There are many reasons why young people choose to study a full-time university degree once they have turned 18 and finished their compulsory education. Not only do they receive a qualification that can help them secure the job of their dreams, it’s also a chance for them to develop a range of skills and become more confident.
As the parent of a young adult, you have probably discussed your child’s options with them at great length. If you have come to the conclusion that university is the best decision for them in terms of their future, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help them secure a place. There are lots of things to consider when applying for a university placement, and if your child is planning to move away from home, they will need to learn some of the key skills required to live independently. Read on for some advice from an independent college in London.
How Do I Find A Placement At University?
The first thing to consider is where you’re going to look to find you, or your child’s university placement. If they are still in school, the best place to start would be to talk with the careers advisor. However, another way to do it would be to go through UCAS who are at the heart of connecting students to higher education.
Another way to find a university placement would be to apply direct through the university you’re interested in. Some people prefer to do it this way, however, it does tend to be easier going through a provider such as UCAS.
Most importantly, however you decide to apply, you should get started as soon as you possibly can to avoid any disappointment.
Help Your Child Manage Exam Stress
Exam results will determine whether or not your child will secure a place at university. This is a lot of pressure for them to shoulder and they will probably be feeling quite stressed. With this in mind, try and support your child as best you can during their exam period. Don’t be too hard on them; encourage them to take breaks from their revision so that they can wind down and rest. Make sure they are making healthy lifestyle choices, like having an early bedtime rather than cramming all night. The decisions your child makes during exam period will have a huge impact on their performance.
Let Your Child Know They Have Your Support
Deciding to go to university and then selecting an appropriate establishment can feel quite overwhelming for young people. With this in mind, your child will require plenty of support from you and other people around them. Try and find time to chat to your child about university and what they want to achieve from it. Ask them what their intentions are behind why they want to attend university in the first place.
Words of encouragement are of the utmost important during stressful times like this. Talk about how exciting the experience will be for them, even if you’re feeling a little sad that they’re going to be moving away. Do your own research so that you are as clued up as possible, as this will put you in a good position to answer any of your child’s questions, should they have any.
Chat About Your Child’s Future Goals
Students should consider what they want to do after the have left university. If they have a particular career route in mind, they will be able to choose a course and university that will help them get a foot in the door. If they are unsure about what job they’d like to do in the future, choosing a subject with broad prospects is a good idea. Help your child understand their career options and suggest some ideas of what they might be good at.
For young people, the adult world can feel daunting, particularly the world of work. Talking to them about their prospects will help give them a sense of clarity. There are so many jobs out there and doing some research into the options will really help.
Attend University Open Days With Your Child
Visiting the open days of your child’s preferred universities is one of the most effective ways to help them make their final decision. It will give them a chance to get a feel for the campus and accommodation and listen to some talks from faculty staff. As a result, they should be able to determine whether or not the university and, more specifically, the course is a good fit for them. It’s also an opportunity for them to ask questions, should they have any. By going along with them to these events, you will be able to give them your opinion and ask any questions of your own.
Help Your Child With Their University Personal Statement
As part of the university application process, your child will need to write and submit a personal statement. This is basically an advert explaining why they would make a great addition to the university and should be 4,000 characters long. You should help your child write their personal statement by encouraging them to think about their skills and achievements outside of school. For example, have they had a part time job for a couple of years? Do they play an instrument or sport? Don’t let them get caught up with their opening statement, as this can be adjusted later down the line. Your child’s teachers will help them with their personal statement, but if you are a confident writer, you should check it for spelling and grammar mistakes as well.
FAQ’s
What Does UCAS Mean?
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
Can You Go To Uni Without UCAS
Yes, you can apply directly to university you are interested in without needing to go through UCAS.
What Do You Need To Do To Ensure You Get A Place At University?
Applying for university can be difficult so here are a few tips – Get good grades, Write a compelling personal statement, Manage your online reputation, Provide them with good letters of recommendation.
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