The movie trailer from the film, “2 Million Minutes,” provides insight into the global competition for college admission and that even the most academically accomplished students in the United States may be underestimating the level of competition from students in such countries as India and China.

College planning requires that you develop a vision of the type of student you wish to be when you begin applying to colleges and for scholarships. Developing a vision of the type of student you wish to be will also require setting goals. Such goals may require that you identify clubs and activities, pursue leadership opportunities, and choose how you maximize your ‘2 Million High School Minutes.’ These will be important choices that you make now that you have a better understanding of the competition for college admission from within the United States and from throughout the world. 

After watching the video clip for the documentary film “2 Million Minutes,” use the following 5 questions to guide your discussion:

  1. How does the academic rigor of your school compare to the apparent rigor of Indian and Chinese schools profiled in the film clip?
  2. Are there any similarities between the work ethic and attitude toward learning exhibited by the Indian and Chinese students in the film and any Indian or Chinese students at your high school?
  3. Do the American students provide any clues in regard to their attitude toward leadership and community service?
  4. In regard to your current work ethic and study habits, with which group of students profiled in the film clip do you most identify (i.e., U.S., India, or China)?
  5. Do you believe your greatest competition for being offered admission to top colleges will come from international students, private school students, students from other public or charter high schools in your state or students from your own school?

After completing your group discussion, complete the Lesson for this activity, which will direct you to summarize your thoughts in your narrative document.