Postsecondary Exploration, Match, and Fit — Fall 2024

Registration for this course has closed. Please contact Kiersten Nolan if you would like to be added to a contact list for the next time we run this course.

This course was developed for practicing professional school counselors, pre-service school counselors, and college access professionals. It focuses on the impact of college information on students' postsecondary decisions as well as the impact that poor college fit can have on academic achievement and degree completion. Participants will learn how to reduce undermatch by helping students fully understand all of their postsecondary choices, important factors to consider when comparing colleges, and how to make informed decisions regarding financial, social, and academic fit.

We estimate that the workload for these courses is around four hours per week, which is reflected in the awarding of SCECHs. This class is made up of four sessions culminating in a Final Action Plan.

• Session 1: Types of Colleges
• Session 2: Helping Students Avoid Undermatch
• Session 3: Visiting and Comparing Colleges
• Session 4: Making Match and Fit Decisions

Meeting Dates

The course is five weeks long, beginning Sept. 9 and ending Oct. 13, with a one-hour virtual meeting every week (hosted Tuesdays 3-4p.m.); the fifth meeting is an optional office hour if you need help with your final assignment. Attending meetings is not mandatory but highly encouraged; SCECHs will be reduced if meetings are missed but it will not affect your standing in the course. The meeting schedule is as follows: 

• Sept. 10, 3-4 p.m.
• Sept. 17, 3-4 p.m.
• Sept. 24, 3-4 p.m.
• Oct. 1, 3-4 p.m.
• Oct. 8, 3-4 p.m. (Optional office hour, no SCECH credit attached)

Availability and Cost

MCAN is offering these mini-courses in partnership with College Futures and Go Alliance. We are offering one section, facilitated by Dr. Glinda Rawls. The course is open to all school counselors, college and career advisers (except AmeriCorps members), and educators. There are a MAXIMUM of 30 seats available. Registrants who secure a seat will receive a $250 scholarship to access the course at no cost. A waitlist will be in effect after the capacity is reached. Priority consideration will be granted to school counselors. Remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

SCECHS

We anticipate offering 20 SCECHs in college preparation and selection upon successful completion of the course. The maximum amount of 20 total SCECHs will be awarded to individuals who complete the entire course, including participation in all live virtual sessions. Reduced SCECHs for partial completion of coursework will not be awarded.