If you love something let it go free! Ever wondered what this might mean for a parent of a high-schooler in today’s times?
One of the toughest challenges that parents of school students face is finding the right fit – a college that offers their child what he/she wants. In this scenario, the sheer number of colleges and universities offering undergraduate programs can be overwhelming for parents.
How then does a parent go about finding this?
At Suchitra Academy, one of the top schools in Hyderabad, we empathise with this area of peril for a parent. We understand the importance of holistic education, which goes beyond academic programs to encompass campus culture and environmental factors. The transformative methodologies are designed to prepare students to tackle real-world problems with confidence and creativity. Through-out their academic journey, our students and parents are exposed to innumerable orientations and workshops, wherein we equip them with the skills needed to thrive in diverse environments and make important informed decisions.
We recognize the significance of parental expectations and the pressure students may face, which is why we foster a supportive community where every individual can flourish. With a focus on long-term career prospects and accessibility, Suchitra Academy strives to provide an enriching educational experience that empowers students to become leaders in their chosen fields.
Having refined and near-perfected the art of enabling way-forwards, we developed a short guide to the undaunting task of sorting through this vast array of options to find the best fit for your child’s academic and personal needs.
1. Understanding Admission Requirements: What is it that my child really wishes to study?
This is the best premise to begin. The next step would be to seek out colleges that offer it. Each college may have different admission requirements, including standardized test scores, GPA thresholds, extracurricular involvement, and application essays. Understanding and meeting these requirements is important.
2. Assessing academic programs
Initially you may find it challenging to evaluate the quality and reputation of academic programs. Determining which colleges offer the most competent curriculum in specific subjects and whether this align with your child’s academic interests and career goals is a crucial next step.
3. Financial Considerations
College tuition costs and financial aid options are indeed an important criterion for selection. Navigating the complex financial aid applications, scholarships, and student loans in the light of your child’s educational aspirations at times can be a well-calculated albeit balancing act.
4. Campus Culture and Environment
This is a worry area for most of us who stand at the threshold of letting go. It’s the perils of peer that about the campus culture and environment of prospective colleges, including factors such as safety, diversity, student support services, and extracurricular opportunities. Assessing these intangible aspects can be challenging but must be looked into.
5. Location and Accessibility
The location of the college, including proximity to home, urban versus rural settings, and transportation options, is another worth considering. Weighing the benefits of a familiar environment versus the opportunities offered by colleges in different locations is a necessary trade-off.
6. Long-Term Career Prospects
You as a parent are justified in being concerned about the long-term career prospects associated with your child’s chosen field of study and the reputation of the college in facilitating post-graduation employment or further education opportunities. The career that your child chooses to pursue should have viability.
7. Parental Expectations and Pressure
At times we parents feel the pressure to select a college that meets our own expectations or societal norms rather than focusing on our child’s individual needs and preferences. Balancing parental aspirations with your child’s desires is like walking on thin ice. However that is where communication takes centre stage. Open communication, addressing challenges requires careful research and in this consultation with educational counselors or advisors and visits to prospective colleges to gather firsthand impressions will greatly help. Ultimately, as parents we must prioritize our child’s academic and personal growth while navigating the complex landscape of college selection. Encourage your child to reach out to current undergraduates at prospective colleges to gain insights into student life and safety on campus. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide valuable perspectives and help in making informed decisions.
8. Prioritize Specialized Courses:
Encourage your child to consider specialized courses tailored to their interests, even if they are offered by tier-2 or tier-3 colleges. A program that aligns closely with their passion may offer better opportunities for growth and success than a generalized course from a reputed institution.
9. Seek Career Insights Early
Encourage your child to seek career insights from a counselor as early as possible. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and help in making informed decisions about college and course selection.
10. Focus on Entrance Exams:
Pay close attention to entrance exams that have a wider range of participating universities. These exams often open doors to a variety of institutions and programs, providing more options for your child’s higher education journey.
11. Create a Balanced Shortlist:
Help your child create a balanced shortlist of universities, including aspirational, target, and safe options. This ensures a mix of ambitious choices and realistic alternatives, increasing the chances of finding the right fit.
12. Visit Potential Universities
Whenever possible, visit the universities your child is interested in. Observing the campus atmosphere firsthand and meeting with the admission team and faculty can provide valuable insights into the college experience and academic environment.
13. Consider Liberal Education:
If your child is interested in multiple courses, explore liberal education universities that offer customizable programs. These institutions often provide flexibility in course selection, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests and goals.
14. Explore Online Degree Options:
For students with exceptional skills in sports or extracurricular activities, consider online degree programs. This option offers flexibility and convenience while allowing students to pursue their academic and extracurricular passions simultaneously.
15. Connect with Current Students:
By following these tips, parents can play a pivotal role in guiding their children towards selecting colleges that align with their interests, aspirations, and future goals.
Do remember that you are your child’s best friend, guide and probably the onlt unconditional support system. As a parent you play a pivotal role in guiding your child towards selecting colleges aligned with their interests, aspirations, and future goals.
Excellence is a core value at Suchitra and we aim to provide the very best in all areas, including support for college admissions. This is what makes Suchitra amongst the Top Schools in Hyderabad and India.
