College & Career Resources

Welcome to a new school year! 

Just a heads-up: The 2026 ACT College and Career Readiness Workshops are about to kick off coast to coast (and online). 

Sign up now to secure your seat!

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Our free, in-person workshops are designed around the opportunities and challenges specific to K-12 education in your region. You'll get the national view of what's moving the needle in education, delivered at a local level — along with tools and resources to carry you through the year.

Remember: this year’s workshops will cover:

•  Laying the Foundation: Embedding ACT® College and Career Readiness Standards into curriculum and instruction.

•  Reading the Data: Turning PreACT® and ACT assessment results into instructional decisions.

•  ACT Updates: More flexibility, deeper insights, a student-centered experience.

•  Closing the Gap: ACT-backed test prep and early intervention practices that move the needle.

•  Life Beyond the Score: Exploring workforce readiness and postsecondary pathways for every student.

In these highly interactive workshops, you’ll hear from experts on K-12 education about how to start the school year off right and prepare for what’s next. There are in-person events throughout the country this fall, along with in-depth online workshops that offer solutions to energize your education programs throughout the year.

Don’t miss out! Find your local in-person workshop and online workshops at the link below.

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By CampusESP | Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The college journey is not just about acquiring academic knowledge, it's also a crucial period for students’ personal and professional development. Beyond textbooks and exams, college demands a set of soft skills that empower students to navigate the complexities of campus life and lay the foundation for future success. Here are 15 essential soft skills that will not only help your student be college-ready but will also pave the way for a successful academic and personal experience throughout college.

• Effective Communication: The ability to articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and express ideas coherently is fundamental. Effective communication facilitates collaboration in group projects, enhances networking skills, and fosters positive relationships with peers and professors.

• Time Management: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life requires effective time management. Your student should learn to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and create a well-structured schedule to maximize productivity.

• Adaptability: College life is dynamic, and flexibility is key. Your student should cultivate the ability to adapt to new environments, diverse perspectives, and unexpected challenges. Being adaptable ensures your student can thrive in ever-changing academic and social landscapes.

• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information, solve problems, and think critically is crucial for success in college and beyond. Develop a habit of questioning, evaluating evidence, and approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Many college assignments and projects involve collaboration. Honing teamwork skills, including effective communication, compromise, and contribution, will enhance your student’s overall college experience and prepare them for collaborative work environments post-graduation.

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, as well as empathizing with others, is a valuable skill. Emotional intelligence contributes to effective leadership, conflict resolution, and building strong interpersonal relationships.

• Resilience: College life comes with its share of setbacks and challenges. Building resilience will enable your student to bounce back from disappointments, learn from failures, and persist in the face of adversity.

• Leadership Skills: Whether leading a student organization or taking charge of a group project, developing leadership skills is integral to personal growth. Effective leaders inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in themselves and those around them.

• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify problems, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions is a valuable asset. Develop a proactive problem-solving mindset to navigate both academic and real-world challenges.

• Networking: Building a professional network starts in college. Encourage your student to attend events, engage with professors and peers, and seek mentorship opportunities. Networking fosters valuable connections that can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and lifelong professional relationships.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts, contribute to a positive social and academic environment. These skills are essential for building meaningful connections with classmates and faculty.

• Self-Motivation: College often requires self-directed learning. Your student should cultivate self-motivation and utilize a variety of resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals, complete assignments independently, and take initiative in their personal and professional development.

• Cultural Competence: Striving to understand different cultures and perspectives is a key aspect of the college experience. Cultural competence enhances their ability to work with different groups of people, fostering a richer experience through college and into their professional life.

• Financial Literacy: Understanding budgeting, managing expenses, and making informed financial decisions are critical skills for college students. Encourage your student to develop financial literacy to navigate student loans, budget effectively, and plan for the future.

• Digital Literacy: In the digital age, proficiency with technology is paramount. Your student should work to enhance their digital literacy skills, including proficiency in online research, using productivity tools, and maintaining a professional online presence.

As your student embarks on their college journey, they should remember that success extends beyond academic achievements. Equipping themselves with these 15 soft skills will not only make them college-ready but will also lay the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Encourage your student to embrace the opportunities for personal growth, seek out diverse experiences, and cultivate these skills to thrive in the dynamic world of higher education and beyond.