A parent’s guide to: Choosing and Applying to university
As a parent who may not have had the opportunity to attend university yourself, guiding your child through the process of choosing the right university can seem like a daunting task. With so many options available and various factors to consider, where do you even begin? Rest assured, you’re not alone in this journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical steps you can take to help your child make informed decisions about their higher education journey.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into university research, it’s essential to understand the options your child has. Websites like CareerPilot have specific content for parents to help you to understand the options available to your child.
If university is the right thing for your child then one place to start is with the basics of the application process. Navigating the university application process can be a daunting task for both students and parents alike. Understanding the ins and outs of how your child applies through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) can alleviate some of that stress.
Choosing the universities to apply to
Start by researching different universities and their offerings. Encourage your child to consider factors such as location, course reputation, facilities, and extracurricular activities. Websites like UCAS and university portals provide valuable information about courses, campus life, and student support services. Sites like The Student Room give an insight into what students are talking about and can allow your child to get answers about a university from their peers or from students currently at that university.
Utilising Open Days
Open days are invaluable opportunities for prospective students to explore universities firsthand. Encourage your child to attend these events to get a feel for the campus environment, meet staff, and speak with current students. As a parent, accompanying your child to open days whenever possible can be valuable for you both to get the ‘feel’ of the campus. Take note of the campus atmosphere, facilities, and general vibe to help your child make an informed decision. Open Days can be intense so planning ahead can help you navigate the many talks and engagement opportunities that are available.
Understanding Outreach Opportunities
In addition to open days, which are very large events, many universities offer outreach activities and smaller events where students and parents can get an insight into the university. Many universities offer campus tours and at Bath we’re no different, in addition to our open days we offer general tours or bespoke tours for students with additional needs such as a disability.
Many universities also offer programmes of outreach designed to support students from less advantaged backgrounds. These programmes provide access to resources, mentoring, and support networks to help students navigate the university application process successfully. You can see examples on the Bath website, with many universities offering a similar programme of activities.
As a parent, you can play a crucial role in helping your child navigate outreach programmes. Research the outreach initiatives offered by universities and help your child identify which ones align with their interests and goals. Reach out to university admissions offices or access online resources to learn more about eligibility criteria and application processes.
Supporting Your Child’s Decision
Ultimately, the decision of which university to attend rests with your child. Support them throughout the decision-making process by providing guidance, encouragement, and emotional support. Encourage open and honest communication, allowing your child to express their concerns and preferences freely. Your child’s school or college are likely to be offering support too, so encourage them to ensure they are utilising that when offered.
Seeking Additional Resources
Don’t hesitate to seek additional support and resources if needed. School counsellors, teachers, and community organizations may offer guidance and assistance throughout the university selection process. Encourage your child to tap into these resources for personalized support. There are general guidance websites including sites like CareerPilot which can help students find their way through the many options on offer.
Reflecting on my own experience
Thinking back to my own experience of applying to university back in the early 2000s, my parents didn’t have experience of university. I was the first in my family to go to university, so they didn’t know how or what to advise. We went through the journey together, having them by my side being supportive and encouraging meant that I carried on through the journey even when it got a bit overwhelming. Looking back now I know I didn’t make my choices in the best way – I chose my universities based purely on rankings without visiting or with no sense of whether I would enjoy it there or be successful there. As it turns out those choices didn’t really matter as I got a bit overconfident and didn’t get the A Level results I was expecting. I went to university through clearing which turned out to be the best outcome for me as I ended up at a university where I thrived. So yes, the decisions your child makes are important but there are always other ways to achieve the same goals and the most important thing is to have someone supportive to go through the journey with.
Dr Andrew Ross
Andrew was the first in his family to go to university, he got a degree and then a PhD in Chemistry. He is now the Head of Access and Participation at the University of Bath where he leads teams of people who support children to develop the skills and knowledge to make the best choices for them.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drandrewross/ / @drandrewross
