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Build Your College List: A Step-By-Step Guide for High School Juniors

Help your high school junior take control of the college application process with this step-by-step guide to building a college list. We will research colleges, evaluate fit, and organize their list into reach, target, and safety schools.
Dr. Brooke Nelson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(5)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will receive weekly homework assignments to research colleges and add them to their list. By the end of the course, students will have a finalized college list and a plan for applying.
Assessment
Upon request, I will provide personalized feedback on a student’s progress towards building their college list. This will include actionable next steps.

Class Experience

US Grade 11
Join "Build Your College List: A Step-by-Step Guide for High School Juniors" to create a college list tailored to your academic, social, and financial needs. Each week, we’ll focus on different aspects of college list building, including identifying your priorities, researching schools, and creating a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. Designed for high school juniors, this course will empower you to take charge of your college search and application process.

What Will Be Taught?

Each class dives into essential college list-building skills, including:

•	Identifying personal priorities (academics, social environment, extracurriculars)
•	Researching colleges effectively using online resources, college websites, and virtual tours
•	Creating a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools
•	Developing a strategic plan for applying, including early decision and regular decision options
•	Understanding financial aid and affordability considerations

Class Structure

This class meets once a week for 55 minutes, with each session dedicated to a specific theme. Classes include:

•	Interactive Discussions: Students can share insights and ask questions about the college search process.
•	Research Activities: Weekly assignments to research colleges and evaluate fit based on individual priorities.
•	Real-World Applications: Apply learned skills to build a college list that aligns with personal goals.
Learning Goals
Build a personalized college list that aligns with your academic, social, and financial goals.
Develop research skills to effectively evaluate colleges and their offerings.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Researching Colleges Effectively
 Explore your personal priorities and what matters most in your college experience (academics, location, size, and social environment). Learn how different types of colleges (e.g., liberal arts, research universities) can offer unique experiences. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Researching Colleges Effectively
 Learn how to research colleges using online tools, college websites, and virtual tours. Start compiling a list of schools that align with your priorities and academic goals. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Balancing Your College List
 Understand the importance of having a balanced college list, including reach, target, and safety schools. Learn how to evaluate schools based on admissions selectivity, academic programs, and affordability. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Developing Your Application Strategy
 Create a timeline for applying to colleges, considering early decision, regular decision, and rolling admissions options. Finalize your college list and develop a plan for tackling the application process. 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Parents are encouraged to participate in discussions about financial aid and affordability. This course will involve discussions about college expenses, financial aid options, and the application process.
Pre-Requisites
No specific prerequisites are required, but students should be motivated to engage in the college application process and ready to research their future college options.
Language of Instruction
English
Joined January, 2021
5.0
5reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Religious Studies from Claremont Graduate University
Master's Degree in History from University of California, Irvine
With over 14 years of experience in education, I have a deep expertise in college counseling, test preparation, and guiding students through every step of the college process. My experience spans working directly with high school students, designing (and working in!) college programs, and integrating college readiness into school curricula. I have helped countless students build college lists, craft compelling essays, and develop application strategies tailored to their individual goals. My goal is to make the college admissions journey less stressful and more strategic by empowering students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$63

weekly or $250 for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-10 learners per class

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