How to prepare your child for an Ivy League school

March 24, 2022 at 8:00 AM
A high school student preparing for an Ivy League school

Filling out Ivy League college applications, writing essays, and preparing for interviews is a long, rigorous process. However, once your child has been accepted to one of these prestigious institutions, the work is far from over. For students to be successful in an Ivy League college, they must start preparing long before the school year begins.

Parents often feel they do not know how best to support their children in the months leading up to their freshman year. There are however, several ways that parents can help their children prepare before embarking on this exciting new phase of life.

If you would like to know how to prepare your child for Ivy League schools, our team at Educational Attainment Services offers a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Continue reading for a few actionable tips that you can use to support your child on their way to becoming a hardworking Ivy League student.

Teach self-discipline

One of the main reasons why high school students struggle to adjust to college life during their first year is because it is the first time that they are required to practice self-discipline. During high school, attendance is mandatory, and students are typically in small classes where they have direct contact with their teachers and may be subject to punishment if they fail to submit assignments on time. In college, this changes entirely. Students are held responsible for their academic success and the degree to which they choose to participate in classes. Many parents find it useful to implement a hands off approach towards the end of high school so their children learn how to motivate themselves without constant pressure from authority figures.

Connect them with the right resources

For parents that are unfamiliar with the culture and expectations in Ivy League schools, it may be appropriate to seek out a professional service that can help their child prepare for their first year. Educational Attainment Services offers seminars, student counseling, free introductory sessions, and many other resources that are guaranteed to boost your child’s confidence. Leave it to our team to provide answers to all of your child’s questions regarding skill development, academic timelines, and more.

Help them find the right program

If your child has yet to select the college program which they wish to enroll in, providing an extra set of eyes and ears to review course materials can help remove some of the burden. In college, students are introduced to a range of new course options that may not have been available in high school. As a parent, you know your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. Therefore, you may be able to provide the guidance that your child needs to choose a program that will align with their passions, and help them take the first step towards a fulfilling career path.

Encourage them to review their textbooks early

College coursework is unfamiliar territory for high school students, which is why it is in their best interest to start reviewing the materials they are provided with as early as possible. Once your child has their reading list, we recommend obtaining the necessary textbooks right away so they can begin familiarizing themselves with the subject matter in the months leading up to classes. Getting college textbooks in the hands of your child is also a great way to further encourage self-discipline. They will have the choice to dedicate as much time as they see fit to prepare for the next step in their academic career.

If you would like to know more about how to prepare your child for Ivy League schools, connect with us today.