide support to group members.

Develop a sample college essay based on the Common App prompts

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Gain hands-on experience crafting a college essay that adheres to the Common App requirements.

Browse courses on Essay Writing

Show steps

Choose a Common App essay prompt that resonates with you.
Brainstorm ideas and gather relevant examples and experiences.
Outline your essay, ensuring a clear structure and logical flow of ideas.
Draft your essay, paying attention to grammar, sentence structure, and overall presentation.
Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or writing tutors to enhance your essay.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Master College Admissions: The Common Application will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

University Admissions Counselor

University Admissions Counselors guide prospective students through the college application process. They provide information about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about the different sections of the Common Application, how to write a compelling personal statement, and how to get strong letters of recommendation. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for University Admissions Counselor

College Recruiter

College Recruiters visit high schools and colleges to meet with students and promote their schools. They provide information about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life. Taking this course can help you stand out from other applicants by giving you a deep understanding of the college admissions process. You will learn about the different sections of the Common Application, how to write a compelling personal statement, and how to get strong letters of recommendation. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Recruiter

High School Guidance Counselor

High School Guidance Counselors help students with academic, career, and personal planning. They provide information about different career paths, help students develop their resumes and college applications, and offer support during the college application process. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you about the different sections of the Common Application, how to write a compelling personal statement, and how to get strong letters of recommendation. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for High School Guidance Counselor

Nonprofit Program Director

Nonprofit Program Directors plan, implement, and evaluate programs that serve a particular community or population. They may also be responsible for fundraising and public relations. This course can be helpful for those who want to work in the nonprofit sector, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Director

Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research and analyze education policies and programs. They may also develop and implement new policies and programs. This course can be helpful for those who want to work in the field of education policy, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a grant writer, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television stations. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a journalist, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They may also be responsible for market research and public relations. This course can be helpful for those who want to work in the field of marketing, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may also be responsible for media relations, crisis communications, and community outreach. This course can be helpful for those who want to work in the field of public relations, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They may also be responsible for developing sales strategies and training new sales representatives. This course may be helpful to Sales Managers who want to develop their skills in writing and public speaking, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documentation. They may also be responsible for developing and maintaining websites and other online content. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a technical writer, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and other online content. They may also be responsible for maintaining and updating websites. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a web developer, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and marketing. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a writer, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content. They may also be responsible for managing a team of writers and editors. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as an editor, as it teaches you about the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, history, and English. They may also be responsible for developing lesson plans and grading assignments. This course can be helpful for those who want to work as a teacher, as it covers the different sections of the Common Application and how to write a compelling personal statement. You will also learn about the different factors that admissions officers consider when making decisions, so you can help your students put together the best possible applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher