Embrace a Growth Mindset, Monitor Inner
Dialogue, and Attribute Outcomes to Actions
An effective method for mindset is to monitor and adjust your inner dialogue. Self-talk
encompasses all the thoughts directed toward oneself. For instance, imagine Bob is
attempting to perform a car tune-up and accidentally forgets to replace the oil cap
before starting the engine, resulting in a messy situation. The thought that crosses
Bob's mind might be, "Ugh! How could you have done something so remarkably
foolish?!" Alternatively, it could be, "Wow, I must be quite fatigued. I remember when my
good friend Janet had a similar mishap. We'll share a laugh about it later."
Our minds are constantly filled with self-talk. If a majority of these thoughts lean toward
negativity and self- destructiveness, they can have adverse effects on our learning
efforts (Hirsch, 2001). Conversely, if our self-talk is kind and supportive, it can facilitate
the learning process.
Suppose you studied very hard for the second exam in your Twentieth-Century
Continental Philosophy course, but when the exam was returned to you, it was covered
in red with a "D" at the top. You might think, "No matter how hard I study, I'll never be
good at this stuff. I must be so stupid." This response is extremely common. But a
healthier, more robust response to failure is possible. You could say to yourself, "Wow!
Well, I guess the methods and strategies I used for that test didn't work. My next
assignment will be a great opportunity to try some new things that might work better."
Cultivating a growth mindset and developing healthy self-talk go hand in hand.
Pay attention to your self-talk, perhaps for a 24-hour period. During this observation
period, don't try to change anything; rather, you should just pay attention and maintain
awareness. Then, once you've taken your self-talk temperature, you can begin to
challenge one unhelpful thought out of 10. On hearing self-talk like, "I'll never get this
stuff," you might respond, "Never say never. I have new things I can try." Or you might
respond, "That guy David failed his first two tests and made an A on the third. Why not
me?" Another response might be, "Yes, I will get this stuff if I pay attention now and
keep using the strategies and putting in the time." Effective responses to negative
self-talk usually embody a spirit of curiosity or gentle determination. Anything violent or
punitive is probably coming from the place that produced the negative self-talk to begin
with. Making self-talk more positive should not be an onerous, endless chore for you. It
should happen gently and gradually so that you can maintain your new behavior.
In addition to your mindset and self-talk, you should examine how you explain your
successes and failures. If you attribute your successes to plain luck or someone else's
last-minute help and you attribute your failures to your own"inexorable stupidity," you will
not be a confident, empowered learner. However, if you attribute both your successes
and failures to your behavior, which you can control, then you will know what to do to
maintain or increase your success and reverse your failures. Ask yourself why you did
not do as well on an exam, a paper, or a project as you wanted to or thought you would.
Encourage yourself to locate the answers in your own behavior and attitudes, rather
than external circumstances. Consider the possibility that you hold the power to change
your results by changing your behavior.
What to do if nothing works.
Through my experience working with students, I've noticed that a minority of individuals
encounter challenges when attempting to put the strategies into practice and achieve
positive results. If you feel that you belong to this group after trying the strategies for a
few weeks, this section is tailored to your needs.
Have You Accepted Your Role?
Pay careful attention to your thought patterns. When things don't go as planned, who do
you typically hold responsible? If you frequently find yourself attributing blame to others
or external factors, it might be worthwhile to reconsider your perspective. It's essential to
recognize that virtually every setback in a person's life, regardless of their identity, can
be explained by pointing to external circumstances. For instance, if I end up getting
soaked while walking to my car after office hours because I forgot my umbrella, I could
easily attribute it to an unexpected student visit distracting me.
However, instead of placing the blame on the student for my soggy socks, I might find it
more empowering to take responsibility for my own actions and make changes for the
future. I got sidetracked, forgot my umbrella, and next time, as soon as I notice it's
raining, I can hang it on the hook right next to my office door as a reminder. Even if it's
tempting to shift the blame to external events, such as a sudden fire alarm or another
startling incident, it remains a fact that I forgot my umbrella. While I shouldn't berate
myself for the oversight, understanding why it happened, I still need to take
responsibility. By doing so, I retain maximum control over my own circumstances. There
are limits to this control—weather remains beyond our influence—but I can strive to
monitor forecasts and prepare for foreseeable situations. In essence, no one has
complete control over their destiny, but accepting responsibility is a way for each person
to maximize their role in shaping their own happiness. It's important to note that I am by
no means suggesting that victims of abuse, assault, harassment, or neglect bear any
responsibility for the crimes committed against them. Nor am I implying that students
who face traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one or a debilitating illness, are
obligated to soldier on regardless of the circumstances. In situations like these, one's
responsibility lies in self-care, seeking support to the best of their ability, and prioritizing
recovery and healing, even if it means taking a break from school. I've shared numerous
stories of resilient students who have overcome tremendous challenges to inspire you,
not to shame you into thinking that if you require more time or support to regain your
footing after similar events, you are in any way deficient. Blaming victims is never
acceptable. Sometimes the answer to the question, "Have you accepted your role?" is
"Yes, and then some."
