在談到大學申請時，許多家長和學生通常只關注成績和考試分數，認為這些是進入名校的「金鑰匙」。然而，這種傳統觀念正逐漸被打破。越來越多的大學，像是加州大學(UC)，開始採取「選擇性提交考試成績」政策(Test-optional)，顯示出大學的學生素質的要求已經開始轉變。
▋大學申請的新趨勢
「選擇性提交考試成績」政策不僅僅是減少學生在標準化考試上的壓力，背後更反映出大學對學生未來成功的全新理解。越來越多的研究表明，單靠成績無法全面預測學生的潛力。相反，大學現在更加看重學生的性格特質，以及他們面對困難與挑戰時展現出的應變能力與毅力。
▋性格特質：成功的真正指標
在 Beyond Education，我們深信成功不僅僅取決於學術表現。我們發現，自律力、韌性和堅毅這些性格特質，才是長期成功的關鍵。這些特質讓學生在面對挫折時，依然堅持目標，克服挑戰，最終在大學和生活中脫穎而出。
與許多家長交談時，我們經常聽到他們對孩子的三大期望：幸福、成功和健康。而Beyond Education 專注於引導與幫助孩子培養那些能走向成功與幸福的性格特質。
▋成功與幸福的六大核心價值
為了幫助學生實現成功，我們特別強調三個重要價值觀：堅毅、韌性和自律力。這些特質能夠幫助孩子在面對困難時仍堅持不懈，專注長期目標，並能克制衝動做出明智的決策。
然而，成功並不是人生的全部，生活的充實還需要擁有幸福。為了讓學生實現更充實的幸福人生，我們鼓勵他們培養感恩之心，建立深厚的人際關係，並勇敢面對生活中的挑戰。感恩、聯結和勇氣是實現情緒健康與內心滿足的關鍵。
▋大學為何重視性格發展
如今，大學越來越意識到，擁有這六大價值觀的學生們，在充滿挑戰的校園環境中具有更大的優勢，能幫助他們表現出色且茁壯成長。擁有這些特質的學生們，經常展現出積極貢獻於大學社群，堅持應對嚴苛學術要求並不斷自我成長的潛力。
▋結語
在Beyond Education，我們致力於幫助學生發展這六大核心價值——堅毅、韌性、自律力、感恩、聯結與勇氣。我們相信，培養這些性格特質，不僅能幫助孩子進入理想的大學，更能為他們的一生打下成功與幸福的基礎。
這樣的全面發展，正是大學所期待的，也是每位家長對孩子未來的期望。我們藉由這些核心價值觀，賦予孩子實現夢想的能力——一個真正的成功、幸福，充滿意義與滿足感的人生。
主題預告
在未來的幾個月裡，我們將深入探討這些性格特質，並帶領您一步步瞭解如何將這些核心價值融入孩子的學習和大學申請過程中。敬請期待，我們將陪伴您和孩子邁向光明的未來。
▋Beyond Grades – The True Path to College Success and Happiness
When it comes to college admissions, many parents and students are laser-focused on grades and test scores, believing these are the golden tickets to getting into elite schools. However, this traditional mindset is increasingly being challenged. More universities, such as the University of California, are adopting test-optional policies, signaling a shift in what truly matters for college admissions.
▋The Changing Landscape of College Admissions
The move towards test-optional admissions is not just about giving students a break from the pressure of standardized testing; it reflects a deeper understanding of what predicts future success. Research and experience are showing that grades alone are not the best indicators of a student’s potential. Instead, colleges are placing greater emphasis on an applicant’s character and their ability to overcome challenges.
▋Character: The Real Indicator of Success
At Beyond Education, we understand that true success isn’t solely about academic performance. We’ve found that the values of self-control, resilience, and tenacity are far more predictive of long-term success. These traits enable students to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life, stay committed to their goals, and ultimately, succeed not just in college, but in life.
When we speak with parents, they often express three primary desires for their children: happiness, success, and health. While health is certainly essential, our focus at Beyond Education is on cultivating the character traits that lead to the other two—success and happiness.
▋The Six Values for a Fulfilling Life
For success, we emphasize the three critical values of tenacity, resilience, and self-control. These traits empower students to persevere through difficulties, maintain focus on their long-term goals, and control their impulses to make wise decisions.
But success alone is not enough. To live a fulfilling life, happiness is just as important. To achieve happiness, we encourage students to develop a strong sense of gratitude, forge meaningful connections with others, and cultivate the courage to face life’s challenges. These three values—gratitude, connection, and courage—are essential for emotional well-being and personal satisfaction.
▋Why Colleges Value Character
Colleges are increasingly recognizing that students who possess these six values are more likely to thrive in the diverse, challenging environments they will encounter on campus. These traits indicate a student’s ability to contribute positively to the college community, persist through rigorous academic demands, and continue to grow as an individual.
▋Conclusion
At Beyond Education, we are dedicated to helping young individuals develop these six key values—tenacity, resilience, self-control, gratitude, connection, and courage. By focusing on character development, we prepare students not just for college, but for a lifetime of success and happiness. This holistic approach is what colleges are looking for, and it’s what parents ultimately want for their children.
By nurturing these values, we empower students to live the life that most parents dream of for their children—a life filled with success, happiness, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
What’s Next?
Over the next few months, we will delve deeper into each of these character traits and explore how they apply to your child’s college application preparation. Stay tuned as we guide you through the process of integrating these values into your child’s journey towards college and beyond.