Top 5 Skills Universities Look For On Your Application

Applying to college is stressful, but knowing the skills universities look for is key to your success.

For students applying to university, strong grades and test scores are important, but they aren’t the only factors. Admissions officers want to see that students possess the abilities that will help them succeed academically, socially, personally, and professionally.

The Essential Skills Universities Look For

Imagine two students applying to the same top-tier university. One has a near-perfect GPA but struggles with teamwork and communication. The other has solid grades but also demonstrates leadership, digital literacy, and a passion for learning through extracurricular activities and independent study. Which student stands out more?

Universities aim to accept students who not only perform well in the classroom but also thrive in diverse academic and professional environments. Academic excellence alone isn’t enough—you must demonstrate how you are prepared for the real-world demands of university life and beyond.

While every institution values a well-rounded applicant, these five essential skills are especially sought after by admissions committees:

1. Leadership: The Ability to Serve Others – Universities value students who can take initiative, work in teams, and inspire others. They want reliable people to serve the ones around them.
2. Digital Literacy: Thriving in the Digital Future – In an increasingly tech-driven world, students need strong digital skills to excel in research, communication, and innovation.
3. Written Communication: The Power of Highly Effective Writing – From essays to research papers, students who can express ideas clearly and persuasively have a significant advantage.
4. Financial Literacy: Managing Personal Finances as a Student – Budgeting, student loans, and financial planning are essential for success in university and adulthood.
5. Intellectual Curiosity: A Passion for Learning – Universities seek students who ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage deeply in their studies.

Mastering these skills ensures you thrive once you arrive on campus and prepare for long-term success in your career. But more important than anything, are these skills set a positive foundation that will last you a lifetime.

So, let’s take a look at why these skills matter, examples of them in action, and how you can showcase them on an application.

Leadership: The Ability to Serve Others

Think of leadership as a well-rooted tree. Its strength resides in the roots that hold the weight of branches that bear fruit. Note that it’s not the ‘leader’ that bears the fruit, but rather the product of their sustainability, responsibility, and management.

Universities and colleges seek applicants who demonstrate this in the admission process. They want students who will hold others accountable, make those around them better, and uphold the traditions they’ve set in place.

Why Leadership Matters

Look around. Do you tend to notice an epidemic of poor leadership? Is it possible we aren’t doing enough to develop leadership in our next generation?

Leadership is one of the top skills universities look for when assessing applications because every organization, school, business, or non-profit requires them. Universities want students who can motivate, guide, and take initiative in a variety of settings. Strong leadership skills indicate that a student can work well in teams or individually, manage and delegate responsibilities effectively, and drive forward positive change, which are essential qualities for success in higher education and beyond.

In addition to boosting admission chances, leadership experience helps students stand out for scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities. Whether leading a student club, organizing a community event, or taking charge of a group project, universities value students who can inspire, lead and serve others.

Leadership is more than just being the team captain or the student council president. Occupying a leadership role is not the same as leading.

Now it’s important to understand leadership roles in high school clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations are indicators of this skill, but it doesn’t automatically mean you’re fit to lead. Through some structured training, it’s something that can be developed further.

Wondering about ways to harness your leadership skills? Read The Best Leadership Courses You Can Take Online

Examples of Leadership in Action

There is no substitute for hands-on leadership learning in high schools or on a volunteer basis. But in our experience, we’ve found there isn’t much guidance or mentorship given to help students grow and develop those skill. For students applying to post-secondary, it’s typical we see this like these on an application:

• Student Government or Sports Team Captaincy– Serving as a class president, student council member, leading a sports team, or fostering teamwork as a club leader. This serves as an indication that the applicant may have some leadership potential, but its simply not enough to embody the skills universities look for.
• Community Service, Academic Leadership & Volunteering – Sometimes it looks like organizing charity events, fundraising, or launching local initiatives. Other times it’s tutoring peers, leading study groups, or conducting a research project.
• Entrepreneurial & Business Initiatives – Starting a business or club community, creating a social impact project, or running a school newspaper blog.

