Ten Essentials
TEN ESSENTIAL TRAITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (or college-bound students)
These traits are the results of a survey of faculty and administrators completed and collated in the summer of 2006 by Richard Osborn, President, Pacific Union College, Gordon Bietz, President, Southern Adventist University, and Lawrence Geraty, President, La Sierra University.
1. Three essential academic abilities
a. Writing
The ability to write including usage of standard English grammar and style such as good punctuation, spelling, and clear presentation of thoughts. They should be able to write both a basic research paper and a standard 5-paragraph essay based on previous experience in academy classes.
b. Reading
The ability to read, comprehend, and follow a written argument is fundamental for success in all classes. A background in literature including Ameerican, English, and World Literature is essential. A joy of reading gained in part by reading many books before coming to college prepares students for the rigorous reading requirements of college.
c. Mathematics
Proficiency in mathematics through Algebra II and Geometry will enable students to be qualified for entry into college algebra without having to take remedial work. Even better would be a class in trigonometry. A strong background in mathematics helps students to think logically and abstractly. Some research indicates that one of the best predictors of success in college and employment in high-growth, high performance jobs is taking higher-level mathematics courses in high school.
2. Spirituality
Academy students who show a commitment to a lifelong spiritual journey by having an ongoing faith-relationship with Jesus Christ are important for a college campus. They show a desire to begin a lifelong conversation between their faith and learning. In academy they begin developing the ability to know, read, and interpret the Bible with its teachings and stories and the writings of Ellen White in their historical context and to apply those to the modern world. They show a desire to learn in an intentionally Christian environment.
3. Intellectual curiosity
Students should demonstrate a willingness to seek knowledge on many levels beyond the surface level through intense study. They are willing to think critically about everything, including religion. They show a willingness to listen to new ideas and to challenge assumptions. They are able to think for oneself when conflicting ideas present themselves in order to become "thinkers and not mere reflectors." They have the ability to think rather than just memorize. They show a passionage curiosity.
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1"Closing the Expectations Gap, 2006. An Annual 50-State Progress Report on the Alignment of High School Policies with the Demands of College and Work," Wachington D.C.: Achieve, Inc., February, 2006, p. 13
4. Self-Motivated learners
In addition to being intellectually curious, students need to show discipline as self-motivated learners to meet class requirements without external motivators such as grades. They also have a willingness to seek knowledge beyond the surface level through intense study to go beyond the minimum. They actively participate in classes exhibiting the courage to be engaged. They take responsibility for learning. They possess a teachable spirit. They should be regular in attendance to class. They can work without the need for supervision but also know the importance of working in a team or seeking help when needed.
5. Service
Students who value work and service for God and their fellow human beings by showing empathy, caring, and compassion through involvement in service projects and individual efforts is essential. These students take a global perspective by being committed to or interested in learning about their communities and how they can serve. They are eager to find out what it means to be part of a global church and world and to finding solutions to alleviating the suffering of those less fortunate. Learning at least one other language demonstrates a commitment to becoming part of the global world of service.
6. Moral integrity
Success in college has more to do with attitudes and personal habits than with purely academic information. These students take the long view of the ultimate good over shortcuts to success. They understand that it never pays to cheat. They respect honesty in all they do. They have a strong concept of self-responsibility, self-management, self-efficacy, and altruism. They know how to learn from their mistakes. They are willing to seek advice and support from others in their learning, psychological, and spiritual challenges rather than waiting until it might be too late.
7. Study skills
They have the ability to find and evaluate information from print and electronic sources. They know how to analyze information and synthesize ideas. They have a willingness to read instructions and assigned material, to take notes, to outline material, and the agility to manage long and short-term assignments. Their research skills are beginning to be developed.
8. Respect for others
They have an appreciation for ethnic, gender, income, and religious diversity with a willingness and ability to understand people who seem different from them, even those who don’t fit their stereotypes of “the good Adventist,” “the good Christian,” or “the good American.” They show empathy and care for others.
9. Participation in school activities
Colleges want students who have shown an interest in a wide variety of academy activities as participants and leaders including music, sports, service, witness opportunities, clubs, student government, and local church activities.
10. Time management skills
The rapid pace of life in a higher education setting for students who take heavy loads of class work can be overwhelming without time management skills. Today’s students need to lead a balanced life, which means finding time for academics, co-curricular activities, and spiritual, physical, and social development, which is a preparation for the busy and fulfilling lives they will lead upon graduation. These skills can begin to be learned and practiced in high school.
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