Question: We just don't have time to visit colleges this summer or next summer. Our son, a high-school junior, wants to learn what college courses are like. -- For a Creative Solution
Answer: Fortunately, there are many ways that your curious son can learn what college courses are like. One is in his own backyard at his high school. He can take AP (advanced placement) classes, which have college-level curriculum and exams. Of course, this is a year-long commitment to one or more challenging classes.
Another way to get a quick overview of college classes is to contact the admissions office of a local community or four-year college and ask for permission to visit a class. This is definitely something that he could do this summer; however, it is only a snapshot of what college classes are like.
If your son really wants to experience what a college class is like, he can actually take a college course online. He can see professors at different schools in action. He can even take quizzes and tests. Many of these classes are introductory ones that a strong high-school student should be able to complete.
These online college classes are called MOOCs, standing for massive open online course. There are several online providers that are associated with top universities. Your son should explore the websites of Coursera, Udacity, edX and iTunes U.