Things You Should Remember When Applying To University

September 29, 2020

Things to remember when your child applies to university

A person is writing on a piece of paper with a pen.
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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