The Conversations That Count
As parents, you might be wondering: How do I best support my child through this high pressure season? Whether they know exactly what they want, or are still figuring it out, your role in helping them clarify their strengths, reflect on their experiences, and build a confident life story is incredibly powerful.
Help Them Build Their Life Resume
Behind every strong application is a story… a story of interests, achievements, set-backs, and growth. You can help them by asking guiding questions like:
What strengths / achievements do you feel most proud of?
Which experiences have taught you something important about yourself?
What motivates you? A problem you want to solve, a community you want to help, a skill you want to master?
Can you think of a time when you didn’t succeed? What did you learn from it?
What kind of classwork makes time fly?
Who do you admire, and why?
These are the kinds of reflections that turn a generic application into something memorable.
You might look back at what they did for their Year 10 Mock Interview, talk through the highlights and challenges of their part-time job, or reflect on which parts of school or volunteering they’ve loved most. This builds not just a “resume”, but a richer picture of who they are becoming.
If They Don’t Get the ATAR - Plan B Is Powerful
It’s natural to be focused on results, but it’s important to remember that the ATAR can dictate one pathway, but there are many others. There are so many Plan B options for students who don’t receive their first offer or want to explore other avenues:
Transferring into courses after first year (with excellent success rates)
UCAT resit during your undergraduate degree
Liberal degrees (Arts, Commerce, Science) are flexible starting points
Gap Year Programs, which offer structure and leadership training
Short TAFE or online courses that can open new doors, or allow time for reflection
Choosing a different path at first doesn’t mean giving up - it just means finding the right entry point for the journey ahead.
When They Are Still Unsure: Career Mapping Matters
Not every student is ready to lock in their decision just yet … and that’s ok. If you’re child is still unsure, now’s the perfect time for a career mapping conversation - either with Mrs Poppett or Mr Chisholm or at home. You might explore:
Their MyStrengths Profile
Informational interviews with interesting people across different professions - family and friends are a great place to start.
Patterns in what they enjoy - talking to people, solving problems, being creative, helping others.
Whether they are interested in something niche, or would benefit from starting in a broader degree like Arts, Commerce or Science.
OR MAYBE TRY THIS…..
Cultivating a Challenge Mindset: Passion Through Perspective
Sometimes, the key to understanding your child’s future aspirations isn’t in the classroom… it’s in your kitchen table conversations.
As yourself: What topics light them up, frustrate them, or get them talking passionately at home?
Do they care deeply about climate change, recycling, or environmental challenges?
Do they often debate what’s fair, or show an interest in social justice, equity, or human rights?
Are they animated when discussing politics, global issues, or how communities respond to crisis or war?
Do they show strong opinions about order, cleanliness, or shared responsibility at home?
Are they drawn to teamwork, sports, getting outdoors, or physical or mental health?
Do they get completely absorbed, even lose track of time, when reading, writing or creating stories?
Do they spend hours designing invitations, editing videos, re-decorating their bedroom or drawing digital art for fun?
These are not just hobbies or distractions. They are clues. Windows into their interests, strengths, passions and possibily their future.
They’re often early signs of challenge mindset - a deep instrinic motivation to fix, build, explore, express, or advocate. This mindset can guide a student toward a pathway that not only aligns with their values, but energises them for the long haul.
Use these moments as conversation starters. Help your child reflect: Why do I care about that? What does this say about me? What would I like to do more of?
This is how we begin shaping a life resume - a narrative of a character, experience, values, and direction. It’s what many universities, scholarships, and employers are looking for… far beyond just academic performance.