It seems like it was only yesterday that parents stood in line outside school offices, clutching stacks of paperwork, waiting to enroll their little ones. But now, with the help of technology, those days are far behind.
Today, parents can complete their child’s admission from start to finish with just a few clicks. Take Gems schools’ online enrollment process, for example. They put in a lot of effort to make applying as straightforward and transparent as possible, and the result? An easy-to-use, secure platform that makes school enrollment a breeze.
As a parent with little time, you’ll want to get accustomed to using as many online tools as possible so you can make the best of them come school admissions. That said, here are eight tools to get you started:
1. Online Application Forms
Many schools now offer prospective parents the ability to apply for admission online. All you have to do is visit your chosen school’s website, navigate to their “apply now” or “enroll from home” section, and fill out the provided e-form.
This form will typically ask for basic contact details, like phone numbers and addresses, so the school may contact you once they’ve received and processed your application. It will also ask for key information about your child, such as their date of birth and educational background.
You will also be required to provide documents like a copy of your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and transcripts from previous schools. This part might be available as a section in the online application, in which case, you can simply scan and upload the documents onto their website. Or you may be asked to mail or deliver them in person.
2. Virtual tours
Virtual tours are a great way to get an idea of what the school looks and feels without having to make an in-person visit. Schools usually offer them on their website, so they’re easy to access anytime.
They often include 360-degree views of the school building, classrooms, the auditorium and other facilities. And you may even be able to take a virtual walk down the hallways and explore all the rooms in more detail!
They can also be used to view past school activities and events, giving you a better sense of the culture and environment.
3. Live Chat Sessions With the Admissions Office
To make the admission process even simpler, some schools offer live chat sessions with one of their admissions representatives. These sessions are usually held on specific days of the week, and you may need to book an appointment beforehand. So you’ll want to prepare all your questions and make the most of this opportunity.
During the online session, the admissions officer will answer any questions you may have about the school, its policies and procedures, tuition fees, and any other queries. And they are especially useful if you need clarification on certain aspects of the admission process that are unavailable on their website.
4. Video Conferencing for Parent Interviews
Parent interviews are a vital part of the school admission process, and some schools now offer them via video conferencing. You just have to set up an account on their chosen virtual meeting platform (e.g., Zoom or Microsoft Teams), and the school will send you a calendar invite with a date and time for your interview.
This is an excellent way to save time as it eliminates the need for physical visits. For example, suppose you can’t take time off work or away from any other pressing commitments. In that case, you wouldn’t have to worry about missing your school interview.
5. Remote Testing Services for Admission
Every school has its own criteria for admission. And in some cases, this may include your child having to go through a few assessments, such as scholastic aptitude tests or language proficiency exams. Such tests can now be taken remotely, so you don’t have to worry about finding a testing center or scheduling an exam in person.
The test will typically be administered through an online platform, be it on the school’s own website or through an independent third-party provider.
6. Real-Time Updates on Application Status
Most schools now allow parents to check in on their application status at any time. This is usually done via a dedicated parent portal or a dashboard where you can log in, view updates and even communicate with the admissions team if necessary.
7. Online Application and Tuition Payments
Many schools now allow parents to pay for application and tuition fees online. Money transfers, credit cards, or other online payment methods are but a few ways that schools encourage parents to take care of school fees without the need for a campus visit.
This is great news for busy parents who don’t have the time to queue up in line at the school office. It’s also much more secure and efficient, as you can keep track of all your transactions online and ensure your payments are received.
You can even go one step further and set up automatic payments for recurring fees, such as tuition or bus fees. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to make payments or losing track of due dates.
8. Digital Student Records
Digital student records are becoming increasingly popular. This is because they make it easier for parents to keep track of their child’s information, like grades, attendance, class schedules, and more. These are usually available through the school website or a specific parental portal that you can access anytime.
Even more convenient is that since your child’s information is already stored in one secure place, you don’t have to worry about asking for copies of school records should the need arise.
Use Tech Tools for Convenience
The busier you become, the more online resources become essential, and school admissions are no exception.
All you need is a strong internet connection, and you’ll be able to finesse your way through the entire process.
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