Applying to College 101 empowers learners of all backgrounds to demystify and better understand the college search and selection process, combining the expertise of an Ivy League admissions office and a leading college access and success organization. Led by expert educators, including Whitney Soule, Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Sean Vereen and Sara Woods, Co-presidents of Heights Philadelphia, this free course will help students, family members, college counselors, and any curious learner to navigate each stage from the start of the college search process through preparing your applications to colleges.
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Applying to College 101 empowers learners of all backgrounds to demystify and better understand the college search and selection process, combining the expertise of an Ivy League admissions office and a leading college access and success organization. Led by expert educators, including Whitney Soule, Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Sean Vereen and Sara Woods, Co-presidents of Heights Philadelphia, this free course will help students, family members, college counselors, and any curious learner to navigate each stage from the start of the college search process through preparing your applications to colleges.
Applying to College 101 empowers learners of all backgrounds to demystify and better understand the college search and selection process, combining the expertise of an Ivy League admissions office and a leading college access and success organization. Led by expert educators, including Whitney Soule, Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Sean Vereen and Sara Woods, Co-presidents of Heights Philadelphia, this free course will help students, family members, college counselors, and any curious learner to navigate each stage from the start of the college search process through preparing your applications to colleges.
This course includes a variety of videos, readings, and activities—all designed to encourage self-reflection, information sharing, and moments of connection.
In this course, you’ll learn about:
1. The organizational skills you’ll need to be successful in this process
2. Important financial aid resources and how to make college affordable
3. How to better understand your story and how it connects to what interests you and what colleges look for
4. How to find your right college fit
5. The steps and materials needed to complete your college application
This course is designed for students who are planning to apply to college soon (11th graders and 12th graders), but the activities and videos can still be useful for students who are earlier in their college search journey as they plan for the future. Regardless of where you are in your understanding of the college search process—from those who are the first in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree and who may be trying to figure out where to even begin—to those who are well on their way to preparing an application—this course provides a road map to helping you move through this journey in your own way and on your own time.
This course is open to the public, asynchronous, and self-directed without a facilitator. Please note although this course is designed by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), this is not a course about applying to Penn.
The course is also intended for students who may not have access to college counseling – if you attend a school that offers college counseling, your counselor is the best source of information on applying to college.
This course is for students who are applying to college for the first time, intending to pursue undergraduate degrees at a four-year institution in the U.S.
If you are an international student attending a school outside the U.S. interested in learning more about navigating the U.S. university system and application process, we recommend enrolling in this course: Applying to US Universities.
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Syllabus
You’re Applying to College! Where to Begin and Getting Organized
In this module, you'll have an opportunity to refine your reasons for why you want to attend college and how you hope to grow from this experience. In an overview of the college application process, you'll be introduced to the organizational skills you’ll need to stay on track with your college timelines. In addition, you'll identify who makes up your support team and how they can help you prioritize your wellbeing.
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Syllabus
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Activities
Use online resources for college prep
Show steps
Explore valuable online resources to supplement your college preparation.
Show steps
-
Visit the websites of colleges you're interested in.
-
Utilize online platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy.
-
Follow college admission blogs and social media accounts.
Attend virtual college fairs and events
Show steps
Connect with college representatives and learn about different schools.
Show steps
-
Register for virtual college fairs and events.
-
Prepare questions to ask college representatives.
-
Follow up with any colleges that interest you.
Review previous coursework in writing and reading
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of essay writing and reading comprehension to help you succeed in this college application course.
Browse courses on
Essay Writing
Show steps
-
Review your notes and assignments from previous English classes.
-
Take practice essays and quizzes.
-
Read a variety of articles and books to improve your reading comprehension.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review high school math concepts
Show steps
Sharpen your math skills to better prepare for college-level coursework.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Review notes and textbooks from previous math courses.
-
Take practice problems and quizzes to test your understanding.
Take practice ACT/SAT tests
Show steps
Simulate the testing experience and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
-
Obtain practice tests from official sources or reputable companies.
-
Take the tests under timed conditions.
