How do I convince my parents to choosing a course or college? Isn’t that a million-dollar question? Practicing monologues, dialogues and arguments in your head? I know the claustrophobia closing in on you as admissions in colleges begin. Don’t feel boxed in. Choosing a course that would set you up with a future you envision for yourself is a task and choosing the appropriate college that offers a degree or diploma for the same is a project and choosing to pursue a degree or diploma, there are several questions to answer for yourself. Now, comes the question of convincing your parents to let you pursue that future that you see for yourself.

Let’s be honest, parents have a future that they convincingly envision for you. They are right to do so and they must’ve done it since the day you waved goodbye on your first day at school with your cute little backpack. That makes it apparent convincing them to give up on theirs is a real task, because you envision a different future that suits the times and most importantly you. Also, you are not choosing the course and college to rebel against your parents wishes or to escape the place, you are choosing the course and college to make them proud and grow as a confident individual. Here are 5 ways you can convince your parents to let you choose a course and college of your liking.

1. Be very clear on what you want

Take your time and patiently do your research. Find the course and college that best suits your needs, something that can help you set up a career and a future that you envision for yourself. Do not give into the peer pressure and choose a course that may not be your interest or your passion.

Due diligence and patience are what you need. Research and learn as much as you can about the career, job profiles, companies that might hire you, reach out to people on LinkedIn and other sources to learn more about the career of your choice. Then, choose the course and college. Map out all your research and have some resources ready at hand.

2. Talk about the academic advantages

Choosing to study a course in a college of your choice will help you academically and excel at the chosen course because your choice gives you the motive to work towards the future you envisioned for yourself. Through research on the college infrastructure and accreditations will let you pursue the education and learning with the necessary resources and support that you require. Your confidence in your choice should be the key factor to convince your parents to consider and eventually your choice of course and college.

3. Emphasize the career benefits

Emphasizing the various career opportunities that you have lined up with your research in the specific field you have chosen for yourself helps make your point. Being very clear and concise about your needs will definitely tip the scales in your favour. Your parents would definitely give it a thought if you talk about your future and they will be nothing less than impressed if they see you put in all the time and effort into being proactive in finding yourself a course and college in your field of interest.

4. Show them that you are serious

Walking up to your parents and announcing that you want to study a specific course won’t prove that you are serious about it. Introduce the idea of studying the specific course and that you are willing to work hard for it. Gather all necessary information about the future prospective and college based on your academic, skill set and learning goals. Make sure that you meet all admission criteria of the course and college you wish to apply to. In simple words, be on your best behaviour and convince your parents that you are responsible enough to take such a big life decision.

5. Work out a financial plan

Your parents will definitely be concerned about the affordability of your college. Look into other financial aids available for approved and accredited programs. Education loans are worth considering as you can pay off the loan on your own after completing your education. Most importantly, create a budget plan and inform your parents how affordable it is to study a course and in the college of your choice, this can be in comparison to a similar course at home.

Nothing matters more to your parents than your well-being. If you’re serious enough and take the right steps to fulfil your dream of studying a course in your field of interest, your parents would definitely agree to it. So, what are you waiting for? Go talk to your parents and start planning for your education and future. Good luck!