Does anyone know of any mods that allow you to enter the College of Winterhold without joining (i.e. having the quest "First Lessons" start)? You get the option when talking to Faralda for her to make an exception for you as the dragonborn, which I interpret as "I have no talent, I want to ask some questions of the people inside" (and for that matter there isn't an option when she asks you why you're there to say that you're looking for info on the Elderscrolls). She decides to let you in if you shout and then specifically says that applicants usually need to demonstrate magical talent, but you essentially get recruited.

I don't even care about the whole issue of being able to become Archmage without any skill in magic, I just want to get in without joining. I realize that I don't have to go there for the Elderscroll, but I like the RP aspects of it. I also realize that I could just choose to igore the quest in my journal, but mods are about making the game better/suit the tastes of the gamer, right?

Also:

Not sure about the first part, but for the second part, couldn't you just use unlock on the doors?

I know that worked in Oblivion, haven't tried it in Skyrim - only two mages, both in the college. Just press ~ to open the console, click on the door and type "unlock" without the quotes.

It will think you're part of the College though.