Instructing a student to think critically is akin to telling them to be trendy; it’s not particularly helpful. While you could hire someone like a pop culture icon to show how it’s done, there are no straightforward lessons in mere style. Educators must cultivate critical thinking in a more nuanced manner by posing compelling questions, demanding more than surface-level responses, and valuing diverse perspectives. What many outside the educational realm refer to as “engaging in discussion” is essential here.
Countless examples of critical thinking abound in our everyday lives. For instance, many of us have heard the advice, “to thine own self be true,” attributed to Shakespeare. It’s so ubiquitous that it has become a cliché, but its appeal lies in its simplicity: being true to oneself seems like an inspiring principle. However, those who quote it often overlook its complexities.
Critical thinking—yes, I’m using that term—challenges us to dissect such platitudes. We shouldn’t just accept their straightforward meanings; instead, we should delve deeper. This line is spoken by Polonius, a character in Hamlet, who imparts this wisdom to his son Laertes before he heads off to France.
Now, if we were to detach this advice from its historical context, the first aspect we’d want to know is who is delivering it. We recognize that some individuals are trustworthy, while others are not. A dispassionate interpretation of Polonius’s advice might lead one to view him as unreliable, but that’s far from the truth.
A thorough examination of Hamlet reveals that Polonius, despite his good intentions, is portrayed as a foolish character. He comes across as sincere but lacks true wisdom; Hamlet himself refers to him as a “tedious old fool.” Polonius’s advice may sound nice, but when contextualized with its speaker, it loses much of its weight. It’s not unreasonable for a director to suggest that Laertes roll his eyes at Polonius’s words. Shakespeare cleverly uses Polonius to poke fun at seemingly wise counsel and, more importantly, to challenge our understanding of identity.
For college applicants, critically evaluating this “sage” advice is vital for two key reasons. First, top-performing students—those who ace exams and take numerous advanced classes—often struggle with critical thinking. They can analyze Polonius’s words in context, yet they fail to recognize the absurdity in them. More often than not, it’s the students who see beyond such platitudes who stand out as desirable candidates for college.
Second, Polonius is somewhat of a symbolic figure in the realm of college applications. It’s rare for applicants to attend an information session or workshop without being advised to “be themselves.” Colleges encourage authenticity, as they certainly don’t want applicants to fabricate their personal journeys. However, advising students to be their true selves doesn’t mean they should reveal everything.
College applications should not serve as confessions. Instead, they offer students the opportunity to highlight their most commendable traits. They can share life stories that resonate with them and analyze these experiences in thoughtful, ethical, and flattering ways. Those who engage deeply with their own narratives and aspirations may find that they emerge from the application process as more refined individuals.
Lastly, it’s worth emphasizing that parents play a significant role in nurturing their children’s critical thinking abilities. The development of these skills can sometimes be misinterpreted as mere argumentative behavior. Parents should welcome their children’s questions and debates. While a heated discussion may begin with emotion, transforming it into a constructive dialogue allows for the alignment of intellect and feelings, leading to resolutions that are both harmonious and enlightening.
Students who strive to enhance their self-representation, not merely by being “true” to themselves but by leveraging their intellects, are likely to cultivate a sense of pride and accomplishment.
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In summary, critical thinking is essential for college applicants, especially when evaluating common advice. Students who engage thoughtfully with their experiences will likely present the most compelling versions of themselves, and parents can facilitate this growth through supportive dialogue.