About this course: How to Apply to College will empower 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 Eric J. Furda, Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Sean Vereen, President of Steppingstone Scholars, Inc., this free course will help students, family members, college counselors and any inquisitive learner to navigate each stage from the start of the college search process through the transition into a college environment. Through dialogue with students applying to and currently in college as well as campus advocates, How to Apply to College also aims to close the information gap for students who may be the first in their family to attend college and students who are underrepresented in higher education. A range of video and web resources are provided through a collaboration with a number of educational partners including The Common Application, with nearly 700 colleges on the application platform, and Raise.me, which provides a new way for high school students to earn money for college starting in 9th grade based on their achievements in school and life. Other resources and tools featured in the course include Naviance, College Greenlight, College Scorecard, BigFuture by the College Board, College and Pell Abacus, ZeeMee and Federal Student Aid.
Who is this class for: This course is for anyone interested in learning how to navigate the college admission process with a particular emphasis on those students and families who do not have access to a range of counseling support and resources.
Created by: University of Pennsylvania
Taught by: Eric J. Furda, Dean of Admissions
Taught by: Dr. Sean Vereen, President
Steppingstone Scholars, Inc.
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Starting the Journey to College
This module provides an introduction to the course and overview of the college application process , financial aid, and why college matters. Dr. Vereen will discuss the range of two-year to four-year colleges and levels of selectivity will be discussed to better understand potential college options for students.
6 videos, 7 readings
- Leyendo: How To Use This Course
- Leyendo: Course Team
- Video: Welcome to the Course
- Video: Why Going to College Is Important
- Video: First to Go: Pathways to College
- Video: How the US College System Works
- Leyendo: Guilt & Being First in the Family
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Being First to Go to College (or not)
- Video: Paying for College
- Leyendo: Sticker Price vs. Net Price
- Video: Admission Rates Between Colleges
- Leyendo: Admissions 101
- Leyendo: Common College Terms
- Leyendo: College Survival Vocabulary Game
Graded: Thinking About "Why College?"
Graded: Basic Ideas About College
WEEK 2
Self-Assessment and Telling Your Story
This segment will take students through the journey of self-assessment through Dean Furda’s Assess Yourself framework of the 5 I’s (Identity, Ideas, Interests, Intellect, and Inspiration) and Assessing Colleges through the 4 C’s (Culture, Curriculum, Community, and Conclusions). Steppingstone Scholars’ staff and students will address how and why telling your story is important when applying to college.
5 videos, 3 readings
- Video: A Framework for Self-Evaluation
- Leyendo: The 5 I's: Identity, Intellect, Ideas, Interests, & Inspiration
- Leyendo: The 4 C's: Culture, Curriculum, Community, & Conclusions
- Video: Your Grades and Classes - Why They Matter
- Leyendo: Selecting High School Classes to Prep for College
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Assessing Your Timeline
- Video: Questions to Ask Yourself
- Video: Having Honest Conversations About Family Expectations
- Video: Who Can You Talk To?
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Choosing Colleges in The Common Application
- Revisión por el compañero: Building Your Personal Statement: Practice Telling Your Story
Graded: Practice Sharing One of Your 5 I's
Graded: Building Your Personal Statement: How Do I Spend My Time?
WEEK 3
Paying for College
This segment provides insight into the resources available to make college affordable with step-by-step exercises to enable students and families to apply for financial aid. Financial aid professionals and Steppingstone Scholars will discuss their experiences applying for financial aid. Viewers will also be introduced to Raise.me for college scholarship resources and Pell Abacus to learn about college "net prices."
