Critical Thinking and College Applications: A Guide for Students and Parents

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Telling a young person to think critically is about as effective as telling them to just be cool. Sure, you might call in a cool character like Fonzie for help, but there’s no real lesson in that. Educators need to weave critical thinking into their teaching through engaging questions, pushing beyond surface-level answers, and welcoming unique perspectives. This process is what folks outside the education world refer to as “having a discussion.”

The reality is that examples of critical thinking are all around us; we just have to be willing to see them. Take Shakespeare’s famous line, “to thine own self be true.” It’s become so popular that it’s practically a cliché. While it sounds like solid advice, most people who quote it don’t dig deeper – and that’s where critical thinking comes into play.

Let’s break it down. The advice is spoken by Polonius, the father of Ophelia and Laertes in Hamlet. He shares this wisdom as Laertes heads off to France. If you strip away its context, you might just take it at face value, but that’s where you need to pause. Who is giving this advice? Polonius, for all his good intentions, is actually a bit of a joke. He might mean well, but Hamlet himself calls him a “tedious old fool.” His wise words sound nice, but they ultimately don’t carry much weight. It’s not unreasonable to imagine a director telling Laertes to roll his eyes at such platitudes. Shakespeare cleverly mocks the idea of sage advice and even challenges the whole concept of identity.

For college applicants, questioning this “sage” advice is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, many high-achieving students—those who earn straight A’s and ace standardized tests—struggle with critical thinking. They often interpret Polonius’s words in a straightforward manner and miss the chance to think critically about them. On the other hand, students who can see through these simplistic notions tend to stand out in college applications.

Second, Polonius’s advice is practically the anthem for college applications. Students are often told to “be themselves” in information sessions, workshops, and college nights. While it’s essential for applicants to remain authentic and avoid fabricating their stories, being themselves doesn’t mean sharing everything. College applications should not be confessions; they’re opportunities for students to showcase their best selves. By thoughtfully reflecting on their experiences, talents, and aspirations, students can present meaningful stories that highlight who they are in an intelligent and flattering way.

Polonius deserves a second mention because parents play a vital role in helping kids develop critical thinking skills. Often, the process may come off as argumentative or contentious. Instead of dismissing their questions, parents should encourage open dialogue. What starts as an emotional outburst can evolve into a constructive conversation where kids refine their arguments and align their feelings with their intellect. This approach allows both kids and parents to reach resolutions that are both satisfying and educational.

Ultimately, students who focus on enhancing their best selves—rather than just being “true” to themselves—will find ample reasons to be proud of who they become through the application process.

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Summary:

Encouraging critical thinking in students is vital, especially for college applicants. By questioning well-known advice, like Polonius’s “to thine own self be true,” students can present their best selves in applications. Parents should engage in discussions that help kids think critically, turning arguments into constructive conversations.