Hi guys,
There's a been a few threads about the Access Courses etc, with regards to what uni's you can and can't apply to, and whether or not it's well regarded.
I thought it might be helpful to open an advice thread.
My biggest piece of advice is to distinguish yourself as much as possible by emailing or writing to the admissions tutor for the department you hope to study at. Explain your situation, and ask how the university feels about Access courses. If you're feeling brave, ask for the opportunity to interview, too. It's so important to become a person with a name! It sounds obvious, but just going through the UCAS steps will mean you remain an unknown application form, out of thousands of others. Even with a particularly strong personal statement, your chances are infinitely increased if the person reading your form already knows who you are - and feels as though your form is there because of some advice they gave you in the first place.
There's no harm in short email updates; letting your admissions tutor know that you have completed the UCAS application and are looking forward to a reply - and thanking them for all their time, is a very polite way of reminding them that you exist!
I have just recieved a conditional offer from UCL, and am completely over the moon. I also know of a few others who have been accepted at Durham, Exeter and one at Cambridge, as well as University of Herts and Manchester Metropolitan.
I really feel like this course has given me a huge advantage in life. Yes, there are some bits that are a bit of a chore, like watching everyone learn how to use Excel or Powerpoint, but I'm more than happy to put up with it, and what's great about everyone being mature students is that those who are able to achieve level 3 maths easily have time to help those who are struggling.
If anyone else has some advice, or stories about their achievements, please feel free to share it here If you are considering applying to one, and would like any information from the point of view of a student, then don't hesitate to ask!
My course is one year, 2 evenings per week.