What online courses should I take to prepare for college?
1. Refine your writing and language skills
2. Get ahead in computer science
3. Refresh your math knowledge
4. Learn how to effectively communicate
5. Train your brain to think critically
If you’re headed to college later this year, it’s likely that you’ve already completed your application forms, sat entrance exams and will (hopefully!) accept an offer to attend a school. You might think you’ve done all you can to prepare, but in reality there are plenty of additional things you can do to ensure that you’re ready to start college on the right foot and to set yourself up for success.
We’ve compiled a list of the key skillsets you should develop to prepare for college. Read on to learn more about the ways you can get ahead in the types of thinking, behavior and habits that will help you prepare for the rigor of college classes and curriculums.
Refine Your Writing and Language Skills
For most fields of study, college classes mean lots of essay writing – from research papers to written answer exams, your writing and language skills will be vital when it comes to demonstrating the knowledge you’re gaining throughout the semester. The English Grammar and Style course from UQx is a great way to refine your writing skills and to make sure that your grammar knowledge is up to date. Plus, you’ll learn how to edit and revise your written work – two practices that are a must before you hand in any paper in college.
It’s also a good idea to brush up on any foreign languages that you plan to pursue in college. For example, if you studied Spanish in secondary school, you could think about taking this Spanish Language and Culture course from BUx. Arriving at college feeling confident in your foreign language fluency and comprehension can be a huge help – from excelling in class to earning a place to study abroad in the country that speaks the language you’re learning.
Get ahead in computer science
Whether or not you plan on pursuing computer science classes while attending college, it’s not a bad idea to take an introductory course before you head into your first semester. Why? Students in almost every major – from Marketing to Math – are likely to encounter a demand for computer science skills from their future employers. Set yourself apart from the crowd by taking courses like Introduction to Computer Science from HarvardX or Introduction to HTML5 from W3Cx.
Refresh Your Math Knowledge
Math classes not just for Math majors! For a lot of students, Math classes are a requirement. From Economics and Business students who will need to understand the Math behind strategies and principles, to Anthropology and Political Science students who will use Math to delve into surveys and studies – Math skills are a major must have in the college setting. In order to remain on top of the knowledge you’ll need, look into refreshing your math skills with this College Algebra and Problem Solving course from ASUx or this Pre-University Calculus course from DelftX. Another great online course to take to prepare for college calculus is Precalculus from ASU. Get familiar with all the functions you need for your college calculus courses.
Learn How to Communicate Effectively
Participation in discussions is a mandatory portion of most college classes, so it’s very important to understand how to communicate effectively and also respectfully. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll always agree with your professors or your peers, so this course that teaches Communication Skills for Bridging Divides from CatalystX will be extremely helpful in preparing you for lectures, debates and discussion groups.
Train Your Brain to Think Critically
College classes are designed to encourage critical thinking and thorough examination of subjects that leads to deep and meaningful knowledge. In college, it is not enough to simply memorize information or ingest facts without thinking. You will be challenged to think critically about the information you are presented and to question the facts and figures you study. This UQx course in Philosophy and Critical Thinking will equip you with the skills you need to train your brain to think and learn in a critical way.
EdX offers courses in a wide array of topics, from introductory to career-focused courses, meaning that you can make online learning a lifelong experience. View all the online courses that can help you prepare for college, supplement your college classes and, ultimately, help you to launch your post-college career!
So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in a course and start preparing for college today!
Last updated: January 2017