UCLA ONLINE CLASS The College Admission Process Dr. Esther B. Hugo. Course Syllabus

Transcription

1 UCLA ONLINE CLASS The College Admission Process Dr. Esther B. Hugo Course Syllabus Course Description This course explores the college admission process from both the student and counselor perspectives, with emphasis on student research, application, selection, and counselor information dissemination and responsibility. Specifically, this course provides in-depth information on application calendar options, college and university options, and admissions criteria of public and private colleges and universities. The course offers educational information with an emphasis on the counselor's skill development in assisting students in college application and selection. Course provides current theory combined with useful practice. EXPECTED OUTCOMES By the end of the course, participants will develop an awareness and understanding of: 1. Current issues and programs in college counseling 2. College counseling timelines 3. Systems and purpose of higher education 4. Requirements for community colleges, public and private colleges and universities 5. Effective methods of disseminating information to students and parents 6. Resources available to counselors and students in the college admission process. Text and Materials

2 Fiske, Edward B. The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Times Books The Fiske Guide to Colleges is available from any bookstore or on amazon.com Readings as assigned. Description of Content: This course is offered online in weekly sessions. Students are able to access lectures, complete assignments, and interact with their instructor and classmates via their computers. Session 1 - Getting Started Opening Lecture. "The College Counselor: Areas of Expertise" Read the overview of a comprehensive college counseling program which describes counselor and student responsibilities. Discussion: Briefly respond to the lecture with any comments or questions. Which aspect of college counseling would YOU like to pursue in greater depth? (5 points) Session 2 - Fiske Guide exploration Presentation. Counselor and Student Deadlines Calendar Timelines for the Counselor Factors in Choosing a College Discussion: Read 4-5 descriptions of colleges in the Fiske Guide. What factors are emphasized? How do the college descriptions parallel the factors in college selection? (5 points) Session 3 - Systems of Higher Education and Community Colleges Presentation of Systems of higher education. A review of the higher education system in the State of California Lecture: The Community College System and Transfer Options. Guest Lecturer: Stuart Ortiz, M.A. Counselor, Santa Monica College

3 Assignment: Discussion: Respond to guest speaker OR comment on the higher education system in your state. Consider: does the higher education system in your region/state/country address the needs of the current population? (5 points) Session 4 - Campus Visit Report Exploration of factors in the college admission process: Gathering information first-hand through the college visit. Assignment: Visit a campus and write up your impressions. Follow a format similar to the Fiske Guide, with care to discuss factors such as environment, academics, cost, student activities and programs. Be prepared to share your report with your classmates. (5 points) Discussion: Respond to at least two campus tour reports. (4 points) Session 5 - Applications A Look at Applications: common, private, public, community college, online. Assignment: Complete an online application (public or private). Respond to the process of electronic application completion (5 points) Session 6 - Letters of Recommendation Student profiles and records through case studies and transcripts. Portraying personality through letters of recommendation. Writing effective letters of recommendation. Assignment: Write a one-page letter of recommendation based on a student case study. You will be assigned a specific case study (5 points) Session 7 - Essays and Interviews The importance of college essays and interviews. Discussion: Read sample essays and critique. Are they effective? Moving? Compelling? (2.5 points) Choose one of the following: Assignment: Find a high school student and help him/her practice for an interview using the sample questions list. The student may be any high

4 school grade level, and preferably not a relative living in your home. (2.5 points) OR Compose a lesson for faculty members to follow in helping students write college essays. (2.5 points) Session 8 - The Admission Committee Case Studies. Carefully read the Case Studies attached to the Week 9 lesson. Be prepared to assume the role of the admissions committee as we discuss these four candidates in a mock admission process. (20 points) Note: To receive FULL credit (20 points) for this assignment, student position statements will be due earlier than the usual end-of-the-week deadline. The deadline will be announced in the course announcement. Discussion: Observations regarding the college admission process as explored through the case studies. (4 points). Session 9 - The Admission Director's Perspective The Other Side of the Desk... The College Admission Process from the Admission Professional's Perspective: Guest lecturer Timothy Brunold, Associate Dean of Admissions, University of Southern California Discussion: Respond to Dean Brunold, and ask questions regarding the process from the perspective of the college admission professional. (5 points) Course Requirements Reading assigned lectures and relevant course documents. Respond online to homework questions regarding session topics. Enthusiastically and carefully respond to weekly discussion topics. Course Evaluation Grades will be based on the following: GRADING SYSTEM for the College Admission Process

5 Each week's assignment is worth a maximum of five points. In addition, up to 4 points will be awarded for 2-3 additional postings each week. Week 1-5 points assignment; 4 points discussion plus 4 points for your Introduction. Week 2-5 points Fiske analysis assignment; 4 points discussion Week 3 - Lecture response or higher ed analysis - 5 points; 4 points discussion Week 4 - Campus Visit - 5 points; 4 points for responses to classmates' reports. Week 5 - Application Reflection - 5 points; 4 points discussion Week 6 - Letter - 5 points; 4 points discussion Week 7 - Essay Critique and Interview assignment - 5 points; 4 points dicussion Week 8 - Case Studies - 20 points; 4 points discussion Week 9 - Response to Brunold lecture - 5 points; 4 points discussion Summary: Each assignment is worth 5 points For 2-3 postings each week, you earn a maximum of 4 points each week. Assignments - 8 assignments X 5 points = 40 points Discussion Weeks - Introduction + 9 weeks X 4 points = 40 Final Exam = 20 points (if posted by stated deadline). Total Points possible: 100 points GRADE SCALE A A B B C

6 Class participation is critical in the success of the course. While it is at first daunting to realize that postings will be read by all classmates, this in fact ensures that high-quality work is produced. For the most part, the class is composed of weekly modules. Participation is critical in this class. Students who wait until the last minute to respond, or submit late work do not gain full advantage of online discussion and interaction. The instructor reviews all postings every couple of days, at different times. Assignments are due by the posted deadline. Of course, you may post your assignments early. Assignments posted late are not given full credit. Discussions posted after the week's deadline receive no credit.