These are indicators of skills universities look for. They are flags that tell the admissions team this applicant has some promise, but they don’t guarantee your ability to lead. It’s important to remember to highlight specific leadership experiences in their university applications to show real-world examples of problem-solving, teamwork, and responsibility.

How to Showcase Leadership in University Applications

Leadership is a key factor in college admissions and students should strategically highlight it in different parts of their applications. You probably didn’t know that under the umbrella of leadership stands the skills that make it up.

Instead of saying you were the team captain, describe how you specifically dealt with an issue that required strategic thinking. Explain ways you delegated work to the right people and made effective decisions as student government president. Or elaborate on how you grew as an effective communicator after joining a professional network in the online course you took. These are the skills universities look for.

So how can we make these scenarios come alive?

1. Personal Statement & Essays
   • Share a compelling story of a leadership experience, but focus on the types of leadership you may have utilized.
   • Focus on challenges faced, actions taken, and results achieved.
   • Connect leadership skills and experiences you’ve related to personal growth and university goals. When might your experience this scenario help you again?
2. Extracurricular Activities List
   • Detail leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and projects. Just because you didn’t start or lead the club, doesn’t mean you haven’t had a leadership experience.
   • Quantify the impact of your involvement (e.g., “Organized a fundraiser that raised $5,000 for charity”).
3. Letters of Recommendation
   • Ask teachers, mentors, or coaches to emphasize the various leadership skills you have demonstrated. Accompany that with an example of when and how you used it.
   • Choose referees who have directly witnessed your leadership abilities. Begin to grow a network of people you have worked with in various capacities.
4. Interviews & Portfolios
   • Discuss leadership experiences and lessons learned from both failures and successes.
   • Showcase certificates, awards, or projects that demonstrate leadership impact on a group or community. Who did you benefit other than yourself?

Resources for Leadership Development

The best way to develop your leadership capabilities is to find a mentor. Of course, it is incredibly value to involve yourself in many opportunities at school, but we find that only goes so far. You will get ahead, in post secondary and in life, if you find someone who will work and teach you.

For example, online courses can help grow a professional network for the future, as well as develop essential qualities like decision-making and communication’ the skills universities look for. These programs use tools like case studies, professional role-playing scenarios, and group discussions to mimic real-world situations.

Developing leadership skills takes time, but there are plenty of free and paid resources to help students strengthen their abilities:

🎓 Take Online Courses:

• Learning How to Learn on Coursera – Leadership demands that you know how you think, and how those around you operate. We like this one because it instills a leadership mindset through better learning strategies.
• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles on edX – We liked this option because they explore strategies in our changing world currently and how to move forward. You can also get a certificate from Harvard so that helps.

📚 Read:

• “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek – Learn how great leaders build trust and inspire teams. A key takeaway we appreciated was how great leaders are servants for their team.

Leadership is one of the most important skills universities look for when selecting students. By demonstrating strong leadership through extracurriculars, community service, and possibly an academic e-learning project, students can enhance their college applications and future career prospects.

If you’re looking for ways to grow your professional network, appeal to the skills universities look for, or further develop those leadership skills, you will probably want to take a look at The Best Leadership Courses You Can Take Online

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Mastering The Future of Literacy

In today’s world, digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing. Universities expect students to navigate digital platforms with ease, analyze online information critically, and apply technology to solve real-world problems. This is why digital literacy is one of the most unique and new-age skills universities look for in future applicants.

Why Digital Literacy Matters

The tools of tomorrow, like generative AI and basic coding languages, will be staples in future workplaces. It’s these aspects that have become the in-demand skills that universities look for. Students who are not preparing for a future powered by technology will fall by the wayside and it’s imperative we keep them as resilient, adaptable, and competitive as possible.

Every teen knows how to use social media and browse the internet, but that is not digital literacy. It’s about understanding how technology works, how it’s built, and how it can be harnessed for innovation.

In the past, digital literacy referred to understanding how to use social media, the internet, and the footprints of online usage. Today, however, it’s much more than that. Digital literacy is the rudder that steers the ship. Without it, students will have no control of their direction.

Simply, today’s digital literacy is the technical and practical ways students can leverage technology to enhance their education, distinguish reliable sources from misinformation, or collaborate effectively in online learning environments. Universities seek students who can adapt to new digital tools, think critically about online content, and use technology to communicate and create.

