Parents encourage their children to be the “best” they can be. Schools, too, no matter the curriculum, strive to bring out the “best” in each child. What varies, however, is what “best” refers to in each context. The term can have a narrow focus, such as referring to those students who excel only in their academics, are gifted in a particular sport, or reach their potential in a specific activity or pursuit; however, at the other end of the spectrum, the term can be more holistic, describing those students who excel across a wide variety of aspects of their lives.
Colleges all over the world strive to attract the “best” students to their campuses. Some institutions only seek prized academics, whereas others seek students who can demonstrate why they are prepared to study courses and programs at specific universities in addition to achieving high grades. There are other colleges and universities, on the other hand, that look beyond academics and course suitability and use a holistic admission approach to identify students who excel in a variety of key areas and who will bring added value to a college campus.
Key Areas of Preparedness
- Academics – Achieving potential in terms of grades and test scores, competing in academic events, and continuing education (online or off) to deepen understanding.
- In-Depth Learning – Engagement in learning beyond the classroom and in areas of interest through research papers, extended essays, personal projects, online coursework, work experiences, internships, self-assessments, and learning opportunities.
- Writing – Through journals, blogs, poetry, stories, music, debating, Model United Nations, elocution, spoken word, improvisation, and drama, students can develop their reflective, creative, and persuasive writing skills.
- College Connections – A focus on colleges and universities of interest, comprehension of admission requirements, participation in virtual and in-person visits and sessions, viewing campus video tours, expressing interest, reading fact sheets, and interacting with alumni.
- Showcasing – Putting together a suitable resume and portfolio, getting ready for interviews, and making sure that recommenders are capable of acting as strong advocates.
- Supporting Others – Creating positive relationships with peers, mentors, bosses, and teachers by getting involved in activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Personal Development – The process of realizing potential through active participation in life both inside and outside of school, including clubs, activities, sports, music, theater, leadership roles, fine and performing arts, and travel.
The relevance, significance, and weight given to each factor during the college admissions process can vary significantly and will often depend on the region in which the institution is located. While colleges and universities in some countries, such as the USA, use a holistic approach and take into consideration a wide range of factors when deciding who to accept or deny, institutions in other nations, such as India, may only focus on academic achievement when making admissions decisions.
Relevance of Key Areas of Preparedness to Global Admissions
Although achieving their “best” in each of the key areas is of great importance to the holistic development of every child, when it comes to college admissions plans, students should begin their exploration journey early and keep in mind the relative importance placed on the various key areas by college admissions officers in the regions to which they wish to apply. With careful consideration and planning, students will have the best chance of reaching their college admission goals.