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As the academic year reaches its conclusion, it’s an opportune moment for students and parents to engage in reflection. This reflective journey is a crucial part of the educational process, allowing both parents and students to understand the growth that has occurred and to plan for the future.

Looking back over the year, it’s important to acknowledge the achievements and milestones reached. These might range from academic improvements to extracurricular successes. Celebrating these moments is not just about honoring successes; it’s about recognizing the effort and dedication that went into achieving them.

However, reflection also involves looking at the challenges and obstacles faced during the year. Understanding these difficulties is not about focusing on failure, but about learning from experiences. It’s an opportunity to discuss what worked, what didn’t and how similar challenges might be approached differently in the future.

Assessing the goals set at the beginning of the year is another integral part of this process. This assessment helps in understanding how goals influenced the academic journey and in recognizing the importance of setting realistic, achievable targets.

Another valuable aspect of reflection is seeking and considering feedback from others. Teachers, coaches and peers can provide insights that parents and students might not have considered. This feedback can be instrumental in highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Finally, reflection should extend beyond academics. Consider how your child has grown personally – in their confidence, social skills and overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures a well-rounded view of your child’s development.

This reflective process, encompassing successes, challenges, feedback and personal growth, lays the groundwork for setting informed and meaningful goals for the upcoming year. It’s a vital step in preparing for future academic and personal success, reinforcing the idea that education is a continuous journey of growth and learning.

About the author
Marc Zawel

As author of Untangling the Ivy League, Marc literally wrote the book on gaining admission to highly selective colleges. He earned a BA from Cornell University – where he met AcceptU’s co-founder – and an MBA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At UNC, Marc chaired the admissions advisory board; he has also conducted alumni interviews for Cornell for more than fifteen years.

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