What Does Digital Literacy Include?

Generative AI, like ChatGPT and other machine learning models, is revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed. It’s currently automating routine tasks, generating creative content, and assisting in medical research. AI is becoming a cornerstone of the modern workplace.

Understanding these tools is about harnessing their potential and limitations. It’s about knowing how to operate them ethically and effectively. Students who learn how to work with AI will be uniquely positioned to stand out in college applications and demonstrate the skills universities look for.

So how can you demonstrate we know more about digital literacy than simply operating a computer. Well, you can bolster your skills in these areas:

• Coding & Computational Thinking – Learning the basics of programming, logic, and automation. There are a ton of opportunities in schools and online that can help you learn foundational coding.
• Online Research & Information Evaluation – Understanding how to find credible sources and detect misinformation. AI isn’t perfect. We still need a human eye to check information to determine how credible and accurate it is.
• Cybersecurity & Digital Ethics – Knowing how to protect personal data, respect digital privacy, and navigate online spaces responsibly. Everything is becoming digital and therefore, there is a need to secure sensitive information.
• Media Creation & Digital Storytelling – Editing videos, designing presentations, or writing online content effectively. AI can completely change the landscape of students entering into creative fields.

A student who masters these skills will be better prepared for university coursework, online learning environments, and the job market. They are the one’s going above the rest in illustrating what skills universities look for.

This is a burgeoning field. There are so many online opportunities that incorporate the skills universities look for in your application. Find them in Best Courses in AI: A Literacy For The Future

How Students Can Improve Their Digital Literacy

Just as the industrial revolution required workers to adapt to machinery, today’s students must adapt to AI, big data, and cloud computing. Universities favor students who embrace technology and continuously improve their digital skills. Here are some actionable ways students can develop digital literacy before applying to university:

🎓 Take Online Courses:

• Beginner Level: Google AI Prompting Essentials or Introduction to AI by IBM
• Intermediate Level: Generative AI with Large Language Models
• Expert Level: ColumbiaX: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

🛠 Build a Digital Portfolio:

• Start a blog, YouTube channel, online business or personal website showcasing digital projects. Create personal presentations, infographics, or coding projects that highlight digital skills.

🔒 Learn About Cybersecurity:

• Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and recognize phishing scams.
• Take courses on ethical hacking and online safety. Cybersecurity For Everyone on Coursera is an easy introductory start.

In the 21st century, digital literacy is a skill that puts you at the front of the application line. Universities recognize that students who can navigate digital spaces effectively, whether through coding, cybersecurity awareness, or media creation, will thrive in the digital future. It’s become one of the most valuable skills universities look for today.

Related: We did a course review on Google’s AI Prompting Essentials because it was part of a series we did on the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application. In that same article we wrote about how teen’s can build a portfolio through John J Peterson’s Teen Online Business and Entrepreneurship Training.

Written Communication: The Power of Highly Effective Writing

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the ability to communicate effectively through writing is one of the top skills universities look for. Whether crafting a university application essay, composing research papers, or engaging in professional correspondence, students with strong writing skills simply stand out.

Why Strong Writing Skills Matter

Writing is the bridge between thoughts and action. It is the scaffold for ideas. A well-written email can open doors, a compelling essay can win scholarships, and a strong research paper can influence an entire field of study. Universities value students who can express themselves clearly, persuasively, and professionally in writing.

But you may be asking yourself – If AI is automating these routine writing tasks, why should I invest in improving my written communication?

Writing is an extension of thought. When students write, they’re engaging in an inner dialogue with themselves. Each sentence reflects their ability to analyze, critique, and synthesize their own ideas.

Writing reveals not only what we know but also what we don’t. The gaps in our logic become visible, and through revision, we bridge them. This process of refinement is what transforms raw ideas into polished, persuasive arguments. Writing teaches students how to think critically because it demands the discipline to question existing assumptions, seek evidence, and articulate their conclusions.

In college, students will encounter a diverse range of assignments: essays, research papers, and lab reports at minimum. Professors value students who can think critically through writing because it demonstrates a mastery of complex ideas conveyed with clarity and confidence.

