It is not uncommon for parents of children in primary years to want to start university planning. While we can laugh it off, it illustrates how much pressure is put on parents, and subsequently on students. While planning ahead is necessary, we also need to meet students where they are developmentally.
Aside from a few exceptions, teens aren’t usually ready to start thinking or making decisions about their future until they are in high school (around 14-15 years old). Even then, their ability to think that far ahead is often limited. Unfortunately, this is also the time where they need to start backward planning and making decisions about their course selection, especially if they intend to study in the UK or other European countries.
Therefore, this is a good time to start working with grade 9 (Y10) students, slowly getting them to reflect on their academic strengths and interests. This is also the time to meet with students and conduct personality inventories and psychometric assessments for careers. We start educating students on how to interact with universities, what questions to ask reps, and how to start using extracurricular activities and summer programs to their advantage.
As students move closer to the final two years of school, we focus on their course selection and start creating long lists of potential universities they could apply to. Many students choose to apply to summer or pre-college programs, and document preparation for applications can start in their penultimate year, especially if they are applying early. Below is an overview of the main tasks in each year.
9th/10th Grades
- Counseling students on building their high school curriculum based on their academic level and educational interests
- Advising on what standardized tests to take outside of school and when to take them (grade10)
- Inviting students to university fairs and presentations
- Creating a plan for extra-curricular activities, summer programs, and internships
- Conducting psychometric assessment for careers
11th Grade
- Developing long lists of prospective universities
- Providing support with applications to pre-college programs
- Advising on what standardized tests to take and when to take them
- Devising a plan for extra-curricular activities, summer programs, and internships
- Connecting students to university representatives and inviting them to fairs
- Helping with document preparation and creating an application timeline
12th Grade
- Guiding students on their university applications and creating schedules to maintain deadlines
- Navigating university application portals
- Coaching students on writing college application essays and essay reviews
- Preparing students for university interviews
- Offering time management and organization support
- Organizing meetings with higher education representatives for students and their families
As we navigate this crucial period, remember that support and guidance are available. Contact me to learn how I can assist you and your child in successfully navigating the university application process. Together, we can make this journey less stressful and more rewarding.