# Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Review (2026): 8.5/10 · EDX · Free > Independent review of Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course on EDX. Rated 8.5/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top alternatives. Free to… Personal Development Courses Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course ![Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course](/api/media/file/hero/making-a-difference-ii-high-stakes-course.jpg?width=800) # Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course — Review (8.5/10) This course offers a compelling framework for tackling global challenges through strategic thinking and prioritization. It blends interdisciplinary insights with practical career guidance for those se... Explore This Course Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course is a 5 weeks online intermediate-level course on EDX by Tel Aviv University that covers personal development. This course offers a compelling framework for tackling global challenges through strategic thinking and prioritization. It blends interdisciplinary insights with practical career guidance for those seeking large-scale impact. While light on interactive content, its conceptual depth makes it valuable for purpose-driven learners. Best suited for those already interested in effective altruism or high-impact careers. We rate it 8.5/10. ## Prerequisites Basic familiarity with personal development fundamentals is recommended. An introductory course or some practical experience will help you get the most value. ## Pros - Teaches practical frameworks for identifying high-impact opportunities - Integrates insights from economics, science, and technology effectively - Encourages strategic career planning for global benefit - Free to audit with valuable conceptual tools ## Cons - Limited hands-on exercises or assessments - Assumes some prior interest in effective altruism - Lacks peer interaction or mentorship components ## Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course Review Platform: EDX Instructor: Tel Aviv University Updated Apr 24, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes course - Strategies for executing ambitious high-impact plans. - Frameworks for prioritizing different options for making a difference. - Techniques for critical thinking, decision-making, and research. - Strategies for directing your career to successfully help others at scale. - Concrete opportunities in promising cause areas you can contribute to. - Insights from economics, statistics, the natural sciences, technology, and more. ### Program Overview ### Module 1: Focusing on Global Risks and Harms Duration estimate: Week 1 - Understanding global catastrophic risks - Identifying neglected and scalable problems - Assessing long-term impacts ### Module 2: Prioritization and Ambitious Goal Setting Duration: Week 2 - Effective altruism frameworks - Cost-benefit analysis for social impact - Setting high-leverage goals ### Module 3: Critical Thinking and Research Skills Duration: Week 3 - Evaluating evidence and uncertainty - Decision-making under complexity - Interdisciplinary research methods ### Module 4: Career Strategies for Scale Duration: Weeks 4–5 - High-impact career paths - Leveraging personal skills for global good - Contributing to emerging cause areas ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - Relevant for roles in global policy, effective altruism organizations, and impact-driven nonprofits. - Builds strategic thinking applicable to think tanks, research institutes, and philanthropy. - Valuable for professionals aiming to align careers with long-term global priorities. ## Editorial Take Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes, offered by Tel Aviv University on edX, is a thoughtfully structured course for learners aiming to create meaningful change at scale. It builds on principles of effective altruism and rational decision-making to guide students in identifying and acting on the world’s most pressing problems. With a strong emphasis on prioritization and strategic thinking, the course appeals to ethically motivated individuals seeking clarity in high-impact pathways. ### Standout Strengths - Global Impact Focus: The course trains learners to identify and act on the world’s largest risks, emphasizing scale, neglectedness, and tractability. This lens helps cut through noise and focus on truly transformative opportunities. - Prioritization Frameworks: Students gain access to proven models for comparing cause areas, such as global health, long-term future risks, and animal welfare. These tools enable more rational allocation of time and resources. - Career Strategy Integration: Unlike many ethics or philosophy courses, this one directly links learning to career decisions. It offers concrete advice on how to align professional paths with high-impact goals. - Interdisciplinary Insights: Drawing from economics, statistics, and natural sciences, the course provides a well-rounded foundation for evaluating evidence and making informed choices under uncertainty. - Critical Thinking Development: Learners are equipped with techniques to assess arguments, avoid cognitive biases, and conduct independent research—skills essential for navigating complex global issues. - Free Access Model: The ability to audit the course at no cost removes financial barriers, making high-quality ethical and strategic education accessible to a global audience. ### Honest Limitations - Abstract Nature: The course leans heavily on conceptual frameworks, which may feel detached from real-world implementation for learners seeking hands-on projects or case studies. - Limited Interactivity: As a self-paced, lecture-based format, it lacks live discussions, peer feedback, or collaborative problem-solving components that deepen engagement. - Assumed Motivation: Success in the course depends on intrinsic motivation; learners without prior interest in altruism or global priorities may struggle to stay engaged. - Certificate Cost: While auditing is free, obtaining a verified certificate requires payment, which may deter some learners despite the course’s value. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Dedicate 3–4 hours weekly to fully absorb readings and reflect on personal impact strategies. Consistent pacing ensures deeper integration of concepts. - Parallel project: Apply course ideas to a real-world problem you care about—design an intervention or career plan using the prioritization frameworks taught. - Note-taking: Maintain a journal of key insights, especially on cause area comparisons and personal skill alignment, to build a personalized action plan. - Community: Join online forums like the Effective Altruism community to discuss ideas, seek feedback, and stay motivated beyond course content. - Practice: Use decision-making techniques from the course to evaluate real-life choices, even small ones, to build strategic thinking habits. - Consistency: Stick to a weekly schedule—this course rewards reflection over time rather than last-minute cramming. