The Secrets to College Success

Yale University via Coursera

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Overview

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In Secrets of College Success, you will explore what it truly means to thrive in college. Yale Dean Karin Gosselink draws on 30 years of experience across a wide range of institutions to offer guidance on the strategies, mindsets, and skills that enable students to make the most of their college experience. Through conversations with real college students, you will learn how they navigated common misconceptions about higher education and developed approaches that worked for them. You will gain concrete skills in areas like time management and academic reading and writing, while also learning to identify the broader opportunities college offers and how to take advantage of them. By the end of the course, you will have a clearer sense of your own strengths and values and how to spend your college years focusing on what matters most to you.

Syllabus

Finding Purpose in College

One important key to success in college is to establish your own goals and purposes. In this conversation with Nix, a junior humanities major, Dr. Gosselink talks about the pressure many students face to quickly choose a path focused on major and career. Instead, taking time to explore your own strengths, interests, and values can help you make purposeful decisions that allow you to explore and build your unique path to success through college and beyond.

Preparing for Classes

In this conversation with Karley, a biomedical engineering major, Dr. Gosselink talks about the critical steps to prep for college success before day one. Learn why the syllabus is your most powerful tool, how to balance your course load, and essential campus resources like office hours and tutoring. Get the competitive edge you need for a smooth transition!

Managing Your Time

Rudy, a non-traditional computer science major, tells us to forget complex systems. Effective time management is about building flexible micro-habits and routines that prioritize self-care and long-term goals. In this module, Dr. Gosselink shares the three pillars for thriving: establishing a self-care baseline, building flexible routines, and leveraging accountability resources. Stop stressing over what your peers are doing and start investing your most valuable resource wisely.

Succeeding in Your Courses

In this Module, Dr. Gosselink talks with Deja, an applied math major, about how college courses demand new strategies. You will learn the crucial differences between lectures and seminars, along with the techniques required for STEM and Humanities courses. Unlock the essential skills (Preparation, Note-Taking, Participation, and Asking Questions) to excel in every course and maximize your learning potential.

Strengthening Your Reading Strategies

Daunted by the amount of college reading? With the right techniques, you can conquer huge reading loads. Learn the 3 essential steps (Pre-read, Active Read, Reflect) to efficiently absorb complex texts, boost comprehension, and transform passive reading into powerful learning. Discover why skimming is vital and how to critique expert texts, ensuring you're always ready for class discussion.

Improving Your Writing Strategies

Transitioning from high school writing to university-level critical thinking can be tough. You will learn that the high school essay formula might not be the same recipe for success in college. Instead, you're encouraged to embrace a creative and analytical writing processes that professors actually look for. Discover strategies for developing your unique voice, navigating different academic genres, and making effective use of resources (including AI) to transform your papers and boost your grades. Believe it or not, your writing contributes new knowledge.

Building Your Skills in Math and Science

You do not need 'natural talent' to pursue STEM. In this module, you will learn essential techniques for mastering scientific reading, getting problem sets done on time, and maintaining resilience in difficult math and science classes. Start building your skills to excel in college STEM!

Using Campus Resources

Many students miss out on career-changing resources because they don't know where to look or they are too afraid to advocate for themselves. In this module, you will learn about four categories of campus support (academic, experiential, community, and wellness) and how to use them effectively. From professor office hours to financial aid, college is full of invaluable resources! Just ask.

Engaging in Extracurriculars

Discover how to transform your college years beyond the classroom! Extracurriculars, campus jobs, and fellowships are crucial for building skills, networking, and landing your dream career. In this module, you will learn how to strategically choose and manage experiential learning opportunities, even if you're a first-gen student or on a tight schedule. There is so much more to college than academics.

Finding and Working With Mentors

In this module, you will learn how to find amazing mentors (students, staff, faculty & more) from day one. Discover how to overcome the fear of asking for help, build trust, and maintain these vital relationships throughout your academic journey. Remember, mentorship is NOT just for after graduation!

Preparing for Your Career

Start career planning early! In this module, you will Take incremental steps you can take starting your first semester from utilizing campus resources like Career Services to building networks and gaining transferable skills. Don't wait too long; start building your professional future now.