How to Be a University Student in High School?
My favorite resources for independent learning
The title might sound misleading because we’re not actually applying to university today. However, these days, you don't need a fancy degree or a student loan with a bunch of zeros to have access to quality education. Today, you can go on the Internet and find quality resources on every topic and level of difficulty without having to even leave your house.
Still, not many people are aware of the full possibilities of the Internet (even those who spend hours on TikTok every day). And every time someone asks me where I learned about Lagrangian mechanics or why I know so much about German Romanticism, I am surprised at how ignorant people are of the wonderful resources, websites, and e-books available online FOR FREE.
So, today I will talk about some of my favorite online resources, courses, financial aid opportunities, etc. that I use to learn university-level material in high school.
Frankly, this review might be a bit biased because I am a big fan of STEM. So, most of these resources are science- and math-oriented (don’t worry, there will be other resources).
edX
You have all probably heard of edX before. EdX is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, from computer science and engineering to the humanities and social sciences. They partner with top universities and organizations around the world to provide high-quality, university-level courses to learners everywhere.
One of the best things about edX is that many of their courses are free to take, so you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule without worrying about the cost. Plus, if you’re looking to earn a certificate or degree, edX offers those options as well.
And if you’re concerned about the cost of those certificate or degree programs, edX also offers financial aid to qualifying learners. In fact, they report that over 30% of learners on their platform receive financial assistance, which is amazing!
Applying for financial aid on edX is a straightforward and user-friendly process. When you find a course or program you’re interested in, simply click on the “Financial Assistance” or “Financial Aid” link on the course page.
From there, you’ll be asked to fill out an application that will ask for some basic information about you and your financial situation. Once you’ve submitted your application, edX will review it and notify you of their decision. If you’re approved for financial aid, you’ll receive a discount on the cost of the course or program.
One of the great things about edX is that it’s designed to be easy and accessible, so anyone who wants to learn can do so regardless of their age, educational background, or experience.
Some of my favorite courses on edX:
- Semiconductors for Beginners
- Introduction to Differential Equations
- Mathematical and Computational Methods
- Masterpieces of World Literature
- Question Reality! Science, philosophy, and the search for meaning
The Theoretical Minimum
The Theoretical Minimum website by Leonard Susskind is a fantastic resource for anyone who is interested in physics and mathematics. At its core, the Theoretical Minimum website is all about making complex concepts in physics and mathematics more accessible to everyone. Professor Susskind is known for his ability to explain difficult ideas in a clear and engaging way, and he brings that same approach to this website. You’ll find a wide range of resources here, including video lectures, written materials, and practice problems that can help you deepen your understanding of the topics covered.
One of the great things about the Theoretical Minimum website is that it is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your needs. If you’re a high school student who is just getting started with physics, you can start with the introductory materials and work your way up to more advanced topics. If you’re already familiar with some of the basics, you can dive right into the more challenging material.
Also, to understand the material better, you can purchase his Theoretical Minimum book series.
The Theoretical Minimum series is a set of books that complements the online courses and lectures offered on The Theoretical Minimum website. The books delve deeper into the topics covered in the lectures, providing additional explanations, examples, and problems to help readers understand the material better.
The books cover a wide range of topics in physics, including classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, and more. Each book is written in a clear and accessible style, with plenty of illustrations and examples to help readers understand the concepts being discussed.
For example, in the book “The Theoretical Minimum: Classical Mechanics,” Susskind covers topics such as Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws, and oscillations. He uses examples such as the motion of a pendulum and the behavior of a spring to illustrate these concepts and make them more concrete.
In “The Theoretical Minimum: Quantum Mechanics,” Susskind covers the basic principles of quantum mechanics, including wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, and the Schrödinger equation.
My favorite books and courses on The Theoretical Minimum:
- Classical Mechanics x Classical Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum
- Quantum Mechanics x Quantum Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum
- Higgs Boson
Coursera
Coursera is honestly one of my favorite resources to use when I want to take an online course because of how pleasant and intuitive the interface is. Also, it offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to deadlines, which definitely comes in handy when I am trying to combine schoolwork with online courses.
One of the best things about Coursera is its flexibility. You can take courses at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere in the world. The platform offers both self-paced courses and courses that run on a specific schedule, so you can choose the learning format that works best for you.
Coursera also offers a variety of features to enhance your learning experience. Many courses include interactive quizzes and assignments to help you apply what you’ve learned, and you can connect with other learners from around the world through the platform’s discussion forums.
While many of the courses on Coursera are available for free, some of the more advanced courses require payment. However, if you’re unable to pay for a course, Coursera offers financial aid to help make the courses more accessible.
To apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out a short application that asks for some basic information about your financial situation. Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by a team at Coursera. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a code that you can use to enroll in the course for free.
My favorite courses on Coursera:
- Particle Physics: an Introduction
- Machine Learning Specialization
- Decision Making and Reinforcement Learning
Letsthinkcritically
This is one of my favorite bonus resources for solving interesting math problems from different exams and math competitions (besides Medium, of course).
LetsThinkCritically is a YouTube channel run by a math teacher. On the channel, he presents solutions to a wide variety of challenging math problems, from algebra and geometry to calculus and beyond. He breaks down each problem step-by-step and provides clear explanations of the concepts and strategies involved.
One of the great things about letsthinkcritically is that he doesn’t just solve problems; he also shows you how to approach them systematically and strategically. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
These are just some of the online resources available that you can use to learn about science, literature, psychology, philosophy, and more. So, if you’re eager to learn, you won’t be short on free resources. Happy learning!
