University, where do we start?

[schoolnut123]

Hello. I’m looking for advice I have no idea where to start. So my child is in his second year of A levels but is completely clueless about what/how to apply for universities. I assumed this is something they would be doing through college? College say they’ve given him info, so I assume he needs to start applying directly to universities himself? I’m sorry it seems like a stupid question but I really don’t know how this process works (never had the opportunity myself!)

is completely clueless about what/how to apply for universities

How badly does he want to go and what does he want to study? I really don't see the point of pushing a child to go to uni. Much better let them find out what the alternatives are, such as having to earn a living without many employable skills to let them find the motivation.

This thread is highlighting why some children aim high and others get insufficient support to do so. There seems to be a “good enough” culture that isn’t good enough and is failing some children. The guidance from schools regarding careers is often pretty poor because it’s now seen as an expensive luxury. I also think clued up DCs tend to spur others on because they don’t want to be sidelined to the “no idea” cohort. DCs at my DDs schools chatted about what they might want to study and where quite a lot.

However, choosing a subject DCs don’t know about is a challenge. Thousands and thousands study law each year and it’s probably too many. There are other subjects that are a bit more niche that would take quite a lot of investigation and I can see this is far more of a challenge.

Some universities make it clear they do read the PS (they don’t have AS results) and writing a decent one should be encouraged. I do think some parents become over-invested in the details of each course and university. As long as the DC has aspirational choices, a solid choice or two that they should get into and a couple of insurance choices which require lower grades than predictions, I cannot see why there is so much angst. Choose campus or city and check employment rates and go for it!

Yes, I found it interesting although it confirmed my original view - that if you can put your teenager in a peer group where everyone goes to top universities they are more likely to do so as many of them just folllow the herd (and take more account of friends than what their parents say).

Not everyone has that choice xenia...

I know although it is sometimes possible to move to areas with grammar schools deliberately; not always possible of course. Living in a studio flat in a rich area with posh comps where most people are middle class might be possible for some just for the 2 years of A level for example.

I work at a 'posh comp'. We still don't get/give that much support tbh.