Helping your teen navigate applying to uni

So, your teenager has studied hard and achieved good grades at high school – now they’re ready to apply to university. They’re faced with forms, deadlines and unfamiliar language and may be feeling a little unsure about the process.

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your teenager through the university application journey. You want to make sure that they apply on time and their application goes smoothly, so here are some friendly tips to guide you and your teen through this exciting time.

A good place to start is to familiarise yourself with university language.

Plan ahead

We all know how important planning ahead is. Help your teen feel prepared and avoid any last-minute panic by completing a few key tasks before they even start the application process.

Check important dates

Universities run on semesters instead of terms, so start dates and application deadlines may be a bit different to what you’re used to from school. It pays to check out important dates early to make sure your teenager applies in time.

A few things to help you:

• To get an idea of how the university year works view key semester dates
• Programme start dates can be found on the relevant programme page on the AUT website
• Most programmes start both in February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2), but there are exceptions
• Apply early as popular programmes fill up fast
• Applications for the following year usually open from May

Check entry criteria

To get into an AUT programme, your teen will have to meet the entry criteria. These will vary according to the programme but for most bachelor’s degrees, UE is the minimum entry requirement.

• Entry requirements can be found on the relevant programme page on the AUT website
• Some bachelor’s degrees also require specific school subjects, interviews, police vetting, a driver’s license etc. It’s important to check what is required for your chosen programme

If your teenager needs more information about AUT programmes and studying at AUT before they apply, they can email futurestudents@aut.ac.nz

Prepare to apply

Before you launch into the application process, there are a few other things to think about.

• Create a professional sounding email address Email is a university’s main form of communication with students, so this is a good time for your teen to create a more professional sounding email address, rather than using their school email address.
• Use a PC/laptop to apply
  Teens like to use their mobile phones for everything, but the application process is much easier if they use a PC or laptop. It’ll be quicker to work their way through the steps and it’ll make adding attachments a breeze.
• Have a back-up plan!
  Applying isn’t committing anyone to anything, so it’s always good to have a plan A, B and C. Students can apply for up to five different programmes at AUT.

_{Use a PC or a laptop to apply instead of a phone – it’ll be quicker and easier!}

The application process: what to expect

Finally! Your teenager has all their ducks in a row and they’re ready to start applying. We’ve made it easy to move quickly through the application process.

Make sure to also check out applying to AUT or our application support hub where you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around applying to AUT.

1. Apply early

Places are limited. Submit the application well before semester starts at university. If your teen is planning on starting in Semester 1, it’s best to apply before Term 4. That way, students can focus on their end of year exams without worrying about the university application process.

2. Complete the application form

• Apply online
• Indicate the programme(s) of choice and major (if known).
• Submit the application.
• We’ll send an acknowledgement email which explains how to check the status of an application.
• We’ll be in contact if we need more information.
• We’ll assess their application to ensure they have met the entry criteria. We’ll consider their academic history and relevant experience to ensure they can succeed in the programme.
• We’ll let your teen know if their application has been successful.

3. Accept the offer

• Encourage your teen to respond as soon as possible after receiving an offer of place especially if it’s a programme with limited places
• Once the offer of place has been accepted, we’ll let them know how to enrol in the courses for their programme

Remember, your support and guidance can make a significant difference in this important step of your teen's educational journey. Stay positive and excited about the opportunities ahead!

_{If you need further assistance with the application process, our team can help - visit the application support hub.}