Young People Rely On Parents for University Advice

Young People Rely On Parents for University Advice: According to recent findings released by Coventry University, almost one in four students at sixth form feel that parental guidance is one of the key factors when selecting a university. In addition, it was found that one in seven students would put their parents’ views above their own.

Young People Rely On Parents for University Advice - Education Market Research

Young People Rely On Parents for University Advice, Which Could Lead To Decisions Based On Misconceptions

Findings from the research suggest that there is a lack of advice from schools and colleges, and that it is this which may be encouraging students to look at alternative sources for decision-making help. Three in four students interviewed as part of the research said they felt that they had not been given sufficient information on which to make an informed decision about their university options.

However, whilst students are actively seeking out their parents, it is also clear that parents are also keen to influence their children’s options for higher education. More than one in three (35%) parents confirmed that they would like to influence their son or daughter’s university choice, whilst one in eight admitted that they would encourage their children to stay at home for fear of missing them too much.

Given the level of involvement of some parents, it is feared that university decisions may be based on conceptions about some institutions and courses which are now outdated. In addition, there is also a fear that parents may not hold newly formed universities, such as those formed as part of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, in as high a regard as they do more traditional or ‘red-brick’ institutions. Many parents’ advice will be influenced by their own educational experience, and it is argued by Professor Ian Marshall, vice-chancellor of Coventry University, that the most effective advice parents could give to their children would be carry out their own, thorough, research prior to making applications.

In addition to the Coventry University study, research published by the National Citizen Service earlier this summer suggested that around a third (34%) of students expect to emulate their parents in terms of employment. This contrasts with less than one in five (16%) of baby-boomers who felt the same way.

Finally, a further study by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) found that one in four young people are making career or education decisions based on their parent’s advice. This study also found that teenagers felt careers provision in schools and colleges was sub-par.

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