Work, Work, and more Work
Another reason why some students might encounter difficulties when trying to effectively
apply learning strategies is due to their overwhelming work schedule. There are
students who find themselves employed for numerous hours, enrolled in a high number
of credits, and juggling numerous other responsibilities, leaving them with minimal time
to actually utilize any of the strategies. For instance, a student with three children who is
working 40 hours a week and taking 21 credit hours has essentially set themselves up
for potential failure. If you fall into this category, it's advisable to consider reducing your
credit load or scaling back your work hours, if feasible. If you're concerned about the
financial aspect, reconsider your options. Failing your courses can be a costly outcome.
Explore ways to make adjustments that allow you to have a genuine shot at the success
you rightfully deserve.
Steady Progress Yields Results
At times, there can be a significant disparity between the skills required to excel in a
particular course and the skills you currently possess. For instance, if you haven't yet
mastered fundamental concepts like fractions, decimals, or percentages, you'll likely
face considerable challenges in succeeding in a more advanced course like general
chemistry. In such cases, it's entirely reasonable to enroll in a preparatory course and
return to the advanced course at a later time. If you're concerned about this option
potentially delaying your graduation, it's worth considering that failing courses also leads
to graduation delays. It's crucial to understand your own capabilities and create
conditions for your success. However, it's important not to swing to the other extreme
and assume that struggling in a second-semester calculus class, for instance,
disqualifies you from taking economics. If you have doubts, consult with supportive
academic advisors who can assist you in determining when it's acceptable to have a
skills gap and when it could pose a problem.
The Key Takeaway: Your Emotions Matter
We've explored a variety of factors that can significantly impact learning, surpassing the
influence of purely intellectual elements. My aspiration is that you will apply the
recommendations provided in this guide to infuse school and learning with as much
enjoyment and excitement as you can.
BONUS: Read this letter if you take being college ready
seriously: [Link]
ANOTHER BONUS:
Addressing Common Misunderstandings of the
College Admissions Process
The Misunderstanding
Many students and their families often misunderstand the college admissions process,
which isn't surprising since it can be pretty nuanced. Based on my years of experience
from both sides of the table, I want to clear up how admission officers really evaluate
applicants.
They’re not just looking at your past achievements;they’re really interested in your
potential for future success. In my time in admissions, I've seen that what matters most
isn't just a list of what you've done, but whether you can handle tough courses and
contribute something meaningful to our community. Once they see a student has that
kind of potential and drive, the next thing they look at is how well they might fit with what
their school specifically needs.
Remember, you can't redo your past to become the perfect applicant—like magically
turning into a star athlete or a top musician if that's not your thing. Instead, I encourage
you to focus on what you can impact: showcasing your potential in your application.
That's what really counts.
Importance of Reflective Thinking
Reflection isn't just a talent you're born with; it's a vital skill that you need to work on
consistently. By taking time to think back on your past experiences and look forward to
your future ambitions, you start to get a clearer picture of what you're good at and what
you need to work on. It’s important to see failures not as setbacks, but as opportunities
to grow. This kind of reflection helps you build resilience, increases your
self-awareness, and gives you a sense of purpose—qualities that are essential not just
for college applications, but for life in general. Essentially, the habit of reflection is all
about fostering your personal growth.
Case Study Example
To illustrate the power of reflective thinking, let's consider the internship experiences of
two different students, whom we'll call Alex and Jordan for privacy.
Alex used family connections to secure an internship at a well-known tech startup.
However, Alex didn't ask many questions about the role and was mainly drawn to the
company's high-profile status. As a result, Alex ended up doing basic tasks like data
entry and attending meetings without real engagement. This lack of involvement meant
Alex missed out on deeper learning opportunities, leaving little to reflect on or discuss in
future college applications.
