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Can college readiness be taught or is it an innate skill?

Bartholomew Nazareth

Hey!

When it comes to the question of whether college readiness can be taught or is it an innate skill, my opinion is that while there may be some natural aptitude for academics that lends itself to college readiness, for the most part, it can absolutely be taught and developed.

First and foremost, college readiness is not just about being smart or achieving good grades. College readiness is about a range of skills and abilities that enable a student to succeed in an academic environment, such as time management, study habits, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. These are all skills that can be learned and developed over time.

In fact, many schools and programs explicitly teach and foster these skills with the goal of preparing students for college. For example, AP classes and dual enrollment programs are designed to challenge students with college-level coursework and expectations. Extracurricular activities, such as debate team or Science Olympiad, can also help students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Moreover, there are many resources available to students who want to improve their college readiness. Tutoring services, both in-person and online, can provide guidance on study habits, time management, and specific subject areas. College prep programs, such as Upward Bound, are designed specifically to help underrepresented students prepare for college.

That being said, it is also important to acknowledge that some students may face more challenges in developing college readiness skills, such as those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds who may lack access to resources or support. In these cases, it is especially important for schools and programs to provide additional support and resources to help bridge the gap.

Overall, while college readiness may not be an innate skill, it is a set of skills and abilities that can be taught and developed over time. It takes effort, dedication, and access to resources and support, but with the right mindset and tools, any student can become college-ready.

Hope that helps!