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Post-secondary is more competitive than ever, but there are ways to strengthen your university application.
One of the most effective ways for students to differentiate themselves is by enrolling in high-quality online courses. These courses signal to universities that a student is self-motivated, eager to explore subjects in depth, and capable of managing independent learning—traits essential for success in post-secondary education.
Need a more general approach on how to strengthen your university application? Read up on the Top 5 Skills That Universities Look For On Your Application.
Below, we chose some of the best online courses you can take to strengthen your university application based on our own metrics of cost, time commitment, skills gained, quality of instruction, and certification power.
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Google’s “Prompting Essentials”
AI has embedded itself in all facets of our world and those who understand how to use it effectively ill be set up for a profitable future. Google Prompting Essentials is designed to demystify the art of giving clear and specific instructions to generative AI—commonly referred to as prompting. The course teaches AI prompting techniques through real-world examples. Through hands-on exercises, students learn to:
- Save Time: Use AI to craft emails, brainstorm effortlessly, build tables and trackers, and summarize lengthy documents in seconds. The course will teach students how to utilize and automate routine tasks so they can focus on more important things.
- Uncover and Share Insights: Identify patterns in data, create compelling data visualizations, and identify analytical insights about information. Providing AI with information sets will allow it to yield significant data points for users to harness.
- Use AI Responsibly: Uncover and recognize the ethics involved in AI usage. Evaluate AI outputs for bias and errors, and learn how to reiterate prompt outputs to achieve more accurate results.
Upon completion, participants earn a certificate from Google, enhancing their resumes and demonstrating proficiency in artificial intelligence, a form of data science. These types of certifications are a great way to strengthen your university application and demonstrate a commitment to higher learning. Here’s how we ranked it:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Google Prompting Essentials |
| Platform | Coursera |
| Provider | Google Certifications |
| Commitment | Approximately 9 hours.(self-paced, so really depends on you) |
| Cost | $68 (often free with trials/financial aid available) |
| Key Skills Gained | AI Literacy, Data Analytic Skills, Project Planning, Responsible use of AI for structured workflows, Ability to identify bias and accuracy in AI generated material. |
| Quality of Instruction | High-quality instruction from Google AI experts. Interactive exercises, real-world applications, and structured lessons make the content engaging and practical. |
| Certification Power | Google is an household name and legitimate authority in generative AI. A certificate from Google enhances university applications and resumes, demonstrating AI proficiency and initiative. |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Honestly, a course anyone should take based on generative AI's current influence. Excellent choice for high school students interested in AI and prompt engineering. |
Google has a whole slew of offerings on Coursera that can allow you continual improvement in this booming data science area. In fact, Google has over 300 courses that cover a number of areas in AI, data science, digital project management and a ton more.
Interested in taking Google’s Prompting Essentials Course, but unsure about some of the details involved? We’ve got you covered. We took the time to complete a full course review so you know what you are getting into.
Read it: A Complete Course Review of Google’s Prompting Essentials Course
University of Munich’s “Academic Writing Made Easy”
Strong writing skills are a foundation for success in higher education and beyond. The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is a skill that sets students apart. The Technical University of Munich’s “Academic Writing Made Easy” course is an invaluable resource for students preparing for university and those looking to strengthen their university application. It covers fundamental writing principles, including academic structure, argumentation, clarity, citations, and revision techniques and focuses on practical strategies for improving writing quality. You’ll take away:
- Academic Writing Mastery: Learn to structure essays, reports, and research papers at a university level. Craft a compelling personal statement or admissions essay that stands out.
- In-Depth Research Skills: Develop strong arguments supported by credible evidence. Understand how to use sources ethically and effectively.
- Structure Variety in Academic Writing Types: Develop the skills needed for high-level writing assignments and research projects. Admissions officers seek students who can clearly articulate ideas, analyze information, and construct well-supported arguments. Academic writing is a core component of many university courses, from humanities to STEM fields.
What we love about this is it’s a course that can be applicable in any discipline, and one that can strengthen your university application overall. Moreover, a certificate from a major international university (nicknamed “The Entrepreneurial University”) never hurts.
| Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Academic Writing Made Easy |
| Platform | edX |
| Provider | Technical University of Munich (TUM) |
| Commitment | Roughly 3-4 weeks (at a 4-6 hours per week level, self-paced, so really up to you) |
| Cost | Free to audit, ~$59 for a verified certificate |
| Key Skills Gained | Structured Writing, Mastering Format, Clarity & Precision, Depth in Thinking, Research & Citation. |
| Quality of Instruction | High-quality instruction from experienced university professors. Includes interactive exercises, writing samples, and peer-reviewed assignments. |
| Certification Power | A certificate from Technical University of Munich demonstrates university-level writing proficiency, valuable for applications and resumes. |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) An excellent preparatory course for students looking to refine their writing and succeed in academic settings. Great for any incoming university student, but recommended strongly for research or humanities based courses. |
TUMx’s offering is a favorite of ours because it’s practical, offers rigorous university writing preparation, and you’re able to obtain a certificate from an international school. TUMx also has a number of offerings that would strengthen your university application and appeal to any young entrepreneur.