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: 'Doing Good Better' by William MacAskill complements the course by expanding on effective altruism principles and real-world applications. - Tool: The '80,000 Hours' career guide provides actionable advice aligned with the course’s mission-driven focus. - Follow-up: Explore the 'Global Priorities Institute' research papers for deeper academic engagement with long-termist thinking. - Reference: Use 'The Precipice' by Toby Ord as a reference for understanding existential risks discussed in the course. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Overwhelm from scale—learners may feel daunted by global problems. Focus on tractable entry points rather than solving everything at once. - Pitfall: Analysis paralysis—spending too much time comparing options. Use the course’s frameworks to make timely, good-enough decisions. - Pitfall: Isolation—without community, motivation can fade. Proactively seek discussion groups or accountability partners. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: At 5 weeks and 3–5 hours per week, the time investment is manageable and yields lasting strategic frameworks. - Cost-to-value: Free auditing makes it an exceptional value; even the paid certificate offers strong ROI for career changers. - Certificate: The verified credential adds credibility, especially when applying to impact-focused roles or graduate programs. - Alternative: Comparable content elsewhere often costs hundreds; this course delivers similar insights at no upfront cost. ### Editorial Verdict This course stands out in the personal development space by combining ethical reasoning with practical strategy. It doesn’t just inspire—it equips. The curriculum is intellectually rigorous without being overly technical, making it accessible to a broad audience. By grounding abstract ideas in real-world applications, it empowers learners to move from intention to impact. The integration of economics, science, and career planning creates a rare interdisciplinary synergy that few online courses achieve. We recommend this course to purpose-driven professionals, students considering high-impact careers, and anyone disillusioned with traditional approaches to social good. While it won’t hand you a step-by-step plan, it gives you the mental models to build one. The lack of interactivity is a drawback, but motivated learners can overcome this with self-directed practice. Overall, Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes is a valuable investment in both personal growth and global betterment—especially at no cost to audit. For those serious about changing the world, this course is a compelling starting point. ## How Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course | EDX | 8.5/10 | Intermediate | 5 weeks | | Focus: Strategies for Enhanced Concentration and Performance Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Practice Exams for Gemology Students (GIA® GG Curriculum) Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Stress Free Like a Monk: 21-Days Brain Training Sci & Veda Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course? This course is best suited for learners with foundational knowledge in personal development and want to deepen their expertise. Working professionals looking to upskill or transition into more specialized roles will find the most value here. The course is offered by Tel Aviv University on EDX, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a verified certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply personal development skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Advance to mid-level roles requiring personal development proficiency - Take on more complex projects with confidence - Add a verified certificate credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Personal Development Courses on EDX Explore other highly rated courses in personal development available on EDX to expand your learning path: - Classical Works course 9.7/10 - HarvardX: Calculus Applied! course 9.7/10 - Social and Environmental Leadership in the Arctic Course 8.5/10 - Unpacking Activism Course 8.5/10 - Principles of Hemp Cultivation Course 8.5/10 - Introduction to American Civics: Presented by Zero-L 8.5/10 - European Paintings: From Leonardo to Rembrandt to Goya 8.5/10 - PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude Course 8.5/10 - Super-Earths and Life Course 8.5/10 - Vocal Recording Technology Course 8.5/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated personal development courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - Focus: Strategies for Enhanced Concentration and Performance Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Practice Exams for Gemology Students (GIA® GG Curriculum) Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Stress Free Like a Monk: 21-Days Brain Training Sci & Veda Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Sacral Chakra: The Center of Passion & Trust Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Certified: Manifestation, Universal Laws & Chakras Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Certified: Devotion to your Heart Chakra 9.8/10 Udemy - The Kabbalah 10 Sefirot Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Find Your Purpose in Life: A Practical Self-Discovery System 9.8/10 Udemy - The Art of Palmistry: Unlocking the Secrets in Your Hands Course 9.8/10 Udemy - 7-Day 5-Minute Face Lift Method – Sculpt & Lift Your Face 9.8/10 Udemy ## More Courses from Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv University offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - The Holocaust – An Introduction (I): Nazi Germany: Ideology, The Jews and the World Course 9.8/10 - Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part II - Maximize Social Wellbeing Course 8.7/10 - Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part I - The Role of the State Course 8.5/10 - Planetary Boundaries: Breakthrough Science from Frontiers Planet Prize Champions Course 8.5/10 - Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows 8.5/10 - Arab-Islamic History: From Tribes to Empires Course 8.5/10 - Viruses & How to Beat Them I: Introduction to Cell Biology & Viruses 8.5/10 - Climate Change: The Science Behind the Crisis - Part 1 8.5/10 View all courses from Tel Aviv University → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? Browse our full catalog of course categories to find the right fit for your career goals: Agile & Scrum Courses AI Courses Arts and Humanities Courses Business & Management Courses Cloud Computing Courses Computer Science Courses Construction Management Courses Cybersecurity Courses Data Analyst Courses Data Analytics Courses