The dos and don’ts of helping your teen prepare for university

It’s natural to want to help your teen as they prepare for university, but it can be difficult to know where to start and how involved you should be.

University is a big step for a student who has just finished high school. It’s a time of change and excitement. As a parent, carer or guardian you might have the same anticipation, but you may also be feeling uncertain. If your teen is coming to looking for advice about their future studies and career, not having the answers to all their questions may leave you feeling worried.

Parents often want to help their teens prepare for university and be part of the decision-making journey, but they don’t always know what they should and shouldn’t be doing to help.

We’ve put together some advice to assist you as you help your teen prepare for what’s next after high school.

Parent and teen talking to RMIT staff with a laptop

Do... explore tertiary education options with them

Exploring university study options with your teen is the perfect way to begin engaging with them about what they want to do following high school. At RMIT there are lots of options to choose from, vocational study, undergraduate study and pathway courses just to name a few. You can begin by exploring study options and browsing what’s available and in what study areas. If you’re looking for that human element and want to get an idea of what university life will be like, RMIT’s Open Day is another great place to start.

Don’t... try to read through every possible study option

It’s not necessary to know every available option when it comes to tertiary study. In fact, it’s almost impossible. RMIT offers more than 450 qualifications, and if you try to learn everything that’s on offer, you’ll be very overwhelmed. If you're not sure where to begin your search or how to identify a field that interests your teen, reach out to Study@RMIT. You can call or walk in for a chat with staff who can help you and your teen explore what’s available at RMIT.

Do... encourage their interests

Whether your teen is an advocate for environmental action, or is passionate about entrepreneurship, the hobbies and interests they enjoy could eventually become university study and a career. As a parent you can nurture that passion!

You may be surprised at what interests can become university study. For example, if your teen enjoys video games and understanding how they work they could study game design at RMIT, or if they’re an avid reader they might wish to undertake a creative writing degree.

Do... respect the study options that your child chooses to pursue

The study area that your teen shows interest in may not seem like the best option to you, but it is important to respect their decision even if you disagree them.

Many industries, careers and jobs that have appeared in the past decade that no one could’ve predicted. There will always be new, innovative jobs appearing in the workforce and the key to these careers may be the study option your teen has chosen.

Don’t... mention future study during exam periods

It can be difficult to know how to help your child when they’re feeling the stress of their looming VCE exams. One simple way to help is to avoid bringing up future study during their exam period. Mentioning university preparation during this time may simply cause undue anxiety, even if it’s well meaning.

Do... let your teen take the lead

Let your teen take the lead when looking into university options and applying. While it may be jarring for them at first, giving them the responsibility of handling their future studies will be quite liberating and will prepare them for the independence of university.

Don’t... be completely hands-off

While it’s important not to control the entire process, it’s also not necessary to leave it entirely up to your teen. There is a nice middle ground that you should aim for where you are a supportive guiding hand. If you’re wondering how much you should be helping them, sit down for a chat with them and ask if there is anything they are unsure of and how you might be able to help.

Street view of an the RMIT gallery building in Melbourne city

Do... reassure them that an ATAR isn’t the only way into university

Exams can be a stressful time for students. They often feel like their entire future is hanging in the balance, and that an ATAR is one of the many ways they can meet their uni entry requirements. High school students should always be encouraged to give their VCE exams their best shot, but make sure to let them know that there are other pathways into university.

At RMIT there are many other alternative entry schemes to consider. For example, the Early Offer program can secure your teen a position in a university course even before they have completed their exams.

Don’t... worry about your teen’s newfound independence

You may find yourself worrying that your teen won’t have any support systems now that they are going off on their own to study at university. However, RMIT has plenty of study support, equity support services and even student-to-student support services like RMIT Kirrip help them take their first steps in their new environment. So, you can rest easy knowing your teen is free to explore their independence with support systems close at hand.

Story: Jacob Johnston

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