6 videos, 4 readings
- Video: Financial Aid 101
- Leyendo: Financial Aid Vocabulary
- Video: Getting Federal Aid
- Leyendo: What is the FAFSA? and How to Pay for College
- Leyendo: 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA
- Leyendo: IRS Retrieval Tool
- Video: Reasons Why Different Colleges Charge Different Amounts
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Using College Scorecard to Evaluate Costs, Graduation Rates, and Future Earnings
- Video: Student and Counselor Perspectives
- Video: Student Advice on Working and Paying for College
- Video: Learn About Raise.me
Graded: The Basics of Financial Aid
Graded: Understanding Net Prices with Pell Abacus
Graded: Start Early with Raise.Me to Earn Micro-scholarships
WEEK 4
Exploring College Campuses: What To Consider
With a better understanding of ‘what to look for’ in colleges, viewers will gain insight and direction on college visiting opportunities, including ‘fly-in’ programs where colleges pay for your campus visit before you apply and after you are admitted. Steppingstone Scholars will bring participants through their visit experiences and Philadelphia area colleges will highlight their campuses and resources. Resources into the college search and scholarship process via College Greenlight are offered.
8 videos, 3 readings
- Video: Choosing Colleges and Visiting Colleges
- Video: A Tour of a College House
- Video: Affordable Ways to Visit College
- Leyendo: Making the Most of Campus Visits
- Leyendo: How to Plan a College Visit
- Leyendo: What Questions to Ask On Your Visit
- Video: Swarthmore College
- Video: Temple University
- Video: Widener University
- Video: Ursinus College
- Video: Student Voices: Weighing Expenses, Family Preferences, and Location
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Building Your Personal Statement-What Do You Want Your Story To Be?
Graded: Beginning the College Search
Graded: Using College Greenlight to Search for Colleges and Scholarships
WEEK 5
The Pieces of the College Application
In this segment, you will come into Dean Furda’s office and learn about the different forms of a college application and how to tell your personal narrative in each section. Students will discuss their experiences and expert advice will be shared by a senior member of The Common Application which serves a diverse membership of nearly 700 colleges and universities.
7 videos, 6 readings
- Video: College Application Overview
- Video: Hello, from The Common Application Headquarters!
- Leyendo: The Common Application Tutorial Videos
- Leyendo: Anatomy of the College Application
- Video: Nuts and Bolts of the Application
- Leyendo: The Interview
- Video: A Word on Testing and Reporting Scores
- Leyendo: Testing Preparation Timeline
- Video: Telling the College What You Do Inside and Outside the Classroom
- Leyendo: Who Are You Outside the Classroom
- Video: Telling Your Story to Colleges
- Video: What to Expect When Hearing Back from Colleges
- Leyendo: A Word on Admission Deadlines & Testing
Graded: Fill Out The Common App - Academic Records
Graded: Asking For Recommendations
Graded: Fill Out the Common App - Your Activities In and Out of School
Graded: Get and Provide Feedback on Your College Application
WEEK 6
Transitions to College
This segment is the culmination of our journey together as you consider your college options and set yourself up for success in planning for the transition to college. The goal isn’t to ‘go to college,’ rather the goal is to ‘graduate from college.' Hear from faculty, academic advisors and students on how to navigate these transitions to maximize your experience and success.
10 videos, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Acceptances, Rejections, and the Wait List: What Does It All Mean?
- Video: Revisiting After Acceptance
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Post Your Results!
- Video: What Financial Aid Letters Mean
- Leyendo: Example Financial Aid Award Letters
- Cuestionario de práctica: Compare Your Financial Aid Award Letters
- Video: Balancing the Distractions
- Leyendo: First Generation College Attendees & Balancing Campus Life
- Video: Student Voices: Balancing Family and School
- Video: Advice for First Generation College Students
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Centering Your Relationships
- Video: Plugging Into Campus Resources For A Good Start
- Video: Finding Affirming Spaces on Campus
- Video: Starting the First Year of College - Penn Convocation 2016
- Leyendo: Higher Learning, Maximizing Your College Experience
- Video: You Can Do This
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Make a Pledge
- Leyendo: Final Thoughts
- Leyendo: Course Feedback: We want to hear from you!
FAQs
How It Works
Trabajo del curso
Cada curso es como un libro de texto interactivo, con videos pregrabados, cuestionarios y proyectos.
Ayuda de tus compañeros
Conéctate con miles de estudiantes y debate ideas y materiales del curso, y obtén ayuda para dominar los conceptos.
Creators
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Ratings and Reviews
Great!
Good course for students and counsel
A good and comprehensive course. The instructors are expert in their fields and the additional resources are very relevant.
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SE
It is a good introduction to a long and stressful process.