This three-course bundle focuses on how to assess character in the admission process and the importance of doing so.

The basics

• Intended audience: Secondary counselors who advise students on writing college application essays, postsecondary admission professionals who review college application essays, and secondary and postsecondary professionals who deal with recommendation letters.
• Cost: $50-$100 for one course, $125-$250 for the bundle.
  • Cost is dependent on NACAC membership status and if courses are purchased individually or as a bundle.
  • A 20 percent discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course.
• Estimated completion time: 2-2.75 hours to complete each course and 7.25 hours to complete the bundle.
  • Participants have six months to access and complete the course(s).
• Upon completion: 2-7.25 continuing education credit hours and a completion certificate for each course.
  • Continuing education credit hours are dependent on the course(s) purchased.

Course descriptions

The Character Focus Initiative offers three eLearning courses that focus on assessing character in the admission process. The courses can be purchased individually or as a three-course bundle.

Course 1 - Assessing Character in Admissions

This course will explore the “why” and “how” of using character in the admission process.

Course objectives:

• You will learn the different ways in which character can be understood and the value character assessment can have in the admission decision-making process.
• You will be able to select, incorporate, and adopt a range of tools with which character may be integrated into the admission process. 
• You will be able to create a rubric and construct a norming process for your team to use in the development of a character assessment process. 
• You will gain tools with which you may be able to approach your campus leadership and off-campus constituents that will assist you in creating a transparent, collaborative, and data-supported character-infused admission decision-making process. 
• You will appreciate the breadth and importance of engaging in appropriate professional development exercises in preparation for character assessment activities for admission. 

Course 2 - Application Essays: Evaluating and Advising with Character in Mind

This course focuses on the importance of incorporating and considering elements of character in the evaluation of application essays and in the advising of applicants. 

Course objectives:

• You will learn how psychometricians look at non-metric features of character evaluation and hear admission professionals describe some of the ways character figures into the evaluation of application essays.  
• You will view some of the means used by offices of admission to communicate relevant guidelines about how character figures into their admission process.    
• You will hear students share their thoughts about the college application essay.  
• You will have access to multiple examples of how counselors support and talk to students as they complete the essay portions of their applications.  
• You will be able to identify ways counselors and other advisors strive to incorporate elements of a student’s character into essays. 

Course 3 - Writing and Evaluating Letters of Recommendation for Character

This course presents strategies for writing letters of recommendation that address character. The course provides guidance to college admission officers in interpreting, assessing, and rating character factors presented in recommendations.

Course objectives:

• You will learn strategies for writing letters of recommendation that address character.  
• You will be provided with guidance from experienced college admission officers in interpreting, assessing, and rating character factors presented in recommendations.  

Registration and cost

PLEASE NOTE: All requests to switch cohorts, extend course access (by one month) or changes to course registrations will be subject to a $50 processing fee per person/per course. No refunds will be processed.

A 20 percent discount is available for offices of four or more participants registering for the same course.

*Unsure if you are a NACAC member? You may be eligible through your school or organization’s membership. Contact customer service for more information.

Questions?

For purchasing and billing questions, please email customerservice@nacacnet.org. For questions about the course, please email pd@nacacnet.org.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5242. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NACAC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

 

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