There are multiple components in the college admissions process. Among all, “demonstrated interest” and “course rigor” is something every admission officer or college admission counselor stresses upon. In this post, we will discuss how MOOCs and online courses can help high school students to improve their college admission chances. Additionally, we have also listed some of the best free online courses for high school students, including a few paid online courses offered by top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Penn, etc.
MOOCs and Online Courses
The college admissions process is far from being perfect. It’s highly subjective in nature, accompanied by flaws and competing interests. Every year thousands of high school students flex their muscles go through the hustle of college applications to get an admit to their dream schools.
MOOCs and Online courses are an excellent way to take explore your subjects of interest and take your knowledge to the next level. The majority of online courses are offered by the world’s top universities and organizations. Additionally, quite a few of those top online courses are free of cost.
With summer and lockdown in full swing, high school students can help fill the long, hot summer days by learning new areas from the comfort of their homes.
Free Online Courses for High School Students
Best Free Online Courses for High School Students on Coursera
Free Online Courses on Computer Science and Programming
Introduction to Programming – University of Edinburgh
C++ for C Programmer (Part A) – UC Santa Cruz
Algorithms (Part 1) – Princeton University
Algorithms (Part 2) – Princeton University
Building Your First Android App (Project-Centred Course) – CentraleSupelec
Free Online Courses on Mathematics
Introduction to Calculus – University of Sydney
Calculus Single Variable: Function – University of Pennsylvania
Calculus Single Variable: Integration – University of Pennsylvania
Probability and Statistics – University of London
Free Online Courses on Physical Sciences
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics – University of Virginia
Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space – University of Arizona
The Science of the Solar System – CalTech
Advanced High School Chemistry – University of Kentucky
Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions – Duke University
Introduction to Chemistry: Reaction and Ratios – Duke University
Free Online Courses on Self-Discovery & Exploration
Introduction to Philosophy – University of Edinburgh
Getting Started with Music Theory – Michigan State University
Big History: Connecting Knowledge – Macquarie University
Making Architecture – IE Business School
Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential – McMaster University
The Science of Success – University of Michigan
Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age – University of Toronto
Essentials of Global Health – Yale University
The Challenges of Global Health – Duke University
Related Article: Online Summer Program on Bioinformatics for High School Students
Best Free Online Courses for High School Students on edX
Free Online Courses on Arts and Humanities
Shakespeare’s Life and Work – Harvard University
Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University
Modern Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University
Introduction to Digital Humanities – Harvard University
Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University
How to Write an Essay – UC Berkeley
Free Online Courses on Pre-Calculus and College-Level Maths
Precalculus – Arizona State University
College Algebra and Problem Solving – Arizona State University
Pre-University Calculus – TU Delft
Linear Models and Matrix Algebra – Harvard University
Introduction to Geometry – SchoolYourself
Introduction to Algebra – SchoolYourself
Statistics and R – Harvard University
Free Online Courses on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python – Harvard University
Data Science: R Basics – Harvard University
Data Science: Visualization – Harvard University
Data Science and Machine Learning – Harvard University
Data Science: Capstone – Harvard University
Using Python for Research – Harvard University
Statistics and Computational Tools for Data Science – Harvard University
Free Online Courses on Business and Entrepreneurship
User Innovation & Entrepreneurship – MIT
Entrepreneurship 101: Who is your customer? – MIT
Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market – Harvard University
Becoming an Entrepreneur – MIT
Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprise – MIT
Qualitative Research Methods: Conversational Interviewing – MIT
Free Online Courses on Biosciences
Molecular Biology: DNA Replication and Repair – MIT
Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition – MIT
Molecular Biology: RNA Processing and Translation – MIT
Quantitative Methods for Biology – Harvard University
Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms – MIT
Principles of Biochemistry – Harvard University
Neuroscience: Electrical Properties of Neuron – MIT
Neuroscience: Neurons and Networks – MIT
Principles of Synthetic Biology – MIT
Online Courses on Liberal Arts (Mix of Free and Paid Courses)
