Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail

What does the word 'Rigorous' mean as used in the passage?

• Easy and simple

• Very difficult, challenging, or demanding

• Unrelated to school

• A safe route to take.

Which of the following identifies the central idea of the text?

• Students are more likely to appreciate their accomplishments if they had to struggle to achieve them.

• Students who are open about their failures show that they have the ability to grow and be successful in college and beyond.

• While educators want to have perfect students on their college campuses, they understand that not all students can achieve perfection.

• If students cannot fail gracefully, they will not be able to handle the harsh environment of higher education.

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "Even the sacrifice of staying up late to do something unrelated to school, they see as a risk to my academic work and college success." (Paragraph 2)

• "When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a student what she did for fun, she replied: 'I thought I wasn't supposed to tell you that?'" (Paragraph 3)

• "Students try their best to hide factors they perceive to be negative and only tell us things they believe we will find impressive." (Paragraph 5)

• "The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can't be taught in a classroom; they are experienced and reflected upon." (Paragraph 7)

How does the example of the student who failed precalculus in paragraphs 7-8 contribute to the development of ideas in the article?

• It gives an example of a student who failed and turned it into a positive experience.

• It emphasizes the point that failing is something that all students experience.

• It shows how strongly students are affected by perceived failures.

• It gives an example of a student who has the perfect college application.

Which section from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own." (Paragraph 7)

• "During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, 'I'm ashamed to admit I failed precalculus'" (Paragraph 7)

• "'I realized that I can't let a grade define my success. I also learned that if you want anything bad enough, you can achieve it.'" (Paragraph 7)

• "I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. This kid will thrive on my campus." (Paragraph 8)

The author views the idea that you have to be perfect in order to get into college as:

• necessary and important.

• unrealistic and unnecessary.

• a common misconception.

• a motivating factor.

To what extent do his claims apply to you and to your approach to school and life? How would you describe your personal attitude toward perfection and failure?

• His claims apply completely, and I strive for perfection in everything.

• His claims apply somewhat, and I balance between perfection and accepting failure.

• His claims do not apply, and I am comfortable with failure.

Failure can help a person learn and ultimately succeed by:

• providing valuable lessons and insights

• leading to discouragement and giving up

• having no impact on personal growth

• ensuring immediate success without effort

In the context of this text, what is the goal of education?

• To prepare students for the workforce

• To help students learn how to fail, grow, and succeed

• To provide students with basic knowledge

• To encourage students to pursue higher education

In the context of this text, what personal quality contributes most to a person's success?

• Perseverance

• Intelligence

• Creativity

• Charisma