How to Demonstrate Strong Written Communication

Strong writing skills can distinguish students in competitive environments. From scholarship applications to internships, a well-written essay or cover letter can open doors that average communication skills cannot. Strong written communication ensures students can express ideas effectively across various contexts, and these are the skills universities look for.

You can showcase written communication abilities in multiple ways, including:

1. University Application Essays
   • Personal statements and admission essays showcase a student’s ability to articulate thoughts, structure arguments, and engage the reader. A well-crafted essay can be a deciding factor in admissions, however, this way of writing is often misconstrued by students
2. Standardized Tests & Writing Samples
   • Exams like the SAT, ACT, or IELTS often include writing sections that assess grammar, coherence, and argumentation. However, there are times where students are not required to include SATs on an application.
3. Extracurricular Activities & Publications
   • Students who contribute to a school newspaper, write for blogs, or publish research papers demonstrate a commitment to honing their craft. This one might be the most important because it illustrates student writing outside the expected bounds.

How Students Can Improve Their Writing Skills

Written communication is one of the most powerful skills universities look for, as it directly impacts a student’s academic success and future career prospects. Whether writing an essay, sending an email, or preparing a research paper, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is invaluable. Here are some actionable ways students can develop highly effective written communication:

📖 Read Widely & Write Daily

• Reading books, articles, and essays from various genres helps students absorb effective writing techniques. Reading is a skill that has fell by the wayside. It’s imperative we teach the next generation to read critically.
• Keeping a journal, writing blog posts, or contributing to a school newspaper builds confidence and improves fluency. Getting involved in these kinds of opportunities area typically geared toward those students interested in Humanities. It’s a great way to build a portfolio.

🎓 Take Writing Courses & Workshops

• Post Secondary Writing & Speaking: HarvardX: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking, and TUMx: Academic Writing Made Easy
• Creative Writing: AlaskaX: The Craft of Storytelling
• Writing for the Science Student: Writing in the Sciences by Stanford on Coursera

🛠 Use Writing Tools & Resources

• Grammar checkers like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can improve clarity and readability. These are great tools to implement if used comprehensively and ethically. Style guides like The Elements of Style by Strunk & White offers timeless writing tips. The linked resource is actually an adapted modern workbook student’s can use. It’s one of our favorites.

Related: We did a course review on TUM’s Academic Writing Made Easy as a part of a series on the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application.

By improving writing skills, students can increase their chances of university admission, excel in coursework, and thrive in any professional field. In an age where digital communication dominates, strong writing remains one of the most timeless and essential skills.

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Financial Literacy: Managing Your Personal Finances

Managing money effectively is a skill that can set students up for lifelong success, yet it’s often overlooked in traditional education. Universities value students who have a solid foundation in financial literacy because it demonstrates responsibility, accountability, and trust. For example, managing personal finances is essential for handling tuition, living expenses, and future career stability.

Why Financial Literacy Matters for University

Think of financial literacy as a roadmap for financial independence. Without it, students can easily fall into debt, struggle with budgeting, or miss opportunities to build wealth early. Developing strong money management skills not only helps students survive university life but also prepares them for financial success after graduation.

Imagine a student, newly enrolled at their chosen university, receives their first credit card. Excitement and opportunity merge into a potent mix of emotions. Without financial literacy, that card can quickly transform from a convenient tool into a burden of debt.

Students who understand basic money management principles are better equipped to handle university life. The top financial skills universities look for include:

• Budgeting, Earning, & Investing – Learning how to allocate money wisely for rent, tuition, food, and leisure. It’s worth exploring part-time jobs, side hustles, or early investment opportunities while students are still young.
• Saving & Spending – Developing the habit of saving for a variety of reasons like unexpected expenses. It’s also important for differentiating between needs vs. wants
• Understanding Student Loans & Debt Management – Knowing how loans work and how to minimize long-term debt. Alternatively, how debt can be used as a tool.

These skills not only help students navigate university life without financial stress but also lay the foundation for a stable financial future.

