GPAs, test scores, accolades and awards are measurements colleges will use to evaluate you. But those
measurements aren’t necessarily an accurate measure of whether or not your efforts are worthwhile. Here are three
daily questions high school students can ask themselves, the answers to which
are entirely in your control. Put in the time and effort to have good answers every day and you'll find that plenty of colleges will appreciate your high school career.
1. What did I do to learn today?
Ask your teacher for help if you don’t understand something. Take a fun class after school. Research a subject or skill that interests
you. The effort to learn is almost as
important as whether or not you learn something new every day. Make the effort every day and the learning
will add up quickly.
2. What contributions did I make?
Whether it’s participating in a class discussion, cleaning
up after a school dance, taking on a stuck project in your club, or offering
to help take care of your little sister after school, daily contributions are
almost always valuable.
3. What did I do today that was just for me?
Too many students spend so much time trying to impress
colleges that they don’t have any fun.
Yes, hard work is important. But
so is enjoying your life. Try to carve
out a little time every day that’s just for you, whether that’s spending
quality time with your friends and family, playing your favorite video game or
just reading your favorite celebrity gossip mag. Colleges don't want robotic students programmed to do nothing but impress. They want happy, well-adjusted, real people to join their campus communities.