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Duke University
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How do colleges view online courses and MOOCs?

I’m considering enrolling in some online courses or MOOCs to expand my knowledge in certain topics. Will these courses help my college application, and how do admission officers view them? Thanks for any insights!

a year ago

Many colleges appreciate students who take the initiative to explore additional learning opportunities, such as online courses or MOOCs. These types of courses can help demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning beyond what is required in your high school curriculum.

That said, it's important to consider how your online courses and MOOCs will fit into your overall profile. For highly selective colleges, it would be helpful to choose courses that are relevant to your intended major or your academic interests. If you can successfully complete these courses (and potentially even earn a certificate), it may be a good way to show your dedication and ability in that specific area.

Ultimately, online courses and MOOCs will not be as significant as your high school performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities, but they can still play a role in your application. It is essential to balance these additional learning opportunities with the rest of your high school experiences and not to overload yourself.

Best of luck as you explore your options!

a year ago

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