Traditionally, colleges focused on academic performance as the primary criterion for judging applicants’ eligibility. Test scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities were the focal points of evaluating future students, often giving an advantage to those with higher scores.
However, as the world around us changes, so does education. Reading dozens of books and memorizing their content by heart is no longer enough. Colleges are now looking for people who will transform society with their ideas and compassion. This is why emotional intelligence is now more valued than ever.
“Students are nowadays valued for their ability to support others and pass forth knowledge,” shares a college admissions consultant from H&C Education. “Colleges are willing to accept candidates with less than stellar academic scores for as long as they show a high level of maturity.”
In this article, we will explain the concept of emotional intelligence. After that, we will explain why it’s so important for admissions officers.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is a complex concept that combines self-awareness, self-regulation, and a few other characteristics. College applicants should be able to handle themselves appropriately in different social situations and recognize how people around them feel. If we were to sum it up, emotional intelligence can be broken down into the following five categories:
- Self-Regulation: Over the last few years, colleges have placed increasing emphasis on self-regulation. These institutions want to work with young people who can manage their emotions, even in high-stress situations. The need for self-regulation is especially pronounced in this day and age, when many individuals are suffering from mental and social issues.
- Self-Awareness: Self-awareness and self-reflection are vital traits of a mature person. You have to stay in touch with your emotions and behavior at all times so that you won’t embarrass your school or colleagues. Self-reflection is every bit as important as it allows you to grow as a person.
- Empathy: Many young people are unnecessarily cruel or cold-hearted. This has become more noticeable in the US, where people are unwilling to help people in the streets and their next-door neighbours. Colleges now want to focus on students who understand other people’s emotions and can relate to them.
- Motivation: Your emotions are every bit as important for your academic progress as your cognitive capabilities. In the end, you have to be emotionally driven to finish a school’s curriculum.
- Social Skills: Lastly, we have to mention your ability to build rapport with other people. Young students should be able to network, share ideas, and collaborate on large projects. Conflict resolution is another skill that colleges hold in high regard.
Why Colleges Focus on Emotional Intelligence?
Having emotional intelligence is much more important than we previously thought. Instead of solely focusing on books and how to complete the curriculum, students are now required to consider the impact on society as a whole. They are required to be productive members of the campus community, spearheading initiatives and helping others achieve their dreams.
Here are a few reasons why emotional intelligence has become so important for US colleges:
Higher Success and Retention Rates
Today, many students are unprepared for all the challenges that await them at college. Besides changing their environment, they have to adapt to newfound independence and various social pressures. People who have high intelligence are much better suited to tackle these problems, as they innately know how to handle anxiety and stress.
Someone who knows how to self-reflect will have an easier time setting goals for themselves and handling setbacks. As good communicators, they will know when and how to seek assistance from their colleagues. All of this will increase graduation rates, which is good for both the college and the students.
Improved Campus Culture
As a living, breathing organism, the campus has its own needs that may involve activism, sports, and cultural events. Emotionally stable and mature individuals can help improve the local life, creating a diverse environment where all students can thrive.
These individuals can facilitate constructive dialogue between different parties, helping find the best solutions in high-tension situations. Emotionally intelligent students can also help others, especially those who are struggling with isolation and newfound school challenges. Many of these people are active in students’ clubs, improving the college experience for everyone.
Increased Leadership Potential
People with high emotional intelligence often turn out to be great leaders. They know how to inspire others, start new initiatives, and have a broad influence on campus life. As they can communicate clearly with others, they can circumvent common issues that might be stifling organization and cooperation within groups and clubs.
These students are driven and compassionate, which is especially noticeable during group projects. Once they graduate, many of them will start their own companies and other organizations, which is excellent for the economy. Equipped with all the skills they’ve learned during their college days, they know how to enact real changes, whether it’s in their business or society as a whole.
Higher Adaptability
As mentioned, the world is changing at a rapid pace, so even colleges struggle at times to find the right students for their programs. The one thing that’s for sure is that the future of academia lies with individuals who can adapt quickly to these changes. Emotionally intelligent people have the mental flexibility to adapt to different viewpoints.
Many of them are fast tech adopters but can also demonstrate resilience when an innovation doesn’t align with their goals. These students are easier to work with and shouldn’t have that much trouble working in a traditional office setting, hybrid, or remote environment.
The Future of Emotional Intelligence
The nature of education has shifted from the traditional, knowledge-acquiring approach to a more flexible methodology. Nowadays, the best college applicants are those who can quickly acquire and apply new knowledge and who can collaborate with others as they seek new solutions.
These individuals can put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their emotions. So, no wonder that colleges now prioritize these types of applicants ahead of those with high GPAs and test scores.