If you’re interested in taking TUM’s Academic Writing Made Easy Course, but unsure about how this could strengthen your university application, not to worry. We took the time to complete a full course review so you know what you are getting into.
You can find that here: A Complete Review of TUM’s Academic Writing Made Easy.
Harvard’s “Structure and Function of Argument: Intro to Critical Thinking”
Okay, so this one is for the truly ambitious. Harvard’s Intro to Critical Thinking provides students with a rigorous yet accessible foundation in critical thinking. This course teaches students how to think, challenge assumptions, and communicate clearly, with an emphasis on the practical applications of writing, verbal debate, and academic discourse. What you’ll learn here:
- Logical Reasoning – Learn to evaluate information, identify biases, and form rational conclusions. Strengthen your university application by showcasing your ability to think critically and independently.
- Argument Analysis – Understand how to break down and assess arguments in academic and real-world contexts. Improve performance in debates, discussions, and research projects.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Develop a structured approach to tackling complex issues. Enhance decision-making skills for everyday life, from evaluating news sources to making informed career choices.
In university and beyond, these skills will separate those who merely accept information from those who question, refine, and lead with intellectual authority. Moreover, a certification with the name Harvard on it is bound to strengthen your university application.
| Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Structure and Function of Argument: Introduction to Critical Thinking |
| Platform | edX |
| Provider | Harvard University |
| Commitment | Roughly 3-4 weeks (at a 4-6 hours per week level, self-paced so really up to you) |
| Cost | Free to audit - $209 for a verified certificate (often offering discount promotions. You are paying for the Harvard name) |
| Key Skills Gained | Logical Reasoning, Persuasive Writing, Debate & Rhetoric, Analytical Thinking, Critical Thinking, Clarity in Thought |
| Quality of Instruction | Exceptional. Harvard faculty presents content with depth and clarity, supported by interactive exercises, peer discussions, and real-world applications. |
| Certification Power | Harvard edX certificate is a standout credential, demonstrating high-level analytical thinking and argumentation skills |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) One of the best courses for high school students looking to improve their critical thinking and argumentation skills. Just be aware - This is a more rigorous course! It's Harvard after all. |
It’s Harvard. You have to know what you’re getting into with this course. But approached correctly, could provide you with invaluable skills, an excellent professional network, and of course – a certificate that will not go unnoticed.
Harvard’s edX offering is rigorous (as you would expect from Harvard), but its certainly a worthwhile course. Need more details? No problem, we’ve got them. We took the time to complete a full course review so you know what you are getting into.
You can find that here: “A Complete Review of Harvard’s Intro to Critical Thinking Course”
University of Illinois’ “Financial Planning for Young Adults”
Tuition, rent, groceries, credit cards—all suddenly become pressing concerns for post-secondary students. It never surprises us how little young people know about their own finances. No one ever taught them how to manage money effectively! New university students tend to overspend, rack up debt, and struggle to budget for essentials.
This scenario is far too common. Today, financial literacy is a survival tool. Financial Planning for Young Adults, offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, covers fundamental financial topics, including budgeting, debt management, investing, and financial goal-setting. It’s practical and hands-on and designed specifically for young adults. It’s important young adults understand:
- Budgeting & Money Management – Learn how to track income, expenses, and make informed financial decisions. Plan for tuition and avoid student loan debt traps.
- Saving & Investing Basics – Understand how to build savings and the principles of smart investing. Make smart financial choices during university and beyond
- Debt Management & Credit Awareness – Learn how loans, credit cards, and student debt work. Strengthen your university application and scholarship opportunities by showing financial responsibility and planning skills.
Sure, this course will strengthen your university application, but perhaps more important is the effect it will have on your own understanding of money management.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Financial Planning for Young Adults |
| Platform | Coursera |
| Provider | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Commitment | Roughly 4 weeks (at a 5-6 hours per week level, self-paced so really up to you) |
| Cost | Free to audit, $68 for a certificate |
| Key Skills Gained | Budgeting & Saving, Debt Management and Student Loans, Credit and Credit Scores, Investing Basics, Financial Goal-Setting. |
| Quality of Instruction | Engaging, real-world examples taught by financial experts. Includes interactive exercises and case studies that make financial planning relevant and applicable. |
| Certification Power | A certificate from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign signals financial literacy, which is valuable for job applications, internships, and university admissions. |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) One of the best beginner-friendly financial literacy courses for high school students. Regardless of whether you're trying to enhance a university application, it's a great course to teach young people about money. |
This is perhaps one of the most practical offerings we’ve been able to gather. Of course a certificate from Illinois with strengthen your university application, but the more important aspect is it arms young people with the knowledge to manage their financial freedom.
