Empower Your High Schooler – Explore College Websites to Demonstrate Interest
One of the most practical and exciting activities parents can encourage their high schoolers to engage in is exploring college websites, reading emails, and paying attention to those enticing pop-ups and links that offer online webinars or classes. This simple yet powerful strategy demonstrates interest to give your student a head start on their college journey and provide them with invaluable insights and experiences.
Let’s dive into why this practice is essential and how it can benefit your student.
Discovering Hidden Gems:
College websites are treasure troves of information waiting to be explored. By encouraging your student to regularly cruise through the websites of their college choices, they can unearth hidden gems that might not be readily apparent. From unique programs and research opportunities to campus events and initiatives, these websites provide a wealth of information that can shape your student’s college decision.
Diving into Webinars and Classes:
Beyond the static web pages, colleges often host online webinars and classes to engage prospective students. These webinars and classes offer a fantastic opportunity for your student to delve deeper into their areas of interest. Encourage your student to sign up and participate in these events, even if they are not specifically targeted at their age group. If needed, they can reach out to the professors and politely ask for an exception. Many professors are thrilled to see young minds eager to learn and are willing to accommodate such requests.
Gaining a Deeper Understanding:
Attending these webinars and classes can provide your student with a deeper understanding of their chosen subjects. They’ll have the chance to explore topics beyond the high school curriculum, learn from college professors, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. This exposure to college-level content can ignite their passion, broaden their knowledge, and set them apart from other applicants.
Familiarizing with Teaching Styles and Professors:
Participating in online classes or webinars allows your student to experience firsthand the teaching styles prevalent at different colleges. Each professor has their unique approach to delivering content and engaging students. By attending these sessions, your student can gain insights into the teaching methods employed by various colleges, which can influence their college selection process. They’ll also have the opportunity to interact with professors and ask questions, giving them a taste of what their college experience might be like.
Getting on College Radars:
Demonstrating interest by actively engaging with colleges through webinars and classes puts your student on their radar. When your student participates, asks thoughtful questions, and shows genuine interest, colleges take notice. This can be advantageous during the application process, as colleges often value demonstrated interest. By making a positive impression early on, your student increases their chances of standing out among other applicants.
Feeling the College Vibe:
Besides demonstrating interest by attending these webinars and classes your student will get a genuine feel for the college environment. They can get a sense of the college culture, community, and overall atmosphere. It’s like taking a virtual tour that goes beyond the physical campus. This firsthand experience can play a crucial role in their college decision-making process, helping them choose a college that aligns with their interests, values, and aspirations.
So, encourage your high schooler to embark on this virtual exploration journey. By diving into college websites, participating in webinars and classes, and making their presence known, not only will they demonstrate interest to the college officers, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of subjects they are passionate about, familiarize themselves with teaching styles and professors, and get a taste of the college experience. It’s an empowering adventure that can shape their college choices and open doors to a world of opportunities.