-
Review your results and focus on improving weaker sections.
Connect with college admissions professionals
Show steps
Gain insights and guidance from experts in the college admissions process.
Show steps
-
Attend college fairs and admission events.
-
Reach out to admission counselors via email or phone.
Create a college research portfolio
Show steps
Organize your college research and decision-making process.
Show steps
-
Gather information about colleges you're interested in.
-
Create a spreadsheet or database to track your research.
-
Set deadlines for completing research and making decisions.
Read 'The College Essay Guy's Guide to the Personal Statement'
Show steps
Gain valuable advice and strategies for crafting a standout personal statement.
View
College Admission and Essay Essentials Book Set...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and analyze the book's content.
-
Apply the techniques and tips to your own writing.
Create a list of potential colleges
Show steps
Identify colleges that align with your interests and goals to stay organized and efficient during the college application process.
Show steps
-
Consider your interests, strengths, and values.
-
Research different colleges using websites, college guides, and online resources.
-
Visit college campuses and attend virtual events to learn more about each school.
-
Create a spreadsheet or document to track your potential college list.
-
Continuously update and refine your list as you learn more about each college.
Write a personal statement
Show steps
Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your unique qualities and aspirations for college.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm ideas and gather materials.
-
Write a draft and get feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.
-
Revise and refine your statement.
Use online resources for college prep
Show steps
Explore valuable online resources to supplement your college preparation.
Show steps
- Visit the websites of colleges you're interested in.
- Utilize online platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy.
- Follow college admission blogs and social media accounts.
Attend virtual college fairs and events
Show steps
Connect with college representatives and learn about different schools.
Show steps
- Register for virtual college fairs and events.
- Prepare questions to ask college representatives.
- Follow up with any colleges that interest you.
Review previous coursework in writing and reading
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of essay writing and reading comprehension to help you succeed in this college application course.
Browse courses on
Essay Writing
Show steps
- Review your notes and assignments from previous English classes.
- Take practice essays and quizzes.
- Read a variety of articles and books to improve your reading comprehension.
Review high school math concepts
Show steps
Sharpen your math skills to better prepare for college-level coursework.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
- Review notes and textbooks from previous math courses.
- Take practice problems and quizzes to test your understanding.
Take practice ACT/SAT tests
Show steps
Simulate the testing experience and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
- Obtain practice tests from official sources or reputable companies.
- Take the tests under timed conditions.
- Review your results and focus on improving weaker sections.
Connect with college admissions professionals
Show steps
Gain insights and guidance from experts in the college admissions process.
Show steps
- Attend college fairs and admission events.
- Reach out to admission counselors via email or phone.
Create a college research portfolio
Show steps
Organize your college research and decision-making process.
Show steps
- Gather information about colleges you're interested in.
- Create a spreadsheet or database to track your research.
- Set deadlines for completing research and making decisions.
Read 'The College Essay Guy's Guide to the Personal Statement'
Show steps
Gain valuable advice and strategies for crafting a standout personal statement.
View
College Admission and Essay Essentials Book Set...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read and analyze the book's content.
- Apply the techniques and tips to your own writing.
Create a list of potential colleges
Show steps
Identify colleges that align with your interests and goals to stay organized and efficient during the college application process.
Show steps
- Consider your interests, strengths, and values.
- Research different colleges using websites, college guides, and online resources.
- Visit college campuses and attend virtual events to learn more about each school.
- Create a spreadsheet or document to track your potential college list.
- Continuously update and refine your list as you learn more about each college.
Write a personal statement
Show steps
Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your unique qualities and aspirations for college.
Show steps
- Brainstorm ideas and gather materials.
- Write a draft and get feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.
- Revise and refine your statement.
Career center
College Admissions Officer
Admissions Counselor
Financial Aid Counselor
College Recruiter
Education Administrator
College and Career Counselor
Education Consultant
High School Teacher
Higher Education Administrator
Educational Policy Analyst
Higher Education Researcher
Career Counselor
Nonprofit Program Manager
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