November 1 is the early deadline for many college applications. Around this date each year, there is a new article about the college admissions process and what it takes to gain acceptance into America's top colleges. This year's
offering from the New York Times
depicts the changing landscape in colleges and gives clues to how students might be evaluated in the future.
High school GPAs and the rigor of a student's high school schedule have long been the first criteria when evaluating a student application. However, in recent years colleges have found that widespread grade inflation has made this measure less reliable. Even SAT and ACT scores are flagged as inadequate measures of future college success, and more and more the fact that Mom or Dad is a "legacy" is not going to help a student get into college.
This article highlights 3 colleges trying newer approaches. Trinity College in Connecticut measures 13 characteristics called "Predictors of Success" including curiosity, empathy, openness to change and overcoming adversity. MIT now invites applicants to submit a Maker's Portfolio depicting a solution the student has created in high school. And Olin College brings applicants together for two days to see how they collaborate and relate.
These new approaches
validate the role of high schools in helping students prepare themselves for the next level through formal leadership education and hands-on real life experiences.
Colleges increasingly want students who can tell their story of accomplishment in order to identify emerging leaders. At IWA, our Young Leaders Program theme this year is "Tell Your Story". Our students create extraordinary solutions and it's encouraging to know that their accomplishments and service will be recognized.
-Mr. K
