When Sammie Scott, 18, began the application process, she found that practical support from her parents was key. “As much as university is my own decision, it will affect the rest of my family too,” she says. “I wanted to make sure they were evaluating things in the same way I was. It was really helpful for me to be able to talk to them about everything.”
In theory, the application process is simple. Confirm grades, choose courses and universities, write a personal statement, send the application off and wait. But in practice, the process for most students is far less cut and dried – and parents can play a big part in helping them to the right decision. “Begin discussions with your child early,” advises David Seaton, assistant director, student recruitment and admissions, University of Bedfordshire. “Be supportive, and listen to them.”
Scott knew she wanted to do fine art, English or illustration, and started by researching the courses herself, encouraged by her parents. “Her father, Steve, and I helped with very practical questions: what’s the content of the course; what do other students say about it; does it have a practical or business edge; and what are the outcomes for former students?” says Sammie’s mother, Fiona Scott.
Deborah Green, director of student recruitment at the University of Hull, says this kind of open discussion can be hugely helpful. “Talk about the subjects they are passionate about, what inspires them and what they hope to achieve from further study and their career,” she says. “If they choose a course they love, they are much more likely to be engaged, perform well and enjoy their time. And always bear in mind that university offers subjects and courses they will not have had a chance to study before.”
Sometimes, settling on a course will help to narrow down the choice of university – but if not, the next big decision is where to apply. Again, parents can help – but not too much, advises Seaton. “I’ve encountered parents and students at open days where the student is almost not allowed to say anything. The parents are asking all the questions. They may have genuine concerns, but, ultimately, it has to be the student’s decision as to where they go and what they study.”
Fiona Scott suggests having some honest conversations about practical issues. “We talked in-depth about where the courses she fancied were – distance from home, practicalities around travel and money, what things would cost and the chances of getting a part-time job – as we are not in a position to provide financial support.”
Seaton advises parents to memorise the timetable for applications, to ensure no deadlines are missed, and Green says they can be hugely helpful when it comes to writing the personal statement. “Encourage your child to spend time on their personal statement, write as many drafts as is needed and proofread the final version,” she says.
Offering support where it’s needed – and backing off when it’s not – can make all the difference. Sammie Scott has now received an unconditional offer to study fine art at the University of Gloucestershire. And while she’s put in the hard work, she’s hugely grateful to her parents for their encouragement.
“Because I want to study the arts, it has taken me longer to find the help and advice I needed to put in my application, because I do feel there is a lack of encouragement for people to pursue creative industries,” she says.
“However, it has definitely given me a newfound confidence in my abilities and attitudes. Even if I don’t always get things right, I know that my parents teaching me to never give up is what led to my unconditional university offers.”
How to help your child nail their personal statement
“Get them to pretend there is one place left on the course, and they are competing with other students with the same grades. Why should the university give this final place to them?”
Deborah Green, director of student recruitment, University of Hull
“Encourage them to complete a first draft of the personal statement by June of year 12, so they can see where there are gaps and work towards gaining key knowledge or experience.”
Sophia Milnes, student recruitment and outreach manager, Leeds Trinity University
“Proofread the final version. I see lots of statements with grammatical errors, or sentences repeated because they’ve been copied across from somewhere else.”
Tom Kidd, head of admissions, University of Gloucestershire
“The clue is in the title – it’s about the applicant. We look for reasons why the applicant has chosen this course or pathway. They can have all the Duke of Edinburgh awards in the world, but we need to be assured that they will succeed on this particular course.”
David Seaton, assistant director, student recruitment and admissions, University of Bedfordshire
“Students often find writing their personal statement tricky. This might be the first time your child has had to write something that really ‘sells’ them. If they’re struggling, take a look at what the universities they’re applying to want. If it feels right, offer to brainstorm some ideas together.”
Hannah Morrish, student choice and HE lead, TheStudentRoom.com
