5 Tips for Parents of Next Year’s College Applicants

Heading off to college or university is a momentous junction in any young person’s life. They’ll no doubt be full of excitement and anticipation for what’s around the corner, with some nerves thrown in, too.

This is a big moment for them. However, it is for you, too. Those last 16 or 17 years have flown by and it’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for them to make their own way in the world.

Here we’ve gathered some tips and actionable advice so that you can get started with supporting your child (and yourself) through this exciting but potentially busy and stressful time.

Encourage your child to start gathering information ASAP

As soon as you start looking into college applications together, you’re going to see it’s a pretty enormous task. First‌, your child needs to consider which colleges or universities they are interested in. This might mean considering institutions overseas, such as in the USA or UK, or some of the higher education opportunities here in the UAE.

Even within one country, the range of university experiences can be diverse. Colleges come in all shapes and sizes, have varying specialisms, and different atmospheres. Some will suit your child better than others.

Depending on where your child decides they want to study, they may need to narrow down their subject choices.

For study in the UK, for example, your child would need to apply for a specific course such as medicine, English literature, or geography at the university of their choice. In the USA, on the other hand, undergraduate admissions are more general; your child would ‌choose their college classes once their place is confirmed.

That’s a lot to think about. So, it’s recommended that you encourage and support your child to consider their options early on and that they start researching through visits, websites, and attending educational events as soon as possible.

Attend a higher education fair and/or open events

This value of meeting and speaking with those in the know about certain colleges and the application process should not be underestimated. Parents can support students with opportunities to visit the colleges and universities they are interested in. This way, they can really get a feel for what life and study would be like at each place.

Not everyone has the time or opportunity to travel, however. Therefore, getting entry to an educational event like Najah Expo in Abu Dhabi and Dubai could be the best thing you can do for your child this year.

At events like these, representatives of colleges and universities from all over the world travel to meet you and your child, share information, and answer questions. It’s a chance to fact-find and research higher education opportunities all in one place, on one day. So, don’t miss it!

Figure out the application process together

Once your child has figured out where they’d like to go, then the next step is to work out how to make this happen. While the application should be their work, you can support them by making sure they know what to do and when.

Many countries operate a centralized application system so you can apply to multiple colleges with one application. Examples include the Common App in the USA and the UCAS form in the UK. Elsewhere, including in the UAE, universities accept direct applications. You’ll need to know the deadlines for applications and what supplementary information may be required.

Your child may need to take exams like the SATs for US colleges before they can complete an application. They may also need to sit language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, which is often used to demonstrate English language abilities. There may be statements and essays to write, too.

Get organized early with finances

It’s likely that you will need to support your child financially through university. Therefore, it’s important that you understand the projected cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses at any institution your child might attend. That way, you can get organized early on and allow your child to focus on the application process and their high school exams without money worries.

Scholarships may be a possibility, so be sure to research these. Scholarships are financial awards that help with the costs of higher education. They are often awarded to students for their overall academic merit.

Some scholarships are also granted to students with particular talents, perhaps in sports or music, for example. There may be more unusual scholarships available too, such as prizes for essay writing, so make sure to ask around.

Listen and support your child emotionally

Don’t underestimate the toll this busy and nerve-wracking time may take on both you and your child. Applying for college entry is rarely smooth sailing all the way.

Your child may take a while to figure out the best option for them. As a parent, you can support them by setting realistic expectations and being patient. Be aware that their priorities or worries may be different from yours.

With your support and patience, your child will find a higher education option that’s a great fit for them. It’s highly recommended that you support your child practically by planning for this important phase of your child’s life well ahead of time, and accompanying them during visits to higher education institutions and events.