Top 10 “Skills of the Future” and How ACT®/SAT® Prep Supports Students
As students get ready for college and careers, educators and business leaders are looking closely at the skills that will help them succeed in a fast-changing world.
At the AP® Annual Conference 2025, leaders from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the College Board, and local communities highlighted ten essential “skills of the future.” These skills range from critical thinking and problem-solving to leadership and global awareness. Some of these skills are naturally strengthened through SAT® and ACT® prep, while others take deliberate practice outside the classroom.
Let’s take a look at the ten “skills of the future” highlighted at this year’s AP® Annual Conference, and explore not only their academic importance but also how they prepare students for college and the workforce.
The 10 Skills of the Future
As discussed at the AP conference, students today need to develop the following skills for success now and in the future:
Critical Thinking – Analyzing information and making reasoned decisions
Problem-Solving – Tackling complex challenges and developing solutions
Collaboration / Teamwork – Working effectively with others across backgrounds
Communication – Clearly expressing ideas in writing and speech, and actively listening
Creativity / Innovation – Generating new ideas and thinking outside the box
Adaptability / Flexibility – Adjusting to changing circumstances and learning quickly
Digital Literacy / Technology Skills – Using technology effectively and responsibly
Leadership – Guiding and motivating others toward a goal
Civic Engagement / Social Responsibility – Participating actively in community and society
Global / Cultural Awareness – Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives
The 3 Skills ACT® and SAT® Prep Teaches and Tests
While all ten skills are valuable, the work we do in test prep for the ACT® and SAT® focuses primarily on three areas:
Critical Thinking: Both exams challenge students to interpret data, analyze arguments, and draw reasoned conclusions. In our sessions, students practice critical thinking skills, and the timed nature of the tests helps them apply those skills under pressure—preparing them for fast-paced decision-making in college and the workplace.
Problem-Solving: Multi-step math problems on the SAT® and ACT® require students to analyze complex scenarios, apply formulas, and carefully evaluate solutions. Practicing these skills not only helps on the test but also strengthens logical reasoning that will be valuable in college and future careers.
Communication: The reading and writing sections of the SAT® and ACT® assess students’ ability to understand information, analyze ideas, and express thoughts clearly. Practicing these skills in prep sessions helps students communicate effectively under time pressure, a strength that will serve them well in college coursework and professional settings when a quick response is required.
If you need advice on how to best teach these skills during test prep, check out my post: Integrating Soft Skills into Test Prep to Improve Academic Performance.
The 7 Skills Students Should Practice Outside Test Prep
The remaining skills—while not tested—are equally important for students preparing for college and their future careers. Students can cultivate these skills through activities both in and out of the classroom:
Collaboration / Teamwork – Join clubs, sports teams, group projects, community service initiatives, and high school internships
Creativity / Innovation – Engage in creative writing, art, design, or entrepreneurial projects, like a capstone
Adaptability / Flexibility – Try new experiences, take on unfamiliar challenges; students who push themselves outside of their comfort zone learn resilience and how to adjust to changing circumstances
Digital Literacy / Technology Skills – Learn productivity tools, coding basics, and responsible online practices
Leadership – Take leadership roles in clubs, student government, or community initiatives
Civic Engagement / Social Responsibility – Volunteer, participate in advocacy programs, or engage in community projects
Global / Cultural Awareness – Explore new languages, study global history, or participate in cultural exchange programs
Encouraging students to actively practice these skills now can give them a head start in college and career readiness, complementing the skills already honed through their SAT®/ACT® prep.
The AP® Annual Conference 2025 highlighted that preparing students for the future goes beyond test scores. While ACT® and SAT® prep develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, students should also seek opportunities to grow the other seven essential skills that will serve them in college, careers, and life.
By focusing on both tested and non-tested skills, our students will build a well-rounded foundation for success.
At Clear Choice Prep, we’re dedicated to helping you, your business, and your students achieve real results. Our fully custom-branded curriculum and materials give tutors everything they need to deliver personalized, high-impact test-prep experiences for students at any level.
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