How to help your child get “set up for success” for university and beyond in 2024

Did you know that over 60% of students feel overwhelmed by the competition when applying to universities? (Source)

You want your child to thrive, not just survive the process. But how?

How do you help your child set themselves up for success? Not just for university applications, but for life beyond the classroom?

It’s about more than just grades. It’s about resilience. Finding the right opportunities to grow and nurture your child so they can stand on their own two feet.

Here’s how you can support your child in building a strong foundation for success in 2024.

1. Get Curious

In 2024, universities aren’t just looking for students who can memorize facts and ace math tests. They want independent thinkers—students who can take initiative, learn on their own, and demonstrate curiosity.

Students who are willing to think outside the box, get their hands dirty, and explore beyond the textbook.

That takes a lot more than "decent grades". It takes a genuine interest in their learning.

Help your child develop independent learning skills. Encourage them to explore subjects that genuinely interest them. Let them dive deep and find their Marianas Trench.

This could mean taking an online course, diving into a personal project, or even starting a blog or business.

Let them take the lead. Let them make mistakes. Let them figure things out for themselves.

The goal? Foster a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom. A love of learning that will make them stand out. Not just for university, but for life.

2. Plant Deep Roots

It’s easy to think that the more activities your child does, the better their application will look. But that’s not true. Universities don’t want a laundry list of  half-hearted involvements.

What really matters is depth.

Depth is like planting a tree—it's not about scattering seeds everywhere but nurturing one tree until its roots grow deep and strong.

Encourage your child to find one to three activities that truly resonate with them.

Then plant those roots and get to waterin'.

Whether it’s music, sports, community service, or a club, universities want to see involvement, growth, and leadership. Find activities that match their field of study so universities can see they've been exploring their field of study in their extracurriculars.

Quality trumps quantity. Grow that tree strong and tall so it never falls.

3. Get Up. Again. And Again. And Again.

Life is full of challenges. How your child responds to them can make all the difference.

Universities are looking for students who have faced setbacks and grown from them. Resilience is key.

Talk to your child about their struggles. Not to solve every problem for them. But to help them learn to cope, adapt, and move forward.

One student might face rejection from a leadership position. Another might struggle in a difficult course. Help them see these setbacks as part of the process. Remind them: it’s not about how many times you fall. It’s about how many times you get back up.

Failure is a great thing - it’s helping them practice the skill of getting back up.

Universities are drawn to students who show they can pick themselves back up after falling. Your support can make a huge impact.

4. Wear Jeans to A Black Tie Event

Admissions officers read tens of thousands of applications. (No, it's not a typo. Tens of thousands.)

What sets an applicant apart? Authenticity.

Encourage your child to be genuine in their personal statement and interviews.

A huge mistake students make is pretending to be someone they're not because "that's what universities care about".

Ever seen a political science major randomly try to jam in the importance of rocket science innovation because the school values "Technology & Innovation"?

No? Well, we have.

Sometimes it works. Most of the time... It's awkward and feels like someone forgot their tie to a black-tie event. It's close. But you can't shake that something just isn't right.

Instead of writing what they think admissions officers want to hear, they should focus on what makes them unique. Their true experiences. Their challenges. Their goals.

Wear that T-shirt to the black-tie event and be proud of it! That type of authenticity means something.

Universities want to see the real person behind the grades and activities. They want to know what drives your child. What they care about. How they see themselves contributing to the community.

A real story sticks. Even one that seems "boring".

5. Course Selection

Grades do matter. But so do the courses your child takes.

Universities are interested in applicants who challenge themselves in areas they’re passionate about. This doesn’t mean taking the hardest courses possible.

It does mean making thoughtful choices that align with their goals.

Work with your child to plan their courses carefully. If they’re interested in engineering, encourage them to take advanced math and science courses. If they love the humanities, they might focus on literature, history, and writing.

The key: show consistency and dedication.

6. Be a Chocolatey Chunk Cookie

Heartfelt letters of recommendation can be a game-changer in the application process. Too often, students wait until the last minute and end up with cookie-cutter responses.

And hey - we love cookies.

But you don't want your references to feel like another pack of Chips Ahoy that looks the same as the last - you want those thick chocolatey chunks where each cookie is shaped a little differently and has a personality. (Like the ones that grandma makes.)

Encourage your child to participate actively in class. Give them \$3 to buy a coffee for their teacher and set up a time to chat at lunch. Ask teachers about their past and ask them for advice on their future goals.

These actions help teachers see your child as an individual and allows teachers to write the best letters possible.

This leads to more impactful letters when application time comes.

7. The Balance Secret Sauce

Balancing academics, activities, and personal time is tough. Especially when university application season hits.

Helping your child develop time management skills now will make it easier for them to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Encourage them to use planners, calendars, or apps. Help them create a schedule that prioritizes their responsibilities while leaving room for rest and self-care.

Time management isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about balance. Busy doesn’t always mean productive. Balance is the secret sauce.

Get Prepped

Setting your child up for success in university and beyond isn’t just about pushing for straight A’s.

It’s about nurturing qualities like resilience, building curiosity and being dedicated.

By helping your child learn, grow, and find their voice, you’re setting them on a path that’s not only focused on university admission, but also on a fulfilling future.

At AdmissionPrep, we specialize in guiding students and families through this journey. Ready to help your child build their future? See if we can support your child by filling out our assessment.

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