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There are key stages in the application process which your child would have to manoeuvre successfully in order to gain admission into his/her chosen university. The first stage would be to choose the best university for them. This process requires a lot of thinking on the part of the child as well as the parent. Mainly a parent would be concerned about the safety of the child and the academic credentials the child would acquire during his/her stay at the university. It is very important during this stage for the parent to lay down certain rules that they wish their children to follow in order to choose the best university for them. However, it is important that the parent keeps in mind the child's wishes during this initial stage. It would be a good idea to attend an open day accompanying your child at his/her preferred university, too.

Once your child has chosen his/her preferred university then starts the process of writing an application. The university application in itself would give your child an opportunity to find out a lot about themselves in terms of their aspirations and goals. It might be that during the application process your child might change his/her mind regarding this particular university or the course they are going to do. Therefore, it is very important as a parent to understand how your child came to that particular conclusion and support them in their decision.

One of the most important parts of completing a university application is the essay. While your child is writing their university essay it is important to offer your services as a proofreader or general advisor to them. Make sure they know they express themselves truthfully and honestly during this essay writing process. Give them some examples of good essays that you have came across and found interesting and thought provoking. This would lay down the general foundations for your child to understand how to articulate a good essay.

The day they receive the acceptance letter from the university in the mail, celebrate it with your child and be happy for their success! Don't yet start burdening them with the responsibility of being on their own.

What if .... your child gets rejected?

This also goes the other way. If you find that your child has not been accepted in their particular choice of university give them your support during this emotionally tough time. Don't be dismissive of the fact that your child might feel depressed or sad once they got rejected. Try to go through all the different reasons why they think they were not accepted and try to give them sound advice and encourage to persevere.

As a personal advice I would tell my child to see a rejection not as a negative experience but as a sign that it would not be the right and best thing for him. I would also remember my child that rejections are simply a part of life - be it in social or professional life. Knowing how to deal with them in an appropriate manner is the key. Furthermore, I would also remind my child that famous people, such as the German topmodel Claudia Schiffer, and many more were rejected at the beginning of their career. They were persistent and didn't give up, and still they became very famous later on. Your child should have a similar attitude. Create a perception that rejections are just normal in life, and I'm sure your child will not have to struggle so much in overcoming the initial negative feeling. Teach your child at an early age in his life that rejections don't always need to be perceived as negative. Very often it is just a sign that something better is going to happen in the future and that experience might turn into a very positive one later on.

Some of the key points that you should remember as a supporting parent are:

• Don't put too much pressure on your child.
  

• Show your genuine interest in what they do, what they have chosen, etc.
  

• Before submitting the final version of application: make sure all requirements are properly met, deadlines are met, there are no mistakes in spelling and grammar.
  

• If your child decides to apply at a Top Universityyou should encourage him, but don't make false hopes. If she/he gets admitted it is great, but otherwise your child should also be realistic.

REMEMBER: Once your child goes to college bear in mind to support him during that time too, don't just limit your support and advice before the academic year.

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