For Indonesian parents aiming to help their children gain admission to prestigious U.S. universities, strategic planning and the right mindset are crucial. Here’s how you can best support your child through the process:
Start Early: U.S. admissions process does not begin when a student submits their Common Application—it starts on the first day of 9th Grade. Admissions officers review all high school grades, beginning in Grade 9, to access academic consistency and rigor. Poor performance in early years can weaken an otherwise strong application.
It’s Not Just About Grades: Unlike Indonesia’s university entrance exams, top U.S. universities use a holistic admissions process. This means that GPA alone is not enough—extracurriculars, leadership, personal projects, and essays matter just as much. In other words, focus on helping your child build a well-rounded profile, not just perfect test scores.
Support Interests, Not Just “Safe” Majors: Many Indonesian parents push their children into “prestigious” fields like Medicine, Engineering, or Business. However, U.S. universities value genuine passion over traditional career paths. Let your child explore different academic areas without pressure—they can even change majors later, which is a major benefit of the U.S. system.
Encourage Leadership & Initiative: U.S. universities look for students who take action—not just join clubs but lead them. Encourage your child to start projects, competitions, or initiatives based on their passions. This could be organizing a charity fundraiser, creating an app or blog, winning national or international competitions. These achievements could set your child apart in a highly competitive pool.
Invest in Strong Writing & Critical Thinking Skills: Essays are make-or-break—U.S. universities require deep, personal, and well-written essays that showcase the applicant’s character. Since Indonesian schools rarely emphasize essay-writing skills, consider: (i) encouraging reading and discussion (beyond textbooks); providing writing training—either through international schools, programs, or private coaching.
Smartly Manage Test Prep & Academics: SAT/ACT scores still matter, but they should be complemented with strong extracurriculars. AP, IB, or A-Level courses add value—if available, encourage your child to take these rigorous courses to show academic strength. In addition, you should plan test preparation early to avoid stress during the final year of high school.
Build a Balanced University List: Many Indonesian parents focus only on Ivy League schools, but many top universities (like Stanford, MIT, UChicago, Duke) are just as prestigious. Consider “hidden gem” universities with strong programs in specific fields—some may offer more scholarships or better opportunities.
Don’t Rely Only on School Counselors: Many Indonesian schools lack strong U.S. college counseling services, so you may need outside expertise.
Be a Supportive Parent, Not a Controlling One: Forcing a child into a major or university they don’t love can lead to burnout. Let them take responsibility—U.S. universities prefer students who show independence in their application process.
