Years ago, students applying to colleges and universities had to have their applications and personal essays printed out and then send them by ordinary mail. Flash forward to today’s world of Facebook, Instagram and WeChat, where photos, videos and mobile phones rule, and several new tools are making it easier for college applicants to use technology to show off their personalities, skills and creativity.

ZEEMEE

One of the more popular innovations in college applications is ZeeMee, a free mobile app that allows students to upload personal profiles and videos to create visual resumes. More than 220 colleges and universities offer the ZeeMee option as part of the application process. The video can show the unique creative aspects of the applicants.

THE COALITION LOCKER

Another relatively new tool comes from the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success, now used by more than 110 member colleges and universities. Among the group’s stated goals are getting students engaged in college preparation early and using technology to create a supportive application process that encourages reflection and self-discovery.

Students who sign up for the free platform get access to a digital “Locker”, which they can use all through high school to save class papers, artwork, newspaper stories, videos and photos to share with colleges when they eventually apply.

KIRA TALENT

At some schools, an interview with an admission officer is an important part of the application process. To make it easier, several virtual interviewing tools have appeared, such as the video-based platform — Kira Talent. More than 140 universities worldwide use Kira Talent’s video assessment tool to conduct real-time interviews with students. During the interview, candidates are shown the questions prerecorded by the particular school and must respond in real time by talking to the camera on their laptops or phones. In addition to showing their ability, applicants should speak fluently in English and think on their feet, which helps admission officers determine the “motivation, commitment and drive” of them.

UNIQUE SCHOOL TOOLS

Some universities have come up with their own ways to allow students to show their skills and personalities. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology encourages applicants to display their technical abilities and creativity by submitting a “Maker Portfolio” — a written or videotaped description of a project that shows creative and problem-solving skills. The project could be anything from an origami design to a potato cannon.

【小题1】Which of the following gives students more guidance during their high school?

A．ZEEMEE.	B．THE COALITION LOCKER.
C．KIRA TALENT.	D．UNIQUE SCHOOL TOOLS.

【小题2】What does the underlined word “it” in the fourth part of the passage refer to?

A．The video interview.	B．The description.
C．The application.	D．The student’s ability.

【小题3】What is the common feature required by colleges and universities according to the passage?

A．Creativity.	B．Braveness.
C．Willingness to share.	D．Personal commitment.