English for Journalism – University of Pennsylvania
Better Business Writing in English – Georgia Tech
Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution – University of California, Irvine
Game Theory – Stanford University & University of British Columbia
Strategy and Sustainability – IESE Business School
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking – Stanford University
Discrete Mathematics – Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Moral Foundations of Politics – Yale University
Introduction to Logic – Stanford University
Effective Communication in the Globalised Workplace – National University of Singapore
The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs – University of Toronto
Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art – The Museum of Modern Art
Global Diplomacy: Diplomacy in the Modern World – University of London, SOAS University of London
Getting Started With Music Theory – Michigan State University
The Art of Music Production – Berklee
The Art of Vocal Production – Berklee
Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes – The Museum of Modern Art
Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why – Duke University
Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture – Vanderbilt University & National Arts Strategies
Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art – The Museum of Art
Geopolitics of Europe – Sciences Po
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution – Pennsylvania State University
Arts and Culture Strategy – University of Pennsylvania & National Arts Strategies
Craft Your Story Like the Great Writers – Wesleyan University
Fundamentals of Music Theory – University of Edinburgh
English for Business and Entrepreneurship- University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Psychology – University of Toronto
Psychology at Work – University of Western Australia
Crash Course in Data Science – Johns Hopkins University
Classical Sociological Theory – University of Amsterdam
Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences – University of Amsterdam
The Ancient Greeks – Wesleyan University
The Science of the Solar System – Caltech
Introduction to Human Behavioral Genetics – University of Minnesota
Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners – University of California, San Diego
Chemistry – University of Kentucky
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics – University of Virginia
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity – Stanford University
Particle Physics: an Introduction – University of Geneva
The Evolving Universe – Caltech
Create Imaginative Games – CALARTS
Behavioral Finance – Duke University
Microeconomics: The Power of Markets – University of Pennsylvania
Econometrics: Methods and Applications – Erasmus University Rotterdam
Inferential Statistics – Duke University
Model Thinking – University of Michigan
FREE Online Courses on Advanced Topics from edX (Harvard, MIT, Microsoft, etc.)
FREE Business Management courses
FREE Professional Skills courses
Advantages of Taking Online Courses for High School Students
Accessibility and Affordability
The most important and obvious benefit is accessibility. MOOCs are available worldwide and offered by the faculty members at the top universities.
The courses are self-paced and allow you to continue learning on your schedule and at a much lower cost than the traditional courses or a summer school program.
Several online courses for high school students are free of cost. Coursera is offering courses for free of cost till May 31, 2020. EdX allows the option to complete the online courses for free unless you want a certificate.
The paid online courses on Coursera or edX range from $49 – $150 (INR 3,700 – 11,500).
Help you Prepare for AP Exams
There over 35 Advanced Placement (AP) exams that can be taken by the high-school students can take to gain college credit. Getting AP college credit can save a lot of money and possibly shorten time to graduation.
To Get a Feel of the Colleges
When students are deciding which colleges to apply to or have a choice between schools they can attend, MOOCs can provide an additional sense of how professors teach and what it is like to learn there. Supporting MOOCs also reflects on the image of the school.
To Explore Majors
Quite often, students start university without knowing what major they want to choose. Eventually, an estimated 80% end up changing their major. Many students are inspired to embark upon a field of study while taking a class in an unfamiliar subject and being exposed to a passionate instructor.
Online courses and MOOCs can help with this, as they allow high school students to dabble in a few courses (and even without spending too much effort) get exposed to new subject areas. This too can help them save time and money when they reach college.
MOOCs can Impress College Admissions Team
“I’m seeing my students use MOOCs for their college applications,” says Ng of Coursera. “College admission officers are starting to take it very seriously.”
MOOCs allow you to customize your learning and demonstrate your education as a consequence of your passion for a particular subject area.
