College Students: These Soft Skills Lead to Academic Success
July 31st, 2015Last week on the blog we discussed the importance of using reflection and mindfulness to help set new goals as the school year approaches. We also believe that developing skills such as organization, time management and teamwork will help you become the best student you can be as well as a successful college candidate. In the article linked below Cathryn Sloane gives some specific examples of how these “soft skills” have worked for others. We hope this article might spark some inspiration in your thoughts for how to proceed with the upcoming academic year.
Article Published November 17, 2014
By: Cathryn Sloane
The growing importance placed on soft skills both in education and in the workplace is affecting the way students prepare for college. While standardized testing is still competitive and hard study skills certainly remain in play, high school seniors should make sure to also hone the soft skills that can improve the way they approach their work and their interactions with others.
These help students present themselves as winning candidates on their college applications and ensure they are equipped to handle the new challenges college throws at them. A few current college students reflected on how soft skills helped them remain successful when they ran into challenges.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Choices, College, Personal characteristics
Reflect on the Experience
July 24th, 2015In our fast paced society it is sometimes easy to forget the purpose of each day. Many of us just go through the motions without reflecting on experiences and without truly preparing mentally for challenges ahead. As summer is winding down and the new school year is approaching we thought it would be beneficial to discuss the art of reflection and being mindful in our daily lives. This approach to life is helpful in many ways but especially in the classroom.
The article we’ve linked to below was written to help college students reflect on their research experiences and it may be a useful guide for your own reflections. Think about all that you’ve experienced over the summer, what you’ve learned from these experiences and how they’ve changed you. The answers may not come easily! When you have clarity about your thoughts, consider how the new you can set goals and tackle challenges in the school year ahead, mindful of whether your priorities and interests have changed.
Read more at University of Connecticut - Office of Undergraduate Research >>
Tagged: College, Personal characteristics, Summer
Master the College Video Admissions Interview With These Tips
July 14th, 2015Can’t make it to a college campus, due to time, distance and or expense? Many colleges and universities are using video formats such as Skype to conduct admissions interviews now, allowing admissions officers to have one-on-one face time with prospective students who are unable to travel for an in-person interview. We liked the way Bradford Holmes highlighted several important things to consider when planning an interview via video communications.
Article published January 19, 2015
By: Bradford Holmes
An increasing number of colleges and universities are turning to video communications services like Skype to conduct interviews with prospective students. Video interviews combine the convenience of a telephone conversation with the face-to-face experience of an in-person discussion. If you will be participating in a video interview this year, check out these ways to help you wow the admissions representative.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Applications, College, Interviews
Insights on college interviews
July 9th, 2015As high school seniors prepare for the college admission process, it’s important to start thinking about admission interviews. Many schools require or highly encourage interviews as part of the admission process and the interview can be an excellent way to demonstrate depth of interest in – and learn more about – a school. When a college recommends but doesn’t require an interview, Shrop Ed believes students should view this as a requirement and an opportunity. If students are unable to visit the campus there are many other options available such as a Skype interview, an alumni interview or an online interview format.
The article below was written in 2010, yet we feel it remains quite relevant and gets to the heart of the interview process.
By Martha Allman, Wake Forest Director of Admissions
October 19, 2010
As high school students apply to college this fall, we strongly encourage our applicants to interview with us, either on campus, via webcam through Skype or if all else fails, through an on-line interview format. The interviews have proven invaluable as we evaluate applicants and have sometimes been so revealing that we have questioned how we ever made admissions decisions before the interview!
Read more at Wake Forest University News >>Tagged: Admission decision, Applications, College
