Program Details:
Format: 100% Online, Self-Paced
Duration: Approx. 2 - 3 months
Instructor: Harvard Diversity Admissions Officer
Requirements: Video & Reading Assignments
Completion: Certificate in Global Diversity Studies
Costs: $4,500
Welcome to A Walk in Someone Else's Shoes
Watch the video below to learn more about this first-of-its-kind pre-admissions program that can make the difference between an acceptance or denial.
In this program, you will hear from multiple perspectives regarding the college admissions process and what top colleges actually look for in applicants beyond grades and test scores, along with how this single program can check off multiple boxes in the admissions process.
"A must-take program for any student applying to the Ivy League"
Former Ivy League Admissions Officer
Overview
This program is the first-ever pre-college program created by individuals from all eight Ivy League admissions offices to prepare for their applications.
Students will have the opportunity to meet and network with admissions officers and students from Ivy League and other top colleges, professionals from international corporations, and people from "all walks of life," as one might say!
How do Ivy League schools make admissions decisions?
Not by test scores, grades, awards and accomplishments, alone.
Rather, the Ivy League is looking to select students that are truly unique, one-of-a-kind, and different from every other student in the world--having not only their own background and interest diversity but also awareness for other's.
Unlike other pre-college programs that may check off only "one" admissions box, this program increases your chances of admissions by checking off numerous boxes in the admissions process--from expanded independent reading lists, academic courses, and publications, along with an increase in awareness of global and individual history, culture, and identity awareness.
Program Details
We have all heard the phrase to “take a walk in someone else’s shoes." However, what does it mean to actually do it?
This is an expression to encourage another to understand and see the world from a different perspective. However, what does this actually mean? What does someone’s shoes say about who they are, their life experiences, their identity? Shoes (like hair and other clothing) are one of the top ways people express their individuality: does someone like black or purple shoes? Big or small? Art work or plain? Boots or sneakers? Heels or flats? Shoes are one of the most important and powerful forms of self identity and self expression, and you can learn a lot from someone’s shoes—just ask they why they like them!
However, have you actually taken a walk in someone else’s shoes?
After this program, you will.
In this program, you will take a walk in people's shoes from regions and experiences around the world through a series of videos, books, and live discussions, along with take mini-courses and read publications that each offer a different perspective on the world.
How does a low-income individual see and experience the world compared to one of wealth? How does a person from a rural farm see and experience the world compared to one from an urban city? How does a black American see and experience the world? How does a member of the LGBTQ community see and experience the world? How does a person living with a mental or physical difference see and experience the world? How does a muslim in America see and experience the world? How do Asian Americans see and experience the world? How does an immigrate see and experience the world? Among many, many others.
Then, by the end of the course, we hope you can answer (or better answer): Which type of shoe will you be in the world? What shoes will best capture who you are? These pair of shoes will be yours and only yours to walk through the world and share a background and story that only you can share.
More Than Academics
Top colleges look for students that are not only successful academically, but they also seek to admit students that have a strong, high-level of self identity, self awareness, and self expression to best contribute to a dynamic learning environment.
This is the "heart" of a student's application, and it is often more important than grades and test scores. In summary, you may academically qualify for admission, but why should they accept YOU instead of another applicant. For these reasons, many colleges will ask students to write an essay regarding their personal identities and communities to which they belong.
Outside Explorations
Additionally, nearly all top colleges will ask students to report the books, publications, and work completed in their free time outside of school. In these sections of the applications, the best students are those that report titles that demonstrate a high level of understanding of one’s self and of others from different background and experiences.
In this three week program, participants will explore courses, books, and interactive seminars to discover what they are passionate and care most about, along with gain a stronger sense of identity and self expression.
Awareness of Self & Others
Identity and self-awareness are critical components of the college admissions process. Students who have a clear understanding of their values, interests, and goals are more likely to be successful in college and beyond. Additionally, students who have a high level of self-awareness are better equipped to navigate the challenges that come with college life.
Global awareness of others is also a key factor in the college admissions process. Colleges and universities are looking for students who are engaged with the world around them, who understand the complex issues facing our society, and who are committed to making a positive impact.
What will you leave with?
By the end of this program, students will explore and have answers to important life questions, such as:
- What do I care most about? And why?
- What in my school, community, or society as a whole genuinely bothers me?
- What are my most important and powerful life memories?
- What have I read or seen that shocked and bothered me?
- If I could change anything in my school or community, what would it be and why?
- What brings me the greatest joy? The greatest sadness?
- What am I the most excited to do?
