Mike Steidel
Dean of Admission
Carnegie Mellon University
Being a parent during the admission process can be just as hard on you as on your student. Knowing when to step in and when to back off is a delicate balance. Here's a checklist of ways you can help your student in the search for a great international university.
- Learn what factors are important to your student's college search.
- Read anything you can get about those colleges and universities that are high on their list.
- Make use of every technology available to facilitate the college search: phone, fax, email, the internet.
- It’s never too early—or too late—to begin financial planning to meet college costs.
- Use your teen's college counselor wisely; counselors can provide a wealth of good advice and information.
- Use the resources and assistance of the US government provided by overseas Educational Advising Centers.
- Know who to contact: Get the phone numbers and email addresses of international admission staff members where student has applied.
- Make use of alumni who support the admission process of their alma maters. They can provide valuable firsthand information.
- If possible, help your student make arrangements to visit college campuses.
- Remember, this is your student's admission process—support, but don’t lead.
We have a ton more advice to help students from around the through the university search in our International Students section.