Simply telling your child to think critically is about as effective as instructing them to “be cool.” Sure, you could hire someone like Fonzie, but let’s face it—there are no classes on how to be cool. Educators need to sneak in the lessons of critical thinking by asking thought-provoking questions, encouraging more than just surface-level responses, and welcoming diverse perspectives. To those outside education, this is what we call “having a discussion.”
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of examples of critical thinking in action; they’re everywhere if you know where to look. For instance, many of us have heard the advice “to thine own self be true,” a phrase from Shakespeare that’s become a cliché. It sounds inspiring, doesn’t it? But the catch is that most people who quote it often overlook its deeper implications.
Critical thinking—yes, I know, not the most exciting term—invites us to dissect such platitudes. Instead of taking them at face value, we need to dig deeper. The words come from Polonius, the father of Ophelia and Laertes in Hamlet, who offers this advice as Laertes prepares to head off to France.
Now, imagine if we stripped these words of their historical context and assessed them like any random piece of advice. Who’s dishing this out? Most of us can identify reliable people from those who are, well, a bit out there. A superficial reading of Polonius might lead you to consider him quirky, but a deeper dive reveals he’s actually more of a comical figure. Hamlet himself calls him a “tedious old fool.” While Polonius offers well-meaning advice, it often falls flat, making it reasonable for a director to have Laertes roll his eyes.
For college applicants, questioning such “sage” advice is crucial for two reasons. First, the top students—the ones with straight A’s, a plethora of AP classes, and sky-high SAT scores—often struggle with critical thinking. They may be able to recite Polonius’s lines and analyze their meaning, but they don’t always recognize the absurdity behind his words. Conversely, students who can see through the fluff tend to shine in college applications.
Second, Polonius embodies the quintessential advice given during college application season: “be yourself.” Colleges encourage authenticity and discourage applicants from fabricating their stories. But let’s be clear: being yourself doesn’t mean revealing every little detail.
Applications are opportunities for students to showcase their best selves. They can share meaningful experiences and reflect on them in smart, ethical, and flattering ways. Those who engage in thoughtful self-reflection may find that they come out of the process with a clearer sense of who they are.
Let’s not forget—parents play a vital role in nurturing their kids’ critical thinking skills. The development of these skills can sometimes come off as argumentative behavior. Instead of shutting down questions and debates, parents should embrace them. What starts as an emotional outburst can evolve into a constructive discussion, allowing both kids and parents to reach enlightening conclusions.
Students who focus on intellectual growth, rather than merely being “true” to themselves, will ultimately have much to celebrate. If you’re interested in more about the process of home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource. And if you’re looking for additional tips, visit this post for insights into the journey ahead. For comprehensive kits, you can explore the offerings at Make a Mom.
In summary, guiding your child through the college application process involves fostering critical thinking, enabling them to sift through advice, and encouraging thoughtful self-presentation. Parents should welcome discussions, helping their kids navigate their identities and aspirations, ultimately leading to a more authentic and reflective application.