Making College Matter

In order to have a transformative college experience, what are the two most important factors according to this article? Choose two responses.

• Take responsibility for learning

• Sit towards the front of the class

• Develop meaningful relationships

• Engage in extra-curricular activities

TRUE or FALSE: Students who interact with peers who are different in significant ways (racially, ethnically, religiously, socioeconomically, and so on) show more intellectual and social growth in college than those who don't.

• TRUE

• FALSE

PART A: Which statement best expresses the central idea of the text?

• Universities of today encourage students to prioritize social engagement and networking rather than academic achievement.

• Prestigious universities with quality professors and resources are more likely to produce students that report having a meaningful college experience.

• College students’ focus on grades and academic performance causes them to neglect meaningful relationships with peers and faculty.

• Students can have a meaningful academic experience at any university, as long as they take the initiative in their learning.

What is the author’s overall purpose in the text?

• to identify what students and educators can do to make sure college students get the most out of their education

• to criticize the approach that most students and educators have when it comes to college education

• to explain how students can have fun in college while also accomplishing what they need to academically

• to show how the perspective on grades and learning is vastly different in college than how it was in high school

Which statement best describes the relationship between the success of college students and the actions of educators?

• Students are more likely to be engaged in the material they’re learning if professors present it in new and exciting ways.

• Students are more likely to succeed when engaged in additional opportunities by educators, as well as mentorships.

• Students are more likely to stay in school if they feel that an educator is holding them accountable in the classroom.

• Students can’t be successful in school if their educators don’t give them access to high quality learning tools.

At what institution are both authors affiliated?

• Harvard University

• Elon University

• University of North Carolina

• Bard College

College graduates who believed they had a professor who (1) cared about them as individuals, (2) made them excited about learning and (3) encouraged them to pursue their dreams reported being less happier and less successful than their peers years after graduation.

• TRUE

• FALSE