How Universities Assess Financial Literacy

While financial literacy isn’t typically a direct admissions requirement, universities evaluate a student’s ability to manage personal finances in several ways:

1. Scholarships & Financial Aid Applications
   • Some scholarships require students to submit personal finance statements or budget plans, assessing their suitability to manage funds wisely.
2. Work & Leadership Experience
   • Holding a part time job, managing a clubs finances or budget plans demonstrates financial accountability and responsibility.
3. Independent Living Readiness
   • Students applying to housing or off-campus living often show proof of financial stability or backing, reinforcing the importance to managing money.

Good financial habits don’t just help students survive university—they shape long-term financial security and freedom. Employers also value financial literacy, especially for roles in business, economics, and entrepreneurship.

How Students Can Improve Financial Literacy

Mastering personal finance is in some ways a mindset. It’s learning to value what you have while striving for more. It’s about building the discipline to delay gratification in pursuit of greater rewards. And most importantly, it’s about stepping into adulthood equipped with the confidence and competence to shape your financial future.

The good news is that any student can develop strong financial skills, even if they’ve never been taught about money before.

💰 Take a Financial Literacy Course

• Fundamental Topics: Financial Planning for Young Adults from University of Illinois on Coursera
• Financial Markets & Business: Financial Markets offered by Yale on Coursera (Free)

📖 Read Books on Money Management

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi – Sethi develops a 6 week program focused on wealth building. I’d consider this a book to read when your university experience is coming to an end.
• The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton – Our personal favorite. An all encompassing, common sense approach to managing your personal finances and how to get them working for you.

Related: We did a course review on Financial Planning for Young Adults as a part of a series on the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application.

Financial literacy is one of the most valuable skills universities look for, as it helps students manage tuition, daily expenses, and long-term financial goals. Students who develop strong money management habits reduce financial stress, graduate with less debt, and set themselves up for financial success in the future.

By learning how to budget, save, and make smart financial decisions, students can thrive in university and beyond—without constantly worrying about money.

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Intellectual Curiosity: A Passion For Learning

Perhaps the most important skills universities look for are embedded in intellectual curiosity—the deep desire to learn, explore new ideas, and seek knowledge beyond the classroom.

In university, there is no bell ringing to signal the end of class. There are no teachers who are checking homework. The structure that high school provided is gone. Success now depends on how well students manage themselves, push their own limits, and constantly seek to grow both intellectually and personally.

To thrive in post-secondary life and beyond, students must develop a combination of commitment, initiative, and drive. These aren’t just “soft skills” — they are the very bedrock on which success is built.

Why Intellectual Curiosity Matters

Intellectual curiosity fuels academic success, research breakthroughs, and innovative thinking. Whether a student is fascinated by quantum physics, historical revolutions, or the ethics of artificial intelligence, the ability to explore and question the world is a hallmark of a great learner and successful person.

Intellectual curiosity is the embodiment of what it means to be a “self-starter”. By demonstrating you’ll go out of your way to learn how to find a solution to a problem, there isn’t a business, company, or school out there that doesn’t want that.

Intellectual curiosity is the complete expression of what people seek in success and the complete embodiment of the skills universities look for in students. It demonstrates commitment to learn new things and a deep initiative to adopt a growth mindset.

How Universities Recognize Intellectual Curiosity

Intellectual curiosity is a lifelong drive for knowledge within and outside your chosen domain. It’s actively seeking to understand the world through a variety of perspectives and challenge your own beliefs. It’s the unrelenting drive to ask “why” and “how” and to seek answers to challenging problems.

It anything, it is a complete, all-encompassing pillar of success. It will forge paths that lead to personal fulfillment and career success in an incredibly competitive world.

There is no better way to illustrate intellectual curiosity on your university application than to certify yourself in a online course. Admissions officers look for signs of intellectual curiosity in applications, essays, and interviews. Some key indicators include:

• Independent Learning – Taking online courses that explore subjects beyond the school curriculum and your own interests. You must demonstrate your thirst to know more. Seek out opportunities to collaborate on projects, win competitions, and certify yourself in a variety of topics. These opportunities are all available online.
• Extracurricular & Academic Pursuits – Joining a debate club, Model UN, or an academic society. Leverage your school community to maximize the initiatives you’re involved in. Your school doesn’t have a club? Start it.
• Internships & Network Growth – Pursuing internships or shadowing professionals in fields of interest. Again, like above, these opportunities are available online today.

