7 Management Skills That Will Help You To Enter The College Of Your Dreams

With all the emphasis on grade point and ACT scores, what often get lost in the shuffle – or isn’t ever bought up at all – are the management skills that will help you enter and success to the college of your dreams.

This is too bad.

Because the truth is that college preparedness goes well beyond the courses you’ve taken in high school or anything your performance on a standardized test could ever prove. Thus, in addition to the hard data of a G.P.A. or a glowing test score, there are somewhat more abstract personal management skills that are just as important – if not more important – than what your academic record up to this point shows.

You can begin to develop these skills years before you start applying to colleges and universities, and by doing so, you’ll strengthen your chances of getting into your dream school.

So what types of management skills are we talking about?

Well, here are 7 you can begin developing today:

1) Responsibility

Simply put, if you don’t accept the appropriate level of responsibility for the results of your actions then just about everything else on this list won’t matter. College students have a lot of freedom, and if an admissions officer believes you know how to take responsibility for yourself then you’ll have taken a big step towards getting accepted.

2) Time Management

Personal management is just that, managing your time and your actions in order to find success. Whether it’s your schoolwork, your personal health, your finances, or just your day-to-day schedule, your ability to manage your own life is something you’ll want to convey to schools that are very interested in their applicant's ability to handle all the work and distractions that will be thrown their way.

3) Creative and Innovative Thinking

A successful manager needs a flexible mind in order to implement new ideas and strategies. Thus, impressing upon an admissions board that you can think around problems to discover solutions will help convince a tough crowd that you can absorb a variety of material from demanding professors.

4) Demonstrate the Ability To Work On Your Own

Admissions officers know that a lot of the time you’re going to have to rely on your own hard work and smarts to succeed in college and by demonstrating your ability to do so will go long ways to helping you get into your dream college. Students who develop the capacity to work without assistance from others in high school or at a part-time job will have a good chance of getting an admissions office to trust that they’ll be able to succeed at the collegiate level.

5) Ability To Respect and Follow Directions

While your dream school is looking for innovative and individualistic qualities in you, you also will want to show you can follow various types of instructions, whether they be complicated or very basic. Professors will give assignments that have specific requirements, you’ll have to turn things in on time, and you’ll need to be able to respect the general behavioral rules of the campus.

6) Express Your Personal Goals

The whole point of self-management is to achieve the goals you lay out for yourself, and by impressing your dream school with your relevant aspirations, the admissions board will see you as motivated and engaged.

7) The Ability To Communicate

Mangers have to be able to communicate. And whether it be in class or in the dorm, the ability to not only clearly convey your thoughts but to also listen to others is a crucial skill to academic and social success. Your dream school wants students who can thrive and get along with each other and effective communication is the way to make that happen. Speaking with an admissions officer in a way that impresses him will definitely give your chances of getting a boost.

Conclusion

Nothing is certain why you apply to your dream school, but showing an array of personal management skills can give you a nice edge on your competition and allow an admissions board to see you as more than just another school kid. Additionally, by developing these skills early you’ll not only give yourself a better chance to get into your dream school but to excel there once you’re accepted as well.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Entering the college of your dreams is not just about achieving high academic scores; it also involves developing a robust set of management skills that can help you navigate the challenges of the application process and prepare you for the academic and personal demands of college life. Here are seven management skills that can significantly enhance your chances of getting into your dream college:

1. Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for balancing your academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Creating a structured schedule and prioritizing tasks can help you stay on track with your goals. Use tools like calendars, planners, and digital apps to organize your time efficiently. This skill will not only help you during the college application process but will also be invaluable once you are in college, where managing multiple assignments and deadlines is the norm.
2. Stress Management: The college application process can be stressful, and learning to manage stress is essential for maintaining your mental and physical well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can help you stay calm and focused. Additionally, talking to friends, family, or a counselor can provide emotional support and help you manage stress more effectively.
3. Goal Setting: Setting clear, achievable goals is a powerful way to stay motivated and focused. Break down your larger goal of getting into your dream college into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, set specific deadlines for completing standardized tests, drafting essays, and gathering recommendation letters. Regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure they remain relevant and challenging.
4. Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with teachers, counselors, and admissions officers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, both in writing and in person. This will be particularly important when writing application essays and during interviews. Effective communication can help you stand out and make a positive impression on those who can influence your admission.
5. Problem-Solving: The ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently is a valuable skill in both the application process and in college. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue with an online application or finding a way to balance a heavy workload, problem-solving skills can help you overcome obstacles and stay on track. Develop this skill by seeking out opportunities to tackle challenges, whether in school projects, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: College is a collaborative environment, and being able to work well with others is crucial. Participate in group projects, clubs, and community service to develop your teamwork skills. Learn to listen to others, share ideas, and resolve conflicts constructively. These experiences will not only enhance your college application but will also prepare you for the collaborative nature of college and future professional settings.
7. Self-Reflection: Self-reflection is the process of examining your thoughts, feelings, and actions to gain deeper insights into yourself. Regular self-reflection can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions. Keep a journal, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek feedback from trusted mentors and peers. This skill will help you grow as a person and become a more self-aware and resilient individual.

By developing these management skills, you can not only increase your chances of getting into your dream college but also set a strong foundation for success in your academic and personal life.