- Online
- $260
First-year university can be challenging. Many students, even if they had excellent grades and study habits, discover high school didn’t adequately prepare them for first year. Course loads are heavy, professors’ expectations are high, and the demands of university life can be overwhelming.
Sharpening your skills before you start university can improve your performance, reduce stress, and allow you to accomplish more with your time. The right academic skills can also help you handle the commitments and challenges of university life so you can feel successful – and enjoy life as a first-year student.
In this eight-week, self-paced online course designed for Grade 11 and 12 students, learn powerful academic skills and develop valuable insights that allow you to:
- use your time productively so you can handle your busy course load and still have time to relax
- develop habits that enhance performance even when your motivation is low (which happens to everyone, especially during the “second-term blues”)
- study strategically to achieve better results with no added time or energy
- write and communicate more convincingly and effectively in papers, assignments, presentations and class discussions
- absorb more during classes and study time, and remember material for longer
- nurture a growth mindset and cultivate curiosity so you can tap into the joy of learning
- build strong professional relationships with teachers and professors to position yourself for mentorship opportunities and references.
Come away from the course more confident and academically skilled, and ready to make the most of your first year of university and beyond.
Explore the ten academic skills you practise in this course.
How to register
You can register for this self-paced course any day of the year. On the day you register, your course time begins and you have 60 days to complete the course (or more if you request an extension). After you have registered, instructions on how to access the course online will be included in your course registration receipt email.
How am I assessed?
Assignments are assessed by the instructor, but are not graded. Receive a letter of completion when you successfully complete the course.
Expected effort
Expect to spend two to three hours per week completing coursework and assignments.
Requisites
English proficiency
You self-assess your English proficiency level, and are not required to provide proof. We recommend international students have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
Technology requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection.
You can also use your Apple or Android mobile device. The small screen, however, may not offer you the best viewing experience.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported. Log in anytime to your course to access the lessons and do assignments at your own pace. Contact your instructor online at any time and receive a response usually within 24 hours. This is an eight-week course, but you can receive an extension of up to two weeks from your instructor.