On the other hand, Jordan found an internship at a local environmental nonprofit that
matched their passion for sustainability. Jordan was upfront with the team about wanting
to make a meaningful impact and learn as much as possible. This proactive approach
led to hands-on experiences in project management and community outreach. Jordan
regularly reflected on these experiences, gaining insights that not only deepened
personal growth but also strengthened college applications. This reflective practice was
crucial in helping Jordan secure a significant scholarship focused on environmental
leadership.
The Main Point
Colleges don't just chase after big brand names like “Apple” or “Microsoft”; what really
matters to them is how your experiences have shaped your understanding and
perspective. Reflecting deeply on what you’ve learned from your activities is key to
crafting a compelling college application story. By pulling out the key lessons from your
experiences, you can tell a story that really speaks to admissions officers, showing not
just what you've achieved, but how you've grown, how you’ve overcome challenges,
and how you’re ready to make a mark in college.
Keep in mind, admissions teams are more interested in what you’re set to do in the
future, not just what you’ve done before.
Developing Reflective Skills
Understanding that reflection is a skill honed through steady practice is essential. Not all
practices are created equal, with some being particularly transformative. The first thing
students should do is dig deep into their motivations and values. This kind of
introspection enhances self-awareness and enriches what students can bring to a
college community.
Such reflective practices enable students to craft unique stories for their applications,
pinpointing pivotal moments and hurdles they've overcome. These stories don’t just fill
space; they provide a compelling glimpse into a student’s individual journey, showcasing
their uniqueness, resilience, and readiness for college.
Reflection also serves as a vital sign of a student’s readiness for college. Those who
can thoughtfully consider their experiences often show a remarkable ability to adapt and
grow—traits that are indispensable in higher education. An admissions expert from
Reed College highlighted that a pivotal aspect of application essays is the student's
ability to probe the implications of their experiences, essentially asking, 'so what?'
By making reflective thinking a priority, students not only boost their chances of getting
into college but also lay a strong foundation for continual growth and personal success
in the future.
Showing Future Potential
Challenge Yourself
Pushing yourself is key to showing what you’re capable of in the future. By diving into
tough academics, chasing your passions, and looking for new ways to grow, you signal
that you’re ready to thrive in college and beyond. It's also about how you tackle personal
challenges—using resilience and determination to overcome obstacles shows you have
what it takes to succeed.
Seeking Growth Opportunities
But it’s not just about keeping up with your studies. Seeking out extra opportunities is
just as important. Stellar grades are great, but they’re not everything. Colleges want to
see your commitment to exploring new ideas and improving yourself. This could mean
getting involved in clubs, volunteering, tackling research projects, or interning. These
experiences don’t just look good on applications; they help weave your personal growth
into a compelling story about who you are and what you aim to become.
Adopting a Growth Mindset
Developing a growth mindset early makes all the difference. This means seeing
challenges as chances to learn, and setbacks as steps forward. Embracing this mindset
prepares you to deal with college’s ups and downs and to make the most of every
chance to learn and grow. Students with this attitude are not just surviving; they’re set to
excel.
Overview of Holistic Admissions
The holistic approach to admissions has really taken root in how colleges evaluate
potential students. This method looks beyond just GPA and test scores to include a
broad spectrum of what an applicant brings to the table—like their academic record,
extracurricular involvement, and personal traits. Admissions teams are keen on putting
together a student body that’s not just talented but also diverse in backgrounds,
interests, and what they can contribute to the campus life.
Factors Beyond Grades: Academic Journey, Challenges, and Recommendations
When it comes to grades and test scores, sure, they’re important, but they often just
serve as a starting point at many selective schools. Take Pomona College, for instance,
where about 80% of applicants meet the academic bar. That's enough to get them in the
running, but the real scrutiny begins after that. Admissions officers dig into an
applicant's academic pursuits, looking for a zest for learning, resilience in the face of
challenges, and a proactive learning style. Letters of recommendation are also key, as
they shed light on the student’s character, work ethic, and potential contributions.
Assessing an Applicant's Potential to Succeed in College
The core of the admissions debate centers on whether a student will truly thrive in the
college's environment. This goes beyond academics to include social skills, adaptability,
and potential for intellectual growth. The goal is to pinpoint students who will excel in
their studies and also enhance the campus with their unique experiences and
viewpoints.
While learning this framework will put you ahead, keep in mind that you’re
only a fraction of the way through Creating an Outstanding Application.
