How much do you help a 12 year old with her own admission statement?

fig_trail_590130 May 2026

We are applying to another IB school for grade 8. The form has a section called 'Student statement, to be written by the applicant', about 300 words on why she wants to join. Her first draft is three lines. The main reason is that her friend goes there. Which is true, swalpa embarrassing, and probably not what they want to read. My partner thinks we should sit with her and shape it. I think if we shape it, it stops being hers. Submission closes next week. Where do other parents draw the line?

3 comments

umber_river_332530 May 2026
Check if the form asks a parent to sign that it's unaided. Some do, and then the question is answered for you.
- peach_quilt_569430 May 2026
  also worth asking the school what they do with it. if it's what they open the interview with, she'll have to talk about every line. better she wrote them
cinnamon_diary_419530 May 2026
Her friend going there is a real reason, at 12 it's probably the main one for most kids. I'd keep it and ask her questions until there's more. What does she know about the school apart from the friend? What would she want to do there that she can't do now? Write nothing yourselves, just keep asking. The three lines usually turn into twelve.
fern_rain_710830 May 2026
Who reads these, and what are they checking? If they want to hear a 12 year old's own voice, a polished parent-shaped essay is the thing that will look odd. I'd find out before deciding how much to help.