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Once you have decided to send your child abroad, a campus visit or virtual tours of the chosen colleges can help ease many anxieties regarding the child’s future in the university. It can also boost your child’s confidence and excitement as they prepare themselves to go through the application proce
By Adarsh Khandelwal6 min read
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The admission process scenario has changed rapidly post-pandemic with universities introducing hybrid learning modes as well as many making standardized tests optional. While these changes seem to have streamlined the admission process, it is important to not let your guard down when it comes to preparing yourself for the elaborate admission process. Here are five dos and don’ts parents should keep in mind as their child enters high school.
Narrowing down potential courses and colleges can be a daunting activity, however, it is the most important one. Therefore, it is essential to begin working on various aspects such as aptitude, courses, colleges, the application process, working out the best option if a college accepts the application, and visa formalities, at an early stage. The Internet might provide with you a vast amount of information but do not forego seeking advice from an expert in the field. Keep a steady board of advisors whom you can turn to in case of confusion and to make the right decisions.
The biggest roadblock in your child’s progress can be the slight comparisons disguised as encouragement that you might casually throw at them. When encouraging your child, it is important to avoid comparisons.
While parents must be involved in the decision-making process and stay well-informed about the courses, colleges, and their various requirements. It is important not to burden your child excessively. Give them space and set small targets for them as they work towards improving their scores and clearing their tests. Do not overcrowd their routine with activities devoted strictly to securing a good university. Be patient and ensure a balance.
A lot of research goes into acquiring the proper knowledge of the admission process, from appearing for tests to helping your child settle down abroad. It is imperative to not be overwhelmed by the scale of the research and give in to negative thoughts.
The entire process of figuring out the course best suited to your child’s abilities, selecting colleges that offer the best, and choosing the right country along with scholarship and work opportunities will take almost a year. Thus, it is important to organize your time and set your priorities tick boxes off your application checklist.
Once you have decided to send your child abroad, a campus visit or virtual tours of the chosen colleges can help ease many anxieties regarding the child’s future in the university. It can also boost your child’s confidence and excitement as they prepare themselves to go through the application process and sit for tests and interviews.
Additionally, interaction with the college staff and students can also fill in the gaps that were not accounted for during your research.
You must have a proper assessment of your financial status as well as a plan to fund your child’s overseas education. It is equally important to include your child in these discussions without burdening them so they can have a sound understanding of how to manage their expenditure while abroad. Weigh all your options from scholarships, sponsorship arrangements, or educational loans, and rule out any financial risks.
For a student aspiring to study abroad, it is important to learn the importance of having strong networking skills. Thus, encourage your child to socialize with like-minded people both offline and online. A strong profile on Linkedin and Twitter can further is an integral part of a student’s CV and application process. It will also help them connect and communicate with faculty and alumni from their colleges of interest.
A degree from a foreign university offers great flexibility in exploring various career paths during one’s time in college. Parents should be open to their child venturing into unconventional career opportunities as well as the
A student should be able to think independently and be encouraged to make practical choices when it comes to selecting courses brd on their areas of interest. While it is ideal to take inspiration from their seniors who have successfully taken admissions abroad, it is necessary to avoid blindly adhering to the road map they followed and create one’s own strategy keeping in mind your own academic and professional interests.
Above all, it is important to take a breather and give yourself moments to calmly evaluate and weigh your options. Keep your minds open. Parents should be excited about their child’s journey and encourage and support them at every step of the process. It is a long haul and a happy-go-lucky attitude will make the path seamless and enjoyable.
This article was originally published by The Economic Times on 26 May 2023
