How to Best Help Your Child Prepare for University

Parents attended Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong's Parent Academy session with Dr Grace Cheng Dodge, former Associate Director of Admissions at Harvard University. With extensive experience working with students and families around the world, she provided insights into how students can develop their skills, interests and confidence in ways that prepare them for university and future pathways.

In this session, Dr Dodge emphasised that the best way for students to prepare for university, including those in the US, is by making full use of the opportunities available at school. Engaging actively with academic, co-curricular and community experiences helps students build initiative, resilience and independence, all of which support success in higher education and beyond.

Parents learned about holistic development and how encouraging curiosity, self-reflection and engagement with learning can help students develop capabilities that extend beyond grades. Dr Dodge explained the role of the University and Career Counselling team and how students and families can work with school staff to identify opportunities that suit their child's strengths and interests. A third insight reinforced this approach: students are not compared to others at different schools, so maximising the opportunities available here is what truly prepares them for university.

While the session focused on US admissions as a case study, the ideas discussed are relevant for any global university pathway. Families gained perspectives on how to support their child in exploring their interests, setting goals and building the habits that enable them to pursue further study with confidence.

Dr Dodge reiterated that the best way to prepare now is not to worry endlessly about your major, but to live your high school life to the fullest.

This Parent Academy session was part of Dulwich Pudong's ongoing programme designed to give families practical insights and guidance on supporting student growth. Parents left with a clearer sense of how to help their children engage with the school's opportunities, explore their abilities and prepare for the next stage of learning.