College admission offices produce plenty of publications, hoping to turn heads their way. While these materials are useful on some level, not many brochures become "keepers" in my office. One brochure that is a keeper is Lake Forest College's Seven Strategies for Success. I'd be happy to hand a copy to every student who walks through my door! With permission from the Lake Forest admission office, this column will quote, paraphrase and condense the college's recommendations. I think you'll find these strategies to be useful not only in the college search but in college studies, professional careers and perhaps many other facets of your life.
1. Build a network
"You never know who's going to provide the crucial piece of news, advice or assistance that could change the course of your life." When students embark on a college search, they may imagine their network to consist of parents, teachers, counselors and advisors. Yet it can be so much more! Imagine extending it to coaches, employers, clergy, friends' parents, distant relatives, business associates of family members, physicians and just about anyone else in a student's sphere. All of these people can share thoughts about a student's strengths and can offer information about their own career and life choices.
2. Find a mentor
"Mentors are people who will have a lasting influence on your life." High school students have often had teachers, coaches or employers who have mentored them, taught them valuable life lessons. Mentors expand students' horizons, enabling them to think about their place in the world and the options ahead. Ideally, the college experience will include some of the best mentoring experiences of one's lifetime; the college search should include a special mentor, as well.
3. Focus on leadership
"Pursue what really interests you with enough energy and consistency to become a leader at it." Students ought not to spread themselves too thin, but should focus attention on pursuits where they can make a true difference. Developing one's leadership potential in high school not only creates a more attractive college applicant, it leads to greater growth in college and establishes a solid foundation for achievement over a lifetime.
4. Think critically
"Read, study, and ask questions - questions like 'why?' The purpose of education is to learn to think critically for yourself." Imagine a society of passive learners and passive citizens; little creative change would occur. Powers of analysis, the ability to discern fact from fiction, the capacity to question in a constructive way: these are keys to success in all phases of life.
5. Develop research skills
"Learn how to find out what you don't know." Google has helped us with this; it's the rare student who does not know how to find answers to questions on the Web. However, not all students understand the credibility gap between sites, and they may simply grab the first answer available. Gathering information from a variety of reliable sources will be important for choosing a college, writing a research paper, buying a new computer - even planning a vacation.
6. Master the art of communication
"Do whatever it takes to improve your writing skills and you'll be far ahead of the game." Effective communication is critical when writing college essays, interviewing, presenting findings of research, persuading people to take an interest in your opinions. Students who take advantage of good writing instruction in high school will indeed be ahead of the game, both as college applicants and later as college students.
7. Build your interpersonal skills
"Accept and embrace diversity and find out how much you really have in common with people different from yourself." Seek to know people from different backgrounds and with different world views. Learn how to interact with a wide range of individuals, and discover how much you each have to learn from one another.
In closing, a note about Lake Forest College: like many small liberal arts colleges, it is a place with a history of mentoring students and helping them realize their strengths and potential. Publication of a brochure like Seven Strategies for Success demonstrates commitment to helping all students achieve their best, no matter where they enroll. These strategies are relevant for all of us, at every stage of our lives; for high school students, they may help to frame studies and pursuit of goals in a particularly effective way.
Jane S. Shropshire of Shropshire Educational Consulting, LLC guides students and families through the college search process. Send questions or suggestions to JShrop@att.net.