Students who go beyond basic coursework stand out as engaged, motivated learners, which is exactly what universities want.

Related: We reviewed the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application. It’s a great place to start building and demonstrating intellectual curiosity.

How to Cultivate Intellectual Curiosity

A student who embraces intellectual curiosity is not just preparing for university—they’re preparing for a lifetime of learning and success. Not everyone is naturally curious about academics, but intellectual curiosity can be developed.

1. Explore Topics Beyond The Curriculum
   • Online education has been foist upon us since 2020. But if harnessed correctly, it can be invaluable. Enrolling in free or paid online courses on a variety of platforms can provide certifications that demonstrate intellectual curiosity.
2. Ask More Questions & Engage in Self-Directed Learning
   • Make educational podcasts a routine. Read books outside your assigned syllabus. Have intentional and meaningful conversations with teachers, coaches, mentors always looking for the “why” and “how”. Don’t accept information at face value.
3. Develop Niche Skills
   • Go beyond certifying yourself in theoretics and university preparation courses online. Find something that will teach you how to build unique skills. For example: The Podcast Masterclass on Udemy

Not sure with platform to start with? You should also check out Coursera vs edX vs Udemy, where we outline which platform may be best for you.

Why Intellectual Curiosity is Essential for Success

Successful people want to work with other successful people who love to learn. Intellectual curiosity is what separates good students from great thinkers, and it plays a major role in academic and career success. Beyond university, intellectual curiosity is one of the most valuable skills in today’s job market.

🏆 Employers Value Problem Solvers – Those who constantly seek new knowledge adapt faster to changing industries.
💼 Curious People Innovate – Many of the world’s top entrepreneurs and business leaders are lifelong learners.
📈 Continuous Learning Leads to Career Growth – Skills become outdated fast, so those who stay curious continue to improve.

By asking questions, seeking new experiences, and engaging deeply with learning, students can stand out in university applications and beyond.

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Conclusion: Developing The Skills That Set You Apart

In a competitive admissions landscape, top universities are looking for more than just grades and test scores. They seek students who bring leadership, digital literacy, strong communication, financial responsibility, and intellectual curiosity to their academic communities. Mastering the key skills universities look for not only strengthens applications but also ensures success in higher education and beyond.

Think about the students who stand out:

• The team captain who leads with integrity, is accountable, and inspires others.
• The tech-savvy innovator who embraces digital tools to solve real-world problems in their community.
• The confident writer whose essays captivate readers with clarity, creativity, and depth.
• The financially responsible student who leads initiatives with wise money management skills, .
• The lifelong learner whose intellectual curiosity drives them to explore new ideas every day.

These aren’t just qualities that universities appreciate—they’re the foundation for success in academics, careers, and life.

Putting These Skills into Action

It’s not enough to simply know that these skills matter—students must actively demonstrate them in their applications and daily lives.

🎓 Personal Essays & Statements: University applications often include personal statements, and admissions officers want to see how students apply their skills in real situations. Whether it’s leading a community service project, managing personal savings for college, or taking an online course to build expertise, these experiences should be highlighted.

💡 Extracurricular Activities & Initiatives: Joining clubs, starting a blog, competing in academic contests, or launching a (faux or real) small business are great ways to showcase these skills. Get involved in everything you can in your school community, not because it looks good on a resume or application, but because it develops you into a well-rounded individual.

📚 Continuous Learning & Self-Improvement: Investing in free online courses, reading widely, and engaging in independent projects prove a passion for learning and growth. Take it one step further and purchase a certificate after than online course. They usually go anywhere from $65 – $200 depending on the institution. Small price to pay to further your future.

The road to university is more than just a checklist of requirements—it’s a journey of personal growth and skill development. Hone these five essential skills and you prepare for a lifetime of success.

As you craft your university application, remember: it’s not just about which schoo, but who you’re becoming.

Not sure with platform to start with? You should check out Coursera vs edX vs Udemy, where we outline which platform may be best for you. We’ve also created a post on the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application

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