Preparing for university is about more than grades. Ouiam El Hassani shares how parents can guide teens to embrace their passions, shape authentic narratives and present their true potential to admissions teams.
As parents, we watch our children blossom, nurturing their dreams and laying the foundations for their future. The journey toward higher education is a significant step, a time when the seeds of their aspirations begin to sprout into tangible plans. While it might seem like a structured path with its own set of requirements, the college application process is at its heart an opportunity to help our young adults articulate the unique tapestry of their potential and step confidently onto the next stage of their lives.
Think of it less as a series of boxes to tick and more as a chance to help your teen share their story – a narrative rich with their academic endeavours, yes, but also vibrant with their passions, grounded in their character and connected to their community. How can we, as their steadfast guides, help them navigate this path with authenticity and present their truest selves to the world of academia?
The Rise of Holistic Admissions
The landscape of university admissions today extends beyond the traditional focus solely on grades. While academic excellence remains important, institutions across the globe are increasingly seeking a more complete picture of the applicant. They are looking for young individuals who demonstrate not only intellectual capability but also a genuine spark of curiosity, a proactive engagement with the world around them and a sincere desire to contribute.
This holistic perspective means we need to encourage our children to recognise and value every facet of their development, understanding that their unique qualities and experiences hold significant weight.
In this interconnected age, the way our children present themselves online can offer an initial glimpse into their world. Gently guide your teen towards cultivating a positive and thoughtful digital presence. Encourage them to see their online platforms not just as social spaces, but also as potential showcases for their interests and achievements – such as their artistic creations, coding endeavours or participation in cultural events. It’s about helping them reflect their best selves, the individuals we know and cherish, in the digital realm.
Building Genuine Connections
Encourage your teen to actively explore their college aspirations online with intention. Following the digital footprints of universities that pique their interest, delving into specific departments and even engaging with faculty members through their online platforms can foster a genuine connection.
Thoughtful interactions, such as posing relevant questions or sharing insightful comments, can demonstrate a proactive interest that goes beyond mere passive observation.
It’s akin to them virtually stepping onto the campus and expressing their eagerness to learn and contribute.
Our youth possess a wealth of diverse talents and experiences, each one unique and valuable. Perhaps your son demonstrates exceptional discipline and teamwork through his involvement in a sport. Maybe your daughter possesses a deep appreciation for history and culture, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. These individual facets are what truly make them stand out. Encourage them to weave these passions into their applications, whether through the personal essay, a carefully curated portfolio or even a short video that brings their experiences to life.
Writing an Authentic Personal Essay
At the heart of the application lies the personal essay, a precious opportunity for your teen to articulate their inner world. It’s not about striving for overly formal prose, but about speaking genuinely and authentically. What pivotal experiences have shaped their perspectives? What are the dreams that fuel their ambitions? What core values guide their actions? Encourage them to reflect deeply on their journey so far, to acknowledge the challenges they’ve overcome and to celebrate the moments of significant growth. This personal narrative allows university admissions committees to connect with the individual behind the academic record, to understand their motivations and their potential to thrive within their community.
Education, in its truest sense, extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. Encourage your teen to actively participate in extracurricular activities that genuinely resonate with their interests – whether it’s volunteering for a cause they believe in, participating in sports teams that foster camaraderie, engaging in creative clubs that nurture their artistic spirit or contributing to community initiatives that make a tangible difference. These experiences cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, collaboration and unwavering commitment. When highlighting these involvements in their applications, encourage them to articulate the valuable lessons they’ve learned and how these experiences have shaped their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Supporting Them Every Step
As their parents, our most vital role is to provide unwavering support, gentle guidance and a deep well of love. Foster open and honest conversations with your teen about their aspirations, their anxieties and their progress throughout this process. Help them navigate deadlines and break down the application into manageable steps. Remind them of their inherent strengths and celebrate their efforts and achievements, regardless of the final outcome.
Ultimately, this journey is not solely about securing admission to a particular university; it’s about fostering your child’s growth, encouraging their journey of self-discovery and empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. By guiding them to present their authentic selves – their academic achievements interwoven with their passions and their unique qualities – we equip them to take the next exciting step on their path towards a bright and fulfilling future.
