College Interests and Preparation Discussion Course

Course Description
This course will cover a broad range of instructor and student-led discussions regarding higher learning goals, more specifically undergraduate coursework that is desirable when seeking to attend business school and/or law school. While other college preparatory courses discuss theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation to develop college academic strategies, this course focuses on the student, and creates the opportunity for students to learn practical tips and tricks from an instructor who is not only a practicing attorney and retired Army officer, but one that also has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in addition to a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.). Finally, this course will discuss various related information regarding pre-college testing, college scholarships and the potential for getting college paid for using military service. 

Course Philosophy
To prepare students to become lifelong learners and upstanding citizens who utilize effective written and oral communications in preparation for college and career success.

Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, students should be able to:
1.	Discuss planning and implementing a college career plan.
2.	Gain a general awareness of activities and research that lead to self-discovery and goal setting in furtherance of the desire to obtain higher education.
3.	Discuss learning and study strategies to enhance study skills needed to attend undergraduate and post-graduate studies.
4.	Discuss reading for enrichment that develops a diverse and well-rounded interest in a variety of subjects that will be discussed in undergraduate and post-graduate work.
5.	Discuss the need for developing the ability to write compositions with a clear controlling thesis, coherent organization, locating and citing relevant research sources, and synthesizing all these areas to present at well-formed idea/theme to the desired audience.
6.	Listen and respond to ideas of others while contributing to the course discussion in a respectful and meaningful manner.

Behavioral Expectations
A key to success in education and ultimately life, students are expected to:
1.	Be Punctual
2.	Be Respectful
3.	Be Prepared
4.	Be Constructive
5.	Be Open and Honest 
6.	Always Strive for Excellence

Suggested Reading & Resources After the Course
(Note 1: You can probably find the books for less on Amazon, but I wanted to provide you the direct link.)
(Note 2: For the online courses/books and assessments, you will need to pay for those separately, they are not provided via the Outschool College Interests and Preparation Discussion Course.)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-7-Habits-of-Highly-Effective-Teens/Sean-Covey/9781476764665

What Color is Your Parachute for Teens
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634636/what-color-is-your-parachute-for-teens-fourth-edition-by-carol-christen/

Foundations in Personal Finance High School Edition
https://www.ramseysolutions.com/education/foundations-personal-finance-hs

LASSI – Learning and Study Strategies Inventory
https://www.collegelassi.com/lassi/index.html

Key Skills Discussed
1.	Intellectual Curiosity – Understanding lifelong learning is for the benefit of the student/learner, not to impress anyone else.
2.	Reasoning – Consider and construct well-reasoned discussions during the course.
3.	Problem Solving – Analyze, develop and collect evidence to solve a problem.
4.	Academic Behaviors – Thinking outside the box and becoming comfortable going outside your comfort zone.
5.	Work Habits – Understand when to apply individual and group study.
6.	Academic Integrity – Ensuring that learning and academic growth are based on the individual’s ability to be foundationally ethical.

Things You Should Bring To Class
1.	You and your parents if they want to listen in!
2.	Something to take notes on.
3.	Bring your questions and I will do my best to answer them before class ends. If class ends before we can answer your question(s), please contact me via Outschool and we can discuss setting up a separate 1-on-1 session (plus parents if they would like to sit in).