Preparing for College: A Game Created by Researchers at USC

"Pathfinder" is a game created by USC researchers to help high school students figure out what they need to do to apply to college and what college is the best fit for them.

Researchers developed this college preparatory game out of concern that some students aren't applying for college admission because they don't know how to apply or navigate the system. Some also need help in terms of figuring out how to write a college essay, and deciding where to go.

The game -- which helps students develop college-planning and strategic skills through an interactive learning experience -- is the product of a collaboration among researchers at the USC Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis (CHEPA) at the USC Rossier School of Education, and the USC Game Innovation Lab at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The researchers also worked with about 25 local Los Angeles high school students to teach them the game-design process and gather their input in making "Pathfinder" realistic.

The game is being released in a card prototype, but the plan is to reach even more students with a future online version and a Facebook application.

This video shows students from the James A. Foshay Learning Center in Los Angeles learning how to play the card-game version of "Pathfinder."

Learn more at the Pathfinder Web site: http://pathfinder.usc.edu/

Visit the USC Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis Web site: http://www.usc.edu/dept/chepa/

Visit the USC Electronic Arts Game Innovation Lab Web site: http://interactive.usc.edu/research/games/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• USC
• education
• game
• games
• pathfinder
• college prep
• applying to college
• college application
• high school students

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