Achievement in high school is important. It shows that you’re willing to work hard and
that you’re capable of handling the rigors of college. But your attitude can be just as much if not
more important than the achievements themselves.
A student who takes the most difficult course curriculum and
gets straight A’s is clearly capable of succeeding in college. But what if she seemed more interested in
earning the grade than she was in learning the material? What if she only raised her hand and
contributed in classes where participation counted towards a grade? What if she was disrespectful to teachers and
fellow students, or sent her parents in to argue that her B+ in chemistry
should be raised to an A?
At many colleges, she’ll be less appealing than the kid who
got the occasional B but was pleasant, engaged, and nice to both teachers and
students.
You could say that it's not a fair system and that admission offers should always go to the most quailfied candidate. But this is often life’s system, too. The more qualified but also arrogant job-seeker doesn’t necessarily get the gig over the more likeable and respectful candidate. A promotion might not go to the best
salesperson if he’s difficult to work with. Your future in-laws won’t care how successful
you are if you’re rude at Thanksgiving dinner.
I’m not arguing that you should be an insincere kiss-up. Just the opposite, in fact—sincerity is part
of a good attitude.
But it’s important to remember that colleges don’t just want
collections of grades, test scores and achievements. They know that students who are nice, honest,
curious, and motivated make better additions to the campus both inside and
outside of class.
One of the best things you can have a teacher or counselor
say about you is that you’re a great kid. And being a great kid has more to do with your attitude than it does with your GPA.