Data Engineering Courses Data Science Courses Design Courses Developer Courses Economics & Finance Courses Education & Teacher Training Courses Entrepreneurship Courses Excel Courses Finance Courses Game Development Courses Graphic Design Courses Health Science Courses Information Technology Courses Language Learning Courses Leadership Courses Lifestyle Courses Machine Learning Courses Marketing Courses Math and Logic Courses Music Courses Negotiation Courses Office Productivity Courses Other Personal Development Courses Photography & Videography Courses Physical Science and Engineering Courses Project Management Courses Python Courses SEO Courses Social Media Marketing Courses Social Sciences Courses Software Development Courses Supply Chain Management Courses Teaching Courses Uncategorized UX Design Courses Web Development Courses Explore related topics Leadership Health Science Negotiation Lifestyle Business & Management Explore Related Topics Best Personal Development Courses Learning Path Browse All Courses ## User Reviews No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course? A basic understanding of Personal Development fundamentals is recommended before enrolling in Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course. Learners who have completed an introductory course or have some practical experience will get the most value. The course builds on foundational concepts and introduces more advanced techniques and real-world applications. Does Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a verified certificate from Tel Aviv University. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Personal Development can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course? The course takes approximately 5 weeks to complete. It is offered as a free to audit course on EDX, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course? Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: teaches practical frameworks for identifying high-impact opportunities; integrates insights from economics, science, and technology effectively; encourages strategic career planning for global benefit. Some limitations to consider: limited hands-on exercises or assessments; assumes some prior interest in effective altruism. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Personal Development. How will Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course help my career? Completing Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course equips you with practical Personal Development skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Tel Aviv University, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course and how do I access it? Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course is available on EDX, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is free to audit, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on EDX and enroll in the course to get started. How does Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course compare to other Personal Development courses? Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated personal development courses. Its standout strengths — teaches practical frameworks for identifying high-impact opportunities — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course taught in? Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course is taught in English. Many online courses on EDX also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course kept up to date? Online courses on EDX are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Tel Aviv University has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, EDX offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build personal development capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course? After completing Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course, you will have practical skills in personal development that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be equipped to tackle complex, real-world challenges and lead projects in this domain. Your verified certificate credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers. ## Similar Courses Other courses in Personal Development Courses ![Making a Difference Ⅰ: Evidence-based Impact](/api/media/file/hero/making-a-difference-1-evidence-based-impact-course.jpg?width=480) EDX Personal Development Courses ### Making a Difference Ⅰ: Evidence-based Impact ★★★★½ EDX View Course » Enroll ![Jewelry Making: Wire Wrapping for Beginners Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/05/Jewelry-Making-Wire-Wrapping-for-Beginners.webp?width=480) Udemy Lifestyle Courses ### Jewelry Making: Wire Wrapping for Beginners Course ★★★★½ Udemy View Course » Enroll ![Making Architecture Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-161201.png?width=480) Coursera Arts and Humanities Courses ### Making Architecture Course ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ![Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/08/Effective-Problem-Solving-and-Decision-Making.webp?width=480) Coursera Business & Management Courses ### Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Course ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ![Aromatherapy Candle Making (Certified) Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/05/Aromatherapy-Candle-Making-Certified.webp?width=480) Udemy Lifestyle Courses ### Aromatherapy Candle Making (Certified) Course ★★★★½ Udemy View Course » Enroll ![Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/04/Foundational-Finance-for-Strategic-Decision-Making-Specialization.webp?width=480) Coursera Business & Management Courses ### Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization Course ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ## Related Job Opportunities ### MMHE Technician: Military Equipment & Maintenance M&E Global Resources Ltd Remote Full-Time ### Warehouse Administrator Bausch Health Remote Full-Time PLN 70–90/yr ### Customer Service Support Specialist with Russian & English HCLTech Remote Full-Time PLN 36–60/yr ### Virtual Assistant - Customer Service My VA Support Remote Full-Time PLN 41–77/yr ### HR Admin Teams Squared Remote Full-Time PLN 152–203/yr Browse more jobs on JobsNearMe.career → ### Explore Related Categories All Personal Development Courses Explore Course Reviews ### Review: Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes Course Your Name * Email (optional, not displayed) Rating * Your Review * ### Discover More Course Categories Explore expert-reviewed courses across every field Data Science Courses AI Courses Python Courses Machine Learning Courses Web Development Courses Cybersecurity Courses Data Analyst Courses Excel Courses Cloud & DevOps Courses UX Design Courses Project Management Courses SEO Courses Agile & Scrum Courses Business Courses Marketing Courses Software Dev Courses Browse all 10,000+ courses »