Master College Admissions: The Common Application from Udemy

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.

This video describes the objectives of this course. In this course, we'll cover a variety of topics ranging from understanding the college admissions playing field, introducing the STAR method, and breaking down what makes a great story.

College Admissions Background

This video outlines the competitive landscape of college applications. We'll look at some key statistics about graduating seniors and how they're approaching the application process.

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

Engagement #1 will help you create a go-to reference sheet for the colleges you intend on applying to.

This video summarizes Section 2: College Admissions Background.

The Common App

This video provides insights on the mission and functions of the Common Application organization.

This video breaks down the 9 sections of the Common Application that will be explored in this course.

The Applicant

This video teaches you about what information is requested from you in the Applicant section of the Common Application.

The Future Plans

This video teaches you about the Future Plans section of the Common Application.

Engagement #2 will allow you to discover your Myers Briggs Type Indicator, potential career paths, and potential majors/areas of study.

This video summarizes Section 5: The Future Plans.

Demographics and Family

This video describes the information required from students in the Demographics section of the Common Application.

This video highlights the information required to complete the Family section of the Common Application.

This video summarizes the key points of Section 6: Demographics and Family.

Secondary Education

This video describes the information requested for the Education portion of the Common Application.

This video highlights the Academics section of the Common Application.

This video summarizes the key points of Section 7: Secondary Education.

Student Involvement

This video describes the importance of the Extracurriculars and Work experience section of the Common Application.

This video teaches you what the STAR method is and how to apply it into your activities sheet.

Engagement #3 puts your STAR skills to the test as you create descriptions for your three top activities.

This video provides you with final tips and reminders to keep in mind in completing the Extracurriculars and Work Experience section of the Common Application.

The Writing

This video asks you to think about what your X-factor is.

Engagement #4 has you reflect back on critical moments of your life to think about what lollipop moments could potentially make for a powerful college application essay.

This video presents the first prompt of the 2013-2014 Common Application.

This video presents the second prompt of the 2013-2014 Common Application.

This video presents the third prompt of the 2013-2014 Common Application.

This video presents the fourth prompt of the 2013-2014 Common Application.

This video presents the fifth prompt of the 2013-2014 Common Application.

This video summarizes the key takeaways from Section 9: The Writing.

The Story

This video poses the question of what makes a story.

Engagement #5 questions you to explore what makes your favorite stories so great.

This video teaches you the fundamentals behind Aristotle's Dramatic Arc.

This video provides crucial tips to making your college application essays stick with your readers.

Engagement #6 has you categorize each part of your stories in respect to Aristotle's Dramatic Arc. You will then rank these stories in order of "sticking power".

This video provides vital essay writing and editing tips while also summarizing Section 10: The Story.

The Signature

This video breaks down the Signature section of the Common Application.

The Recommendations and Reports

The Teacher Evaluation

This section highlights what you need to provide your guidance counselor in completing the School Report section of the Common Application.

This video discusses the Mid Year and Final Report of the Common Application.

The Wrapup

Final Tips

This video concludes Master College Admissions: The Common Application as Will provides his final insights on the college admissions process.

Bonus Content

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 bonus content video, Will takes what you did in Engagement #3 and transforms it into the beginning of a STAR Method Resume. See the attached document to use the template yourself.

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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Effective guide for college applications

According to students, this course (Master College Admissions: The Common Application) prepares learners with a detailed case study and up-to-date information on the college application process. It is particularly helpful for those new to applying to college.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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