EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 July Issue | Page 27

element of luck. It is important that the student selects a variety
of universities of varying calibre but which have the courses they
seek and an environment that they feel they can ?t into. The
important message we give our kids is that they are not a failure
if they do not get into the university of their choice, provided they
had put in their best efforts. The important fact is to assure your
child that you are not de?ned by just your college you got into
but what you made of your experience in college, whether Ivy
League or not.

own conclusions without so much “drama” involved. However,
the trick is not to push our thoughts down their throats. It is
like playing a string instrument. The right pressure is the most
important. Whenever possible, we incorporate knowledge
learning by getting them into camps, summer schools, and
internships as part of their summer holidays and even discussions
over dinner tables but balance them with fun stuff or they will
dread their holidays as if it is just academics and might rebel
internally, if not externally.

Have you been planning for your kids to enrol
in the Ivy Leagues or top universities before
they were even born? Or has this been a gradual
process or, perhaps, your kids’ wish?

Do you have any tips to share with parents
and hopeful students who are looking
forward to submit their application into these
sought-after institutions?

Never. Actually, as they are Danish citizens, they would have free
universities in Denmark and reduced fees in UK, so until Sophia
was in Grade 10, that was the plan. However, our European
friends choose to send their kids to the US and after hearing the
advantages of US education, we changed our mind at the last
minute and have not regretted it, even though it is more timeconsuming and a competitive process. We had visited almost 60
universities in the UK and the US.

Start early to prepare yourself for SAT and ACT exams. Look at
what these universities look for, be involved in interesting projects,
keep track of your academic performance as GPA is one of the
six considerations, show demonstrated interest in the institution
you apply and the passion you claim to have. Keep healthy! US
universities look for your pro?le as from Grade 9 and sees the
pattern of consistency and interest.

Undeniably, a student’s grades depend largely
on themselves but it is important for a parent to
be actively involved in their kids’ academic and
learning lives. How have you involved yourself in
your kids’ academics and guided them to become
the teenagers they are today?
We believe that the child’s formative years are in the ?rst 10
years and it is when we parents need to guide and impart our
core values to them. Once they reached middle school, their
peers’ opinions are more important. If they already know and are
convinced with what their path and purpose in life is and able to
critically think and self-re?ect, they will themselves arrive at their

During the whole journey, were there any
memorable moments? Like, a speci?c obstacle
that you and your children went through
together? Or it could be something that you will
look back to, laugh and agree that the whole
journey was really worth it.
There are many obstacles but what we can remember is when
the computer broke down and a 4,000 word essay has to be
re-written from scratch. Never leave things to the last minute.
Remember Murphy’s Law! Save your data! The memorable
moment is, after six months of sweat and tears, they ?nished the
last application and pressed “Send”.

EASYUNI Guide 2013

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