Things You Should Remember When Applying To University
September 29, 2020
Things to remember when your child applies to university
Applying for university can be a stressful time for both parents and children. Once you’ve helped them decide what and where they’d like to study, it’s time for the application process to begin. When it comes to submitting a university application, it’s imperative that you tick every box and all in good time too.
Allowing your child to do what’s best for them is the first step in applying for a university. Don’t try and force your dreams or hopes onto them. They need to choose a programme that’s aligned with their talents, passions and goals for the future. That way, they’re more likely to graduate from university with a qualification instead of dropping out because they aren’t interested in what they’re studying.
Although it’s been a strange year, life has still progressed. Your child will soon be off on their next adventure, tertiary education.
Here’s what you and your teenager need to bear in mind when it comes to applying for university:
1. Take note of all necessary dates
This includes closing dates for applications, payments and even registration. Don’t allow your child to miss out on their chosen course and institution because it slipped your mind. Put reminders on your phone, fridge and even on the family’s shared calendar. Remember, applications need to have reached the university before the closing date to make sure your child can be considered. This means taking into account methods of submission like online, postage or courier. If you need extra time, make sure you factor this in.
2. Have all examination results ready
Your child will need to submit their grade 11 exam results. Normally, mid-year results would also need to be submitted. However, this year has been an exception. Due to COVID-19, the Department of Basic Education announced that this year's matriculants will be writing their mid-year and final examinations all in one go.
Include the results in the application but do provide a certified copy and never the original in case these are lost in the post.
3. Double-check everything
No one enjoys paperwork but when it comes to your child’s future, it pays to make sure that every detail on their university application is correct. Take it slow and re-read everything once you are done. A black pen is normally considered best for filling out applications.
4. Don’t forget to sign and include supporting documents
Both you and your child need to sign the declaration on the application after verifying that everything is correct. Make sure that you and your teen know what you’re signing. Where supporting documents are concerned, the application will require certified copies of all IDs (including your child’s). You might even need to include proof of residence and one of your most recent payslips. Again, never send originals, rather send certified copies.
5. Pay the application fee
Before you send off the application, make sure you have paid the application fee and sent off the proof of payment. If you like, you can include a copy of this proof of payment within your child’s application pack before submitting everything.
6. Give your child the best chance at a successful future
At Abbotts College, our non-traditional approach to learning sets our students up for a successful career. For more on us and our schools, please click here.
To apply for your child to join us, please visit the following link: Apply Here
If you have a general enquiry, please address it to us here: Enquire here
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As the preliminary and final examinations approach, both students and parents or guardians often experience heightened anxiety and stress. This guide provides practical strategies to help parents and guardians support their children through this critical phase of their academic journey. 1. Foster Effective Organization Create an environment conducive to studying by providing a quiet, well-lit study space equipped with essential stationery. Collaborate with your child to develop a structured study timetable to set clear expectations and promote disciplined preparation. Encourage the use of resources such as past question papers, which serve as valuable tools for revision and practice. 2. Maintain Daily Check-Ins Schedule regular, intentional conversations, such as during dinner, to discuss your child’s progress. Inquire about their experience with the day’s examination paper, adherence to their study schedule, and their feelings about upcoming tests. These check-ins foster open communication and allow you to gauge their emotional and academic state. 3. Minimize Distractions Help your child stay focused by keeping electronic devices like phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of reach during study sessions. Set boundaries on screen time and social media access to prevent procrastination. While challenging, limiting Wi-Fi access during study hours can significantly enhance productivity. 4. Support Emotional Awareness Encourage your child to identify and articulate their emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fatigue . Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Discuss coping strategies to help them navigate emotional challenges during this period. 5. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques Guide your child in practicing self-regulation to manage stress. Techniques include: Breathing Exercises : Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and repeat. Sensory Focus : Identify five things they can see or hear to ground themselves in the moment. Tactile Stimulation : Hold a cold object to shift focus and reduce anxiety. These methods can help your child regain calm and focus during stressful moments. 6. Promote a Balanced Routine Prolonged study sessions late into the night can lead to burnout. Monitor your child’s study habits and encourage breaks to maintain balance. Plan activities such as outings with friends, a family meal, or short recreational periods with access to devices. Engaging in non-academic activities, like helping prepare dinner, can provide a refreshing change of focus. 7. Prioritize Self-Care Support your child’s well-being by ensuring they: Eat nutritious, regular meals. Get at least eight hours of sleep by limiting screen time before bed. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, dancing, or gym workouts. These practices help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common during examination periods. 8. Practice Empathy and Patience The examination period can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents. Approach your child with empathy, actively listening and offering guidance without criticism. This fosters a supportive environment, bolstering their mental health and sense of inclusion. By implementing these strategies, parents and guardians can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the challenges of examinations with confidence and resilience. Good luck to all the Grade 12 students with the upcoming examinations - you most certainly can do it!
