New research has revealed that one trait can play a big part in whether or not our children get into top universities.

 

UCAS has carried out its largest student survey which has found that children aged ten or younger who already know what they want to become a 2.6 times as likely to get into some of the UK’s most competitive universities.

 

The survey used responses from over 16,000 recent UCAS applicants which asked questions about their motivations and reasoning behind their course and university choice.

 

The survey also found that children and teens from disadvantaged areas still face challenges when it comes to securing university spots.

 

75% of those who did not apply to top tier schools like Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol said a major reason was because they couldn’t afford to go to the Open Day.

 

Students from advantaged areas were found to be more than six times more likely to receive places at the top universities.

 

 

Another major revelation from the survey was students’ lack of understand about career trajectory and how to choose the right courses for their ideal jobs.

 

The survey presented the example of a student who wanted to become a forensic scientist but could not apply for a forensic science course was completely unaware that a degree in chemistry could lead them to the same job.

 

Chief Executive of UCAS, Mary Curnock said of the survey’s findings:

 

“This report is clear: the earlier children set their sights on university, the more likely they are to go.

 

"We need to reset the barometer reading for progression to HE to a much earlier age – ten or younger. Having a focus on university helps provide the rationale for working hard and doing well at GCSEs which is the strongest predictor of success in higher education."

 

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