How to develop 21st-century skills in students

In today’s ever-changing world, students applying for an undergraduate degree must showcase more than just academic achievement to stand out to university admissions. 

Universities are looking for students who are constantly challenging themselves, who will actively contribute to a diverse undergraduate community, and who have a well-rounded personality with strong interpersonal skills.

It is becoming more and more important for students to develop skills and interests outside of the classroom in order to ensure that they are preparing themselves, not just for university, but also for the world of work. 

University applications

A qualitative application to a university includes a personal essay that reflects a student’s academic strengths and relevant choice of subjects. Importantly, it must be a true reflection of themselves. The essay plays a crucial role in telling a student’s story about “who they really are”.

The most organic essays will “show rather than tell”. Succinctly written, they will demonstrate qualities currently at the forefront of the undergraduate landscape. These include empathy, leadership and integrity and reflect a student’s inner voice through an authentic story, learning or incident that has been instrumental in shaping them.

Academic ability is important, but universities are also looking for evidence of interdisciplinary skills, which will eventually enable students to adapt to new age careers and rapidly changing workplaces.

Detailed and evidence-based letters of recommendation serve to enhance a student’s academic and extracurricular strengths. Academic ability is important, but so are interdisciplinary skills, passion, initiative and a true desire to be the best at what a student chooses to do.

Last, but not least, are a student’s achievements and interests outside of school: universities are looking for accomplishments that show a student is willing to stretch the boundaries of their knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom.

This could be, for example, a student identifying a need in the community and responding through a community service project or innovating a solution. Initiative, compassion and a genuine respect for diverse cultures and communities are crucial in today’s interconnected world.  

How to develop students’ skills

The key lies in focusing on a student’s inherent strengths, managing their time well and choosing subjects in high school that are both reflective of their academic abilities and interests, as well as being relevant to university choices. 

The student, for their part, must look beyond the rankings in a quest to find a university where they will flourish and come into their own. The right fit between a student and a university lays the foundation for personal success. 

A university guidance counsellor on their part can ensure that students develop these skills during their high school journey. Planning out a road map so that a student can build on their interests and skills could, for example, include active participation in school clubs, seeking out student council positions to build leadership skills, debating and MUN opportunities to build public-speaking skills and performance opportunities such as the school choir to build on creative skills.

Creating a realistic timeline with achievable academic and extracurricular goals helps students develop into well-rounded individuals with strong interpersonal and communication skills.