Is your teenager reaching the university age? If so, they may ask you for advice about applying for university.
Choosing a university is a critical decision, as it can have a significant impact on your child’s life and career –and there are lots of different universities to choose from. In fact, there are over 4,000 higher education institutions in the USA (and that doesn’t include study abroad options)!
Do you want to make sure your teen chooses the right university for them? If so, here are five tips to help them choose a university.
Think About Location
One of the first things to consider is the location. Sit down with your teen and ask them the following questions; would you feel happier in a small town or a big city? Is there a particular location you are thinking about? Is there are university there that offers a course you like?
It is also essential to consider how far away they will be. Flying from one side of the US to the other can take over 11 hours, which isn’t ideal – but it is worth it if the university is very prestigious, or if it is the only place offering the course your teenager wants to study. It may be difficult for you to let them go as a parent but remember this is not about your relationship; it is about their career.
Do Some Online Research
Online research will tell you more about the university and what it is like. You can check out their official website to find out more about acceptance rates and scholarship applications, and you can also go on student forums to find out what the workload is like. This will make it easier to work out if the university is well-suited to your teenager.
Is your teen interested in Michigan State University? If so, visit CampusReel to find out more about the MSU acceptance rate.
Think About How the Course Is Structured
It can also be useful to find out more about how the course is structured. Some classes have lots of exams and essays, while others focus more on group work. Different people tend to excel at different things, so if your teenager is well suited to academic writing, they may want to consider applying for a course that focuses on essay work – but if they are more practical, they might prefer a less academic course.
However, guiding them to the right resources for Getting help with online classes can significantly support them on their course. So make sure you know your options for additional support to enhance their education.
Go to The Open Days
Finally, you should consider visiting university open days with your teenager. This will give them the chance to really get a feel for the university; they will be able to check out the campus and the classrooms, and they will get the opportunity to talk to professors about what the course is really like.
If you do decide to do this, consider planning in advance, as there will be lots of events and fairs to check out (and you may want to visit the town, as well as the university).