University Applications at SIS

Tis the season for University applications!  We have been fortunate to have many universities visit SIS this semester to meet our amazing students and for our students to learn more about some of the universities around the world.  Deciding on which universities to apply and what subject to major in are big decisions. I have been working with our twelfth graders with these decisions and helping them with their applications.  It is an exciting and very stressful process for students.

Parental Guidance: Tips for Supporting Students of All Ages

As parents, there are things we can do to support and motivate our kids at any age.

• Read to your child at a young age.
• Encourage your child to take on challenges.
• Remind your child to meet with their school counselor.
• Help your child set goals at the start of each school year.
• Make college a topic of conversation.
• Have your child visit a college campus. 

As parents, it is hard sometimes to let go of control and let our children lead the way. When it comes to college applications though, that is what needs to happen.  We are there to support and listen, but ultimately, they need to do the work. We want what is best for our kids, but it is important to remember that university admissions is not an indication of your child’s worth as a person or student, nor does a rejection letter diminish their value and incredible accomplishments and hard work.  

If you are a parent of a student in grade twelve, remember they may be feeling a lot of stress and anxiety about applying to universities.  Ask them how they are feeling about it and make sure they are meeting with me to help support the process. Find ways to guide without doing it for them.  Encourage them to email admissions staff at the schools they are interested in, remember though, it needs to come from them!

If you are a parent of grades nine through eleven, ask them if they have thought about careers they may be interested in or what they may want to study in college.  Don’t worry if the response is I don’t know, I will be working with them shortly, exploring their strengths and interests and getting them thinking about their futures.