WeChat 第7条信息
我认为成功学生最重要的五大特质（不仅仅是GPA和考试成绩）
过去一年里，我和我的团队深入研究了：在顶尖大学的申请中，什么才是真正让学生脱颖而出的关键因素。
以下是我最看重的五大特质：
1. 求知欲（Intellectual Curiosity）
顶尖大学不只是想要“聪明”的学生，更想要有求知欲的学生。
这样的学生会跳出课本范围去探索，对问题充满好奇，纯粹因为热爱学习而深入钻研。求知欲常常是促使学生开展项目、参加比赛、做研究或追寻个人热情的起点。
2. 做事带有快乐与正能量（Fun & Optimism in Making an Impact）
那些在活动中带来欢乐、活力与个性的学生，总能给人留下深刻印象。
要远离负能量与消极的人际环境。大学更欣赏那些能够鼓舞他人、积极参与课外活动、享受改变过程的学生。
3. 毅力与抗压能力（Grit）
毅力是我认为最重要的特质。
它代表在困难面前依然坚持、稳定、长期投入。
如今我们正见证Z世代（1997–2012）与Alpha世代（2013–2024）如何定义他们自己。
毅力不是来自完美，而是来自面对挫折依然选择更努力、更坚持。我特别欣赏那些能够从失败中走出来、敢于承担错误、默默努力的学生。
4. 领导力（Leadership）
领导力不仅仅是头衔，每个人对领导力的理解可能不同。
在我看来，真正的领导者是敢于表达信念、主动行动的人，
甚至在背后默默付出也不求回报。
一个真正的领导者，会去建立一个超越自己的目标，并鼓励他人共同参与。
5. 持续投入与坚持（Sustained Involvement）
学生是否能够在一项活动中长期坚持和不断成长？
我们鼓励学生深入一个领域。那些能够长期坚持、不断提升并承担更多责任的学生，才是真正实现成长与成熟的典范。
这五个特质中，您觉得您的孩子最具备哪一个？
作为升学顾问，我们的目标之一就是帮助学生识别并强化他们真正拥有的特质。
这些特质不仅构成了有说服力的大学申请文书，也奠定了长期发展的基础。
— Daniel
WeChat Message #7: 5 Key Characteristics of a Successful Student (Beyond GPA and Test Scores)
Over the past year, my team and I have deeply studied what truly makes a college application stand out — especially at selective colleges.
This isn’t just about grades or test scores. We’ve analyzed hundreds of supplemental essays, admissions officer feedback, and patterns from successful applicants. What emerges consistently are a few essential characteristics that help students not only gain admission but thrive in college and beyond.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be breaking these down further and showing how students can demonstrate them in their applications. For now, here are my top 5:
1. Intellectual Curiosity
Top colleges don’t just want “smart” students — they want curious students.
This means asking questions beyond the textbook, exploring learning outside the classroom, and pursuing ideas with energy. Whether it’s teaching themselves a new coding language, conducting a mini science experiment at home, or writing poetry just for fun — admissions officers are looking for students who chase knowledge because they love it, not because it’s required.
2. Fun & Optimism in Making Impact
Students who bring joy and energy to what they do make a lasting impression.
These are the students who organize charity concerts with their friends, start quirky clubs, or design creative solutions to local problems. They don’t just care — they have fun making the world better. Colleges love students who see challenges as opportunities and who uplift others in the process. A light heart with a strong purpose goes a long way.
3. Grit
Grit means passion and perseverance — especially when things get tough.
Colleges want students who don’t give up easily, who can bounce back from setbacks, and who keep going even when no one’s watching. A student who struggled in a class but came back stronger, or who trained every day for a sport despite losing — that’s the kind of story that shows grit. It’s about resilience, commitment, and drive.
4. Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about titles.
To me, a leader is someone who takes initiative, speaks up for what they believe in, and builds something bigger than themselves. Whether they’re leading a school club, organizing a protest, mentoring younger students, or simply taking responsibility in their family — leadership is about vision, courage, and action.
5. Sustained Involvement
Can a student commit over time?
Top schools value students who don’t jump from one activity to the next but dig deep and grow in the things they care about. Whether it’s sticking with band for four years, continuing community service, or developing a passion project over time — sustained effort shows maturity, responsibility, and real interest.
Let me know which of these you want to learn more about. I’ll be sharing examples of how real students have shown these traits in their essays and projects.
— Daniel