Financial Planning for Young Adults serves a number of benefits for students and young people. We took the time to complete a full course review so you know how this could will strengthen your university application, and your real-life skills.
Read it now: “A Complete Review of University of Illinois’ Financial Planning For Young Adults Course“
John J Peterson’s “Teen Online Business & Entrepreneurship Training”
This course is a little different. It’s designed for young people who want to learn the essentials of starting, managing, and leading a business. It covers fundamental topics such as idea validation, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and leadership development. Students are introduced to real-world business scenarios, practical tools, and case studies of successful young entrepreneurs.
By the end of the course, students will have a structured plan for a business idea and the confidence to execute it. For young entrepreneurs or aspiring business leaders, training in this specific area will plainly strengthen your university application. You can expect to take away:
- Entrepreneurial Mindset – Learn to identify business opportunities and think innovatively. Opportunity to start a small online business or side project to showcase initiative
- Business Strategy & Marketing – Gain an understanding of digital marketing, e-commerce, and branding. Strengthen your university application and resume with real-world business experience.
- Leadership & Initiative – Develop confidence in launching and managing a business or project. Learn skills that are valuable for future internships and career opportunities.
While students do not receive a certificate like edX or Coursera, they do come out of the course with a tangible business plan and a variety of documents that can be highlighted on a university application. Harnessed correctly, it can certainly be used a stepping stone to strengthen your university application.
Not sure about the value of courses that don’t offer certifications? Let’s review which learning platform might be best for you here: Coursera vs edX vs Udemy: Which one is best for you?
Here’s how we ranked it:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Teen Online Business & Entrepreneurship Training |
| Platform | Udemy |
| Provider | John J. Peterson |
| Commitment | Approximately 8-10 hours (self-paced, so really up to you) |
| Cost | $24.99 (often discounted & you get lifetime access) |
| Key Skills Gained | Entrepreneurial Mindset, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Leadership & Initiative, Interpersonal Management, Financial Business Basics, Marketing & Branding |
| Quality of Instruction | Engaging and straightforward. John J. Peterson simplifies complex business concepts and makes them relatable for teenagers. The course is interactive with real-world applications. |
| Certification Power | Udemy certificate showcases initiative and business knowledge, making applications stand out for universities and scholarships. |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Best suited for students who want to develop entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge before entering university. Although a great course for any student, it is a more niche opportunity. It doesn't hold the same certifiable appeal that some of the other university-sponsored courses have. |
The best part about the Online Business and Entrepreneurship Training is that students undergo a project where they actually leave the course with an actionable venture map, allowing them to get their feet wet in the world of business. If showcased correctly and intentionally, this could be equally as valuable as a certificate and certainly will strengthen your university application.
If you’re interested in taking this course, but unsure about some of the details involved, we’ve got you covered. We took the time to complete a full course review so you know what you are getting into.
Read it here: A Complete Review of Udemy’s Teen Online Business & Entrepreneurship Training.
Take Action: Strengthen Your University Application Today
In this competitive academic landscape, students need more than just good grades to strengthen their university application. Admissions officers look for candidates who demonstrate the Top 5 Skills That Universities Look For.
One of the most effective ways to showcase these qualities is by earning online certifications from reputable institutions as a way of supplementing what you’re involved in at high school.
The courses we’ve highlighted—ranging from critical thinking and academic writing to financial literacy and entrepreneurship—offer more than just a certificate. They provide essential real-world skills that universities value and that will set students up for long-term success.
How Do These Certifications Strengthen Your University Application?
Each of these courses adds a unique dimension to your academic profile:
- Google Prompting Essentials shows that you are adaptable and ready for the AI-driven future, an increasingly important skill in research and innovation.
- TUMx Academic Writing Made Easy equips you with strong writing skills, essential for crafting compelling application essays and excelling in university coursework.
- Harvard’s Introduction to Critical Thinking proves that you have the ability to analyze, reason, and make informed decisions, making you a standout applicant.
- University of Illinois’ Financial Planning for Young Adults demonstrates financial responsibility and independence, key traits for college success.
- Udemy’s Teen Online Business and Entrepreneurship Training highlights leadership, problem-solving, and initiative, setting you apart as an ambitious and driven student.
Learn More:
Investing in online certifications is one of the smartest ways to differentiate yourself from other applicants while gaining valuable skills that will serve you for life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your writing, boost your analytical thinking, or develop financial and entrepreneurial acumen, these courses provide the perfect starting point.
➡️ Explore more online courses that can help you gain a competitive edge in university applications and beyond.
➡️ Read our other blog posts for expert insights on academic success, university admissions, and skill-building strategies.
If you’re interested in the ways you can strengthen your university application, we suggest you start by reading Top 5 Skills That Universities Look For.
