There are certain milestones in school life that feel weighty, not only for students but for their parents too. The first day of school, the first exam and then later, the all-important UCAS form. For many families this form carries with it the promise of a future, the opening of doors to some of the best universities in the world and the culmination of years of hard work.
At Dukes Tutoring, we walk alongside families every step of the way and the UCAS process is no different. With the right support, the form becomes less of a hurdle and more of an opportunity to showcase everything your child has achieved so far.
A form that represents a future
When your child first sits down to complete their UCAS application, it can feel like filling in a passport to the future. Each section has its purpose: personal details, education history, predicted grades, choices of courses and universities. Then of course, the all-important personal statement.
Many students feel pressure at this stage. They are expected to know exactly what they want to study, where they want to go and why. Some may have been set on medicine or law for years, while others are still exploring their interests. It is important to remind them that while the form is significant, it does not close off possibilities. Life and learning are fluid, and even the most decisive applicants often change direction later on.
Breaking it down into steps
A UCAS form looks less intimidating when broken into smaller tasks. Encourage your child to view it as a series of steps rather than a mountain to climb. Tackling it piece by piece allows space for thought and reflection, and prevents last-minute panic.
Some useful ways to break it down include:
- Education history: dedicate one evening to filling in exam results and predicted grades.
- Course choices: spend time comparing options, looking beyond reputation to course content, teaching style and location.
- Personal statement: start with a brainstorming session, then move on to shaping a first draft.
- References: check who will be providing these and make sure they have the information they need.
- Review and refine: build in time for proofreads, edits and feedback before submission.
A practical tip is to set gentle deadlines at home, well ahead of the official cut-off. This gives your child breathing room and reduces the rush. Schools and tutors can help by reviewing drafts, providing feedback and offering reassurance along the way.
The personal statement: telling their story
The personal statement is often the part students find most intimidating. How do you sum up who you are, what you want and why you are suited to a course, all within 4,000 characters? It is a tall order, especially for young people who may never have written in this reflective style before.
The key is to begin with brainstorming. Encourage your child to jot down experiences, achievements, books that inspired them, projects they loved, challenges they overcame. The first draft does not need to be elegant. What matters is capturing ideas that show curiosity, motivation and potential.
From there, it becomes a process of refining. Tutors can be invaluable at this stage, not by writing it for them, but by asking probing questions and helping to shape the narrative. Universities are not looking for perfection, but for authenticity. A genuine voice, backed by evidence of commitment, always shines brighter than a polished but impersonal statement.
The UCAS website also has helpful information about completing the personal statement and what’s expected for 2026 entry.
Course choices: balancing ambition and realism
One of the most important parts of the form is choosing where to apply. For ambitious students, this can be both exciting and nerve-racking. It is natural to want to aim high, and with strong grades and the right preparation, the doors to the very best universities are very much open.
At the same time, it helps to balance ambition with realism. UCAS allows five choices, which can be spread across a range of universities. Encourage your child to think not only about prestige, but also about the course content, teaching style, city and student life. A happy, motivated student is more likely to thrive, wherever they study.
The role of parents
For many students, filling in the UCAS form coincides with a busy year of A levels, entrance tests, interviews and personal change as they prepare to leave home. Your encouragement, calm presence and practical guidance can make a world of difference.
Support might look like:
- Stepping back to let them make their own choices and take ownership of the process
- Stepping in to help with organisation, such as reminding them of deadlines or offering to proofread a draft
- Listening with patience as they share their hopes and worries
- Reassuring them that no matter the outcome, their worth is not defined by an application form
How tutors can help
At Dukes Tutoring we often see the relief on a student’s face when they realise they do not have to go through this process alone. Tutors can offer support in many ways, including:
- Subject-specific preparation to ensure predicted grades are as strong as possible
- Personal statement guidance by acting as sounding boards, asking the right questions and helping students express themselves with clarity
- Interview and assessment coaching for competitive courses, building confidence and communication skills
Our tutors are not only academic guides, but mentors who understand the emotional weight of this stage. They provide calm encouragement, balanced advice and an outside perspective that often helps families find clarity.
Beyond the form
It is worth remembering that submitting the UCAS form is not the end of the journey. Offers may come in quickly, or they may take time. Some courses will involve interviews, additional tests or portfolio submissions. Encourage your child to see this as a process rather than a single event. Each stage brings learning, growth and confidence.
Once the form is submitted, there is a sense of relief and pride. Your child has taken a significant step towards independence, showing the resilience and determination that university life will require.
A proud milestone
The UCAS form represents years of learning, curiosity and determination. It is an opportunity for students to take ownership of their path, to reflect on their journey so far and to look forward with hope.
For parents, it can be bittersweet: a proud moment tinged with the awareness that your child is on the cusp of adulthood. The best gift you can give them at this stage is your reassurance that they are capable, supported and loved.
With the right preparation, thoughtful guidance and a steady hand, students can face the UCAS process with confidence and optimism. If you would like personalised support for your child, our team is here to help.
To find out more, call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com or complete our online enquiry form and let us help your child put their best foot forward in their UCAS journey.
