Supporting your child with their university application can feel daunting, especially if the process has changed since you last encountered it or if it’s completely new. We spoke to Joanna Brown, Careers Lead at MK College, to find out how parents can play a positive role in helping their child get a head start with personal statements and university choices.

Why is it important for parents to talk to their child about university applications early on?

Having those conversations early means you can support your child with their decisions and understand the application process yourself. You might find yourself acting as the taxi driver to Open Days or helping them weigh up different course options, so it helps to be clued up and involved from the start. We are running UCAS Q&A sessions in June for those from both A Level and vocational courses, so keep an eye out for dates.

When should families start thinking seriously about university options and personal statements?

If your child is in the first year of a Level 3 course (such as A Levels or a BTEC), now is the time to start exploring options. UCAS has already released course listings for 2026 entry, so students can begin researching courses, universities, and requirements straight away.

Parents, guardians and carers can get advice and support about helping your child make decisions on their next steps on the UCAS website.

What kinds of questions can parents ask to get their child thinking about the future?

Start by asking open questions like:

• What subjects or topics do you really enjoy?
• Can you imagine yourself at university?
• Are there any careers you’re curious about?

And don’t worry if you didn’t go to university yourself, or if the idea of tuition fees and student loans feels overwhelming. Visiting Open Days together is a great way to explore whether university feels right for your child, and can help demystify the process for you, too. Many universities offer financial help, so check their websites for support you might be eligible for.

Are there any events or opportunities coming up that parents should know about?

Yes! At Milton Keynes College, we’re hoping to get the funding for trips this summer to help students explore their options:

• UCAS Discovery Fair, University of Bedfordshire – June 16th–17th
• University of Hertfordshire Campus Visit – June 5th (limited places available)

Keep an eye on the Careers Information Channel for updates on these. If they only do one thing, students should try to attend a UCAS Discovery Fair. It’s a brilliant way to speak to universities, gather course info, and get inspired.

What makes a strong personal statement?

A good personal statement shows:

• Why your child is interested in their chosen subject or career
• What they’ve done to prepare (e.g. online courses, summer schools, events)
• Why they’re suited to the course – academic strengths, motivation, and evidence of independent learning

How can parents help their child write a strong personal statement?

Help your child reflect on what they’ve done and achieved – you might remember things they’ve forgotten! Part-time jobs, volunteering, Duke of Edinburgh, or subject-related hobbies can all show commitment and build their case.

Encourage your child to use Unifrog, where they can access free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to deepen their subject knowledge and boost their statement.

You can also offer to proofread their statement. A second pair of eyes can help catch typos and strengthen the message.

What are the most common mistakes students make with personal statements?

Aside from spelling and grammar errors, often students don’t have enough to say. That’s why it’s so important to get involved in activities and enrichment opportunities early on.

We support students by reviewing their drafts, but the earlier they submit them to us – mid-November at the latest – the more help we can offer before the mid-January UCAS deadline.

Where can students find more support and advice?

• Our Careers Information Channel – regularly updated with news about university events, open days, and summer schools.
• Careers Appointments – any student (studying at any level) who’s unsure about their next steps can book a 1:1 session with our Careers team.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to help, just start the conversation. Showing your child that you’re interested and willing to support them makes all the difference.

If you would like to comment on the College’s Careers programme, please email Joanna on joanna.brown@mkcollege.ac.uk