Research Assignment
Deadline 26th March 2025
Part A – Undergraduate Application
The purpose: 1) to help you understand the steps involved in applying to college or university, and prep you for your own application
in a year or two.
2) Discuss the importance of researching universities, understanding requirements, and planning ahead.
Select 3 universities (one from each region – Lesotho, Africa and Europe/America) that you might be interested in attending.
Choose schools that align with your academic interests, career goals, or personal preferences.
What majors or programs are you interested in?
Do you prefer a large university or small college? Comment about the location, size and type of institution (public, private,
community college etc.), what are the unique features or mission statement or vision of the school?
Are you looking for a school close to home or farther away?
What are the admission requirements? (GPA, standardized test scores – IELTS/SAT/ACT, class rank requirements, required high
school courses or prerequisites, possible exemptions
Application process – deadlines, required materials, fees, application platform
Cost and financial aid – tuition, room and board and other fees, type of financial aid available (scholarships, grants, loans, work-
study)
Campus life – student organizations, clubs, activities, housing options (on-campus , off-campus), campus culture and student
demographics
Academic programs – major, minors, special programs, faculty-to-student ratio, class sizes
Career support – career services, internship opportunities, job placements rates, alumni network and success stories
Use resources such as – university websites, admissions pages, guidebooks etc.
Deliverables
Written report – less than a page to sum your research
Digital presentation – PowerPoint or Google slides with visuals and key information
Infographic of your first choice
Video – give a tour of the school and explain the application process (use apps like CapCut, InShot etc.)
Mock Application – a completed sample application using a template with all required materials e.g. essay, resume,
references/testimonials
Reflection and Summary
Did the school meet your application? State and explain.
What part of the application process seems most challenging? Why? How will you prepare?
What did you learn about yourself through this project?
Part B – Career-Themed Exposure
To explore a career you are curious about and learn what it takes to succeed in that field.
Choose a career you’re interested in or curious about. (Guide – what are your hobbies or interest, what subjects do you enjoy in
school, what kind of work environment do you prefer – indoor, outdoor, team-based, work from home, independent etc.)
Job description – what does this job involve, what are the daily tasks?
Education/training – what education or training is required, are there any specific degrees or certification need?
Skills and qualities – what skills, talent, personality traits are important for this job?
Salary and job outlook – what is the average salary? Is the career in demand? Are there many job opportunities?
Work environment – where do people work? Individual or teamwork? NDA required?
Pros and Cons – benefits and challenges?
Interesting facts – anything unique or surprising about the job?
Examples of resources to use – books, articles, interviews with professionals if possible, Bureau of Labor Stats, careeronestop, my
next move (websites)
Deliverables
Brochure/Poster – summary , visual display with images, charts and key facts about the career
CV
Video – act as someone in your chosen career and explain what it is like
Part C – Financial Literacy
Earning, saving and investing money as a high school student is a great way to build financial literacy and set-up yourself for long-
term success.
What are the legal and possible ways to earn money as a full-time student?
How do you save money in a successful and trackable way? What is an emergency fund? Which possible savings accounts can you
open with the help of your parent or guardian if you’re below 18?
How can you save on college costs?
How can you invest your money? What is a diversified investment portfolio?
How do you plan on investing in yourself through education and side hustles/skills?
What financial tips can you give to your peers?
Examples of resources to learn more from
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason, I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi, Investopedia, NerdWallet, The
Balance, Dave Ramsey Show, ChooseFI, The Diary of The CEO, Personal Finance with Lerato Mochaki, Talking Money with Nozi
Deliverables
Poster of your diversified investment portfolio and a budget