For international students interested in coming to the United States or other countries to study, MOOCs and online courses are a new way to showcase their college-readiness.
Indulge in Peer Learning
One of the hallmarks of MOOCs that reach even a modest ‘massive’ size, is that they draw learners from 100+ or even 150+ countries around the world.
High schoolers have the opportunity to observe (and, if they choose, contribute to) discussion board forums. They will hear the perspectives of many professionals in directly or indirectly related fields, and from people from all walks of life.
How to Choose the Right Online Course
If you search online courses on Coursera or edX, you will end up with thousands of courses. Below are the factors that you should consider before signing up for an online course, even a free one.
Focus on your Interest and Filter Your Search
While browsing the online courses, try to narrow down your focus. If you are looking for a math course, you would get countless results. However, if you think about what type of math you want to explore further, like linear algebra or trigonometry, then you can choose a course that dives more deeply into your specific interests.
When you’re searching for a course, think small and then expand. If you type “Engineering” into the search bar, you’ll get hundreds of results. Instead, think about what field of engineering you’re most interested in. Perhaps renewable energy engineering particularly intrigues you.
So you should type “Solar engineering” or “energy engineering” into the search bar and take a look at the courses offered. Toggle with the topics offered and be open to different focuses and courses that might explore different aspects of this subset of engineering. As with anything else, be sure to do your research.
Be Realistic and Manage your Expectations
Assess your level of expertise and try to pick a class that will both interest you and push you outside of your comfort zone. By choosing a course that is too easy, you won’t get too much out of it. Consequently, it might not add any value to your profile.
Make sure that you pay attention to the level of the course and pre-requisites so that you don’t accidentally enroll in an Advanced course when you’re really a beginner. The stimulation component is the key and requires choosing a course that you can actually follow along with. You won’t actually get anything out of the course if you can’t keep up or the content causes your eyes to glaze over.
Even if the class doesn’t cost you any money to enroll in, you will be wasting time on a course that is too easy or too advanced for you.
Do Research and Consult with Teachers/Counselors
Before signing up for an online course, do your research, and ensure that the course fits your academic interests. Read through the description of the class to understand the expectations, including the length of the lessons, frequency of classes, duration, and if any assignments or tests are required.
If needed, speak to your subject teacher or high school counselor. Alternatively, you could also consult with an independent college admissions counselor based in India or USA.
Opt for a Certificate, only if you need one
While nearly all classes on Coursera and edX are free to audit, you have the option to pay for a certificate. In the Common App, there is a section that asks students if they have taken a college course, and you must prove it with a certificate.
It helps your college application to stand out in the applicant pool by having the certificate to verify that you successfully finished the course. By paying for the certificate, you also can submit homework to a professor and receive feedback, helping you to get a bit more out of the course than you would have if you had just audited it.
Don’t Go Overboard! MOOCs Don’t Guarantee an Admit
More and more high school students are taking advantage of MOOCs to help them earn college credit, gain insight into schools, and learn more about different subjects.
But, don’t sign up for too many online courses to gain an edge in admissions.
Schools that weigh interest in their decision-making process often track the number of times a student has been in contact through tours, high school visits, college fairs, email, and online interaction. In fact, a few institutions go as far as to examine how long a student has spent on their website and on specific landing pages. So, don’t just assume that doing an online course from Harvard or MIT will actually improve your admission chances at those highly selective colleges.
How to Make the Most Out of Online Courses
Engage on Live Classes
Online courses are a great way to take an interest to the next level. The most popular websites that offer a variety of online courses are Coursera and edX.
However, students are most engaged and get the most out of a course when there is new content produced each week and there are other students participating at the same time.
So, it’s only wise to enroll in courses that are “Active”—oftentimes there are start dates that begin within the month. This is particularly important if you’re in the Beginner or Intermediate expertise level of your academic focus. The benefit of having a “live” class means that you often get the opportunity to ask questions and get responses in a timely manner and that the course is more dynamic.
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