Tip: Start typing in the input box for immediate search results.
-
College Planning - Approach, Insight, Strategy
-
Career Exploration
-
Major Exploration & Selection
-
High School Coursework
-
Student Profile Building
- Extracurriculars - What Colleges are Looking For?
- UC Application Evaluation
- High School Clubs and Organizations
- Service Awards in College Admissions
- Fairs/Competitions (Science Olympiad, Science Fair)
- National/State Academic Excellence Organizations (.i.e CSF, NHS)
- Honor Societies
- Summer Programs
- Passion Projects
- Internships
- Research Opportunities
- Community Service
- Job Shadowing
- How to Make the Most of the School Year
-
Standardized Testing
- Navigating the World of AP Testing
- Understanding the New Digital SAT and ACT
- Navigating SAT/ACT Test Prep
- Understanding the National Merit Scholarship: A Guide for High School Students
- Understanding the PSAT: A Guide for High School Students
- Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and Its Course Offerings
- Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams
- Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
-
Exploring and Selecting Colleges
- Admissions Stats
- Building a Balanced & Final College List to Apply to
- College Campus Visits
- Community College Pathway
- Demonstrated Interest
- Top Questions to Ask Pre-Med College Advisors/Counselors
- Top Questions to Ask the Department You’re Interested in Majoring In
- Top Questions to ask the Pre-Law College Advisors or Counselors
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program Schools
- Campus Visits - How to make the most of them
- Honors Programs at Colleges
- How to Create a Balanced College List
- College Spotlight: University of Wisconsin
- Understanding Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action: Making the Right Choice
- Researching Colleges: Tools to use to learn more about each college on your list.
-
Unique Educational Programs
-
College Applications
- Admissions Interviews
- Application Calendar
- Brag Packets
- Common App Personal Statement Essay
- Common Application
- CSU Application
- Essay Brainstorming
- Institutional Applications
- Mid-Year Reports
- Optional Supplements/ Portfolios
- RD/EA/REA/ED Deadlines
- Sending SAT / ACT / AP / IB Scores
- Supplemental Essays
- UC Application
- UC Personal Insight Questions
- Letters of Recommendation
- Sending Transcripts
- Honors Programs at Colleges
- How to Create a Balanced College List
- Securing Letters of Recommendation for College Applications
- The Pre-College Application(s) Checklist
- Understanding Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action: Making the Right Choice
- How to Successfully Complete Your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
- Show all articles ( 8 ) Collapse Articles
-
Post Applications
-
Financial Aid
-
Counselor's Corner
- Course Selection- What You Need to Know
- Take Advantage of Your Summer
- College Spotlight: Fordham University
- Committing to a College- The Final Step
- Comparing the New Digital SAT to the ACT
- Demonstrating Interest In a College
- Summer Options: Taking Community College Classes
- Summer Program Spotlight - EPIC @ Cal Poly SLO
- College Tours and Visits - Questions to Ask and What to Look for
- How to Create a Balanced College List
- The Pre-College Application(s) Checklist
- College Spotlight: University of Wisconsin
- Understanding Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action: Making the Right Choice
- Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
- October Checklist for Success - Seniors & Underclassmen
- Researching Colleges: Tools to use to learn more about each college on your list.
- Show all articles ( 1 ) Collapse Articles
In the quest for college admission, high school students are increasingly seeking opportunities to differentiate themselves and enhance their educational experiences. One effective strategy is enrolling in courses outside their regular high school, through institutions like High Bluff Academy, Fusion Academy, BYU Online, UC Scout, and others. This approach offers several benefits that can not only strengthen college applications but also provide a richer, more tailored educational journey.
1. Access to a Wider Range of Courses
Many high schools offer a basic curriculum that covers the essentials across science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts. However, external programs often provide specialized courses that might not be available at a student’s high school. For example, students interested in advanced STEM fields can take higher-level mathematics or laboratory science courses online through platforms like BYU Online or UC Scout. Similarly, those passionate about the arts may find more diverse offerings in film, digital media, or advanced music theory through academies like Fusion.
2. Flexibility in Learning
External courses typically offer more flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling. This is particularly beneficial for students who have other commitments such as sports, arts, or work. Institutions like Fusion Academy offer one-on-one instruction where students can set their own pace and schedule, allowing them to learn at a time that suits them best without compromising their other activities.
3. Enhanced College Applications
Taking courses outside of the traditional high school environment can significantly enhance a student’s college application. It demonstrates initiative, a willingness to challenge oneself, and a commitment to academic excellence. Colleges are always on the lookout for students who go beyond the minimum requirements and show a proactive approach to their education.
4. Opportunity for Remediation or Acceleration
Students who might be struggling with a particular subject can benefit from the individualized attention available through external programs. Conversely, students who excel in certain areas and do not feel sufficiently challenged by their high school curriculum can accelerate their learning. This allows students to tailor their education to their specific needs, ensuring they are neither held back nor left behind.
5. Preparation for College-Level Work
Courses offered by colleges and universities, such as those through UC Scout, often mirror the rigor and structure of college-level classes. Participating in these courses can help students acclimate to the demands of higher education in advance. It also provides them with a clearer sense of college academics, making the transition smoother and less intimidating.
6. Credit Transferability
In many cases, courses taken at accredited institutions can be transferred for high school and even college credit. This can provide students with a head start on their college education, potentially saving time and money by fulfilling basic requirements before even stepping foot on a college campus.
7. Personal Development and Confidence Building
Engaging with different instructors and possibly even students from other parts of the country or world can significantly enhance a student’s personal development. It builds confidence through managing their own learning schedules and mastering challenging content. This growth often translates into better performance in all areas of their studies and activities.
Conclusion
Taking courses outside of traditional high school settings is an enriching strategy that prepares students for college and beyond. It offers them a custom-fit education tailored to their needs, aspirations, and schedules. Whether through advanced coursework, flexible learning options, or exposure to college-level rigor, students who take advantage of such opportunities often find themselves better equipped for the challenges of higher education.
Ready to get some guidance? Schedule a College Planning Assessment today!
Want college planning guidance delivered to you?
Sign up for our Counselor’s Corner Newsletter to receive helpful information and tips for
both parents and students on navigating the college admissions journey.