As our lives become more closely connected with the digital age, it’s more important than ever to keep the spark of human connections, a key part of which is making small talk. 【小题1】 Here’s how to master the art of small talk.

The cornerstone of effective small talk lies in developing genuine interest. Genuine interest is about actively seeking to understand the other person, valuing their perspectives and appreciating the uniqueness they bring to the conversation. 【小题2】

Small talk extends beyond spoken words; it includes the art of observation. As you engage in conversation, pay attention to the speaker’s body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. 【小题3】 Being familiar with them not only helps you navigate the conversation with sensitivity but also enables you to establish a deeper connection by respecting the slight differences of the other person’s communication style.

Actually listening and connecting with someone is essential for a conversation. By providing your undivided attention, you convey respect and interest in what the other person has to say. 【小题4】 Ask follow-up questions to show that you value their insights. This depth of engagement lays the foundation for a more meaningful connection.

At the heart of successful small talk lies the authenticity (真实性) of your engagement. Authenticity fosters a sense of trust and connection, making the conversation more meaningful and memorable. Avoid the temptation to project an image or use scripted responses. 【小题5】 In the world of small talk, authenticity is the key that unlocks the door to deeper connections and more fulfilling interactions.

Preparing to apply for the Ivy League

Many students dream of being admitted to famous schools, especially the Ivy League. For most of them, the chance of admission is very slim. There were 281,060 applicants for eight Ivy League schools in 2021. 【小题1】 How can you stand out from the crowd?

●High GPA

Having a GPA in the top5—10% of your class is essential, and being ranked among the top few students dramatically betters your chances. This is a critical part of your overall application. 【小题2】 You should realize that 54 percent of Harvard’s accepted students had 4.0 (out of 4.0) GPAs. Therefore, strive to enter a first echelon (梯队) school by Harvard’s standards.

●Extracurricular activities

Having only a high GPA or SAT score won’t guarantee you into an Ivy League school. 【小题3】 Logan Powell, dean of admissions at Brown University, tells students Ivies are looking to “admit specialists who focus on a few core interests for all four years of their high school careers”. They would like to see a student who is really interested in what he or she is doing and who is dedicated to perseverance. 【小题4】

Surely, Ivy Leagues want to see a well-rounded applicant who didn’t lock themselves away for four years to get good grades. Join a sports team (even if it’s just an intramural team)，join a club or two and get involved with the theater department.

●Early application

【小题5】For instance, at Columbia University, 16 percent of students who applied through the college’s early decision program were four times more likely to get in than students who applied later. The college admissions website states that the reason is that confident and well-qualified applicants tend to apply early.