Want to land a spot at a prestigious university? Improving your personality could be a game changer. Harvard, for instance, evaluates applicants on their personality traits, which can significantly impact their admissions decisions. This approach has stirred quite a debate, especially around the fairness in rejecting high-achieving Asian applicants who may have top grades and scores.
While the percentage of Asian students at Ivy League schools has remained stable over the years, institutions like Caltech have seen increases. This raises questions about the criteria used by different universities.
It’s tricky to assess traits like personality, self-confidence, and likability without real personal interaction. Despite my average academic records and attending a state college, my career progressed to enviable places like Goldman Sachs in NYC, proving that your school doesn’t seal your fate. Interestingly, during my time at Goldman, I saw many Ivy League candidates rejected, showing that even the elite can face tough hurdles.
The concept that Asians might have less personable traits according to some colleges is disturbing and seems subjective. Despite not being a standout in conventional attractiveness or having high self-esteem, I’ve always had significant relationships, challenging the notion that my personality isn’t appealing. However, if Harvard’s right and my race predisposes me to a less favorable personality, I’ve come to terms with it because financial independence has given me freedom beyond societal validations.
As a parent, I’m concerned about my children inheriting these so-called less desirable traits and facing the same biases. The experience of getting rejected by multiple preschools opened my eyes to the importance of personality development for better opportunities in life.
Looking at the broader picture, not getting into an elite university isn’t the end of the world. It’s more about leading a fulfilling life. The real worry, as a parent, is ensuring that my children can be independent and capable of forming meaningful relationships, rather than where they go to college.
If you’re wondering whether you should focus on improving your personality, remember that social skills can decay without use. Leaving my job in 2012 diminished my need to be liked, which meant I didn’t work much on being personable until I needed to promote my book in 2022. This experience taught me that improving your personality is often tied to wanting to be more liked and successful, which can motivate significant personal development.
In conclusion, having a great personality can enrich your life in many ways—boosting friendships, job prospects, and overall happiness. Universities like Harvard use personality assessments, but these can feel unfair, especially when they seem biased against certain groups. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, but enhancing your personality is beneficial for everyone, regardless of the context.
