Mature Students Applying for University 2012
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Original post by DisconcertingWink1
Yeah, I, too, have poor GCSEs, but I believe I have a valid reason as to why they are so poor: my father died during revision, so I missed months of school and had a complete brain wipe. (I'm not sure whether I should mention this in my PS or not as I want to concentrate fully on the future and my passion for the subject I wish to study, not detail a family bereavement. Inevitably, though, I think I'll have to.) I no longer feel they represent my academic aptitude, either. If anyone saw my GCSEs without any background information, they'd think I was, well, to put it bluntly, thick — which, without sounding conceited, I'm not.
If Birkbeck has a reputation for sending its Access students to Oxbridge, then that can only bode well for you, my friend, in terms of experience and support, etc.
I know what I'm going to discuss in my PS, but it's articulating it which is the tricky part. A question about applications, actually. Because you and I are applying to Cambridge, we'll have to send our applications before October 15th. But does that mean it's also sent to our other choices at the same time?
TomU's a legend!
Well, I hope to study for an English Literature degree. I keep having this awful premonition that, if my PS isn't up to scratch, I'll get rejected by all my choices; thus relegating me to a dreaded gap year. Gotta think positive, though, I guess.
See, this is where I'm having trouble. As I'm only 22 (I'll be 23 once — or if — I get into uni), I'm worried if I apply to a mature college, I won't feel comfortable among older students. But then, I think possibly a mature environment would be more condusive to rigorous study. Conversely, I may find that I'm able to socialise better with students who are only a few years younger than myself, but may be turned off by the party culture. It's all really prejudice of me, I know. I'll just say this: If I apply to a mature college, I think it'll be St. Edmunds; and if I apply to a standard age college, it'll be Peterhouse. (By the way, I emailed corpus and their reply was really snooty. Won't be considering them, then.)
When do you start your course, out of interest? I begin on the 12th.
If Birkbeck has a reputation for sending its Access students to Oxbridge, then that can only bode well for you, my friend, in terms of experience and support, etc.
I know what I'm going to discuss in my PS, but it's articulating it which is the tricky part. A question about applications, actually. Because you and I are applying to Cambridge, we'll have to send our applications before October 15th. But does that mean it's also sent to our other choices at the same time?
TomU's a legend!
Well, I hope to study for an English Literature degree. I keep having this awful premonition that, if my PS isn't up to scratch, I'll get rejected by all my choices; thus relegating me to a dreaded gap year. Gotta think positive, though, I guess.
See, this is where I'm having trouble. As I'm only 22 (I'll be 23 once — or if — I get into uni), I'm worried if I apply to a mature college, I won't feel comfortable among older students. But then, I think possibly a mature environment would be more condusive to rigorous study. Conversely, I may find that I'm able to socialise better with students who are only a few years younger than myself, but may be turned off by the party culture. It's all really prejudice of me, I know. I'll just say this: If I apply to a mature college, I think it'll be St. Edmunds; and if I apply to a standard age college, it'll be Peterhouse. (By the way, I emailed corpus and their reply was really snooty. Won't be considering them, then.)
When do you start your course, out of interest? I begin on the 12th.
There are a few factors to my poor GCSEs but I doubt I'll even bother to mention them. Though, I do also have previous A levels from not-so-long-ago (that are not good enough for the law schools I want to attend). I'll have to address this; I have some fear that it will effect my applications but I am resting on the fact that currently I am far better academically than I have ever been. This is why I'm not having many elite class choices for law. There are so many far better universities than what I have picked to do law at, for example UCL, LSE and Kings. Cambridge and QMUL are my top choices closely followed by York and Sussex. Lastly, Lancaster is my insurance which has advised me that their offers for my course is incredibly lenient.
You are also quite true about GCSEs and background information, I am not too dissimilar.
From what I've read on these forums students of the Birkbeck course have gone on to great law schools including Oxbridge so I have hope that even though my Cam app is farfetched, it is not completely pointless.
English Literature sounds great and I'm sure you won't get rejected. If you put as much passion as you convey in these posts, you should do excellent to get a place at any university.
I begin around the start of October, somewhere around the 3rd. Though, I haven't received confirmation of the start date and classes etc.
I have almost no intention to apply to a more traditional college at Cambridge. For the simple fact that Hughes Hall is one of the only not to require the Cambridge law admissions exam. It also doesn't require two interviews, just the one with more people present including the director of studies.
Do you not think it will be harder to study an additional A level?
I'm absolutely hating this PS. I have almost a first draft that I am somewhat happy with. I know it is far off finished, though.
Original post by chicagowonderland
I hope to have mine done and dusted in 2 weeks from now.
2 weeks is a nice deadline. Not far off what I hope to have mine done it. I'm just having trouble evaluating what needs to stay and what needs to do in my PS.
Hi guys!!! I have just started doing LLB (Distance) from University Huddersfield. I was wondering is it hard to pass the exams.
skips into the thread to come and play
hello im jane... im restarting my access to science course starting on tuesday due to having to drop out last january 
luckily after my ucas had already been sent off so the lovely peoples at salford uni interviewed/interrogated me anyways and deferred my place till september 2012 wen i will hopefully be rocking up to do diagnostic radiography.... I need to get 30/45 credits at level 3 at distinctions...
Go me
hello
im jane... im restarting my access to science course starting on tuesday due to having to drop out last january luckily after my ucas had already been sent off so the lovely peoples at salford uni interviewed/interrogated me anyways and deferred my place till september 2012 wen i will hopefully be rocking up to do diagnostic radiography.... I need to get 30/45 credits at level 3 at distinctions...Go me
Hi all,
I'm studying an Access to HE course at South Essex College and an Arts Past and Present course with OU.
I plan to apply for Durham, Exeter and York.
Hopefully i'll be studying either Archaeology and Anthropology at Durham/Exeter or Single Archaeology at York.
Favourite snack would have to be Frazzles.
I'm studying an Access to HE course at South Essex College and an Arts Past and Present course with OU.
I plan to apply for Durham, Exeter and York.
Hopefully i'll be studying either Archaeology and Anthropology at Durham/Exeter or Single Archaeology at York.
Favourite snack would have to be Frazzles.
And here's me...
Studying Access to Public Sector Professions, affectionately known as PSP... also better known as Humanities. Modules of English, Psychology and History. Also doing a retake of English GCSE as I never sat the exam 11 years ago and got an E.
I'm intending to apply to Kings (my first choice) UCL, QMUL, Cambridge (Hughes Hall for that later deadline) and then I still need to pick an insurance. Understand that i'm not being overly confident in myself with my choices, I just really could do with a Central London university!
I plan to study Law (none qualifying.)
Favourite snack.. cookies! And cakes! (Despite being a fitness freak.)
Anyone mind if I pose a question? Regarding PS and references? I don't intend on becoming a Solicitor or a Barrister. I want to study law because of the tie-ins that it has to event management. I already work seasonally for the company that I want to spend my life with (or should that read career? lol) and they have a huge licensing department that I want to become part of. I already know that the Managing Director only hires graduates into permanent positions and he won't look at anyone with Event Management Degrees or Business Studies related degrees. He wants Economics, Law, Politics etc. I have a vague idea of what I want to write in my PS and how I can link all of what I have done in the past with what I could do in the future thanks to a law degree, but will I be regarded negatively for wanting a none-qualifying degree? I'm so worried that they'll think i'm not taking law seriously because I want to help organise large get-togethers in fields!
And along with this, you'll have to excuse my ignorance of UCAS, I have never attempted to apply before and although i've researched, I don't know too much of the process. How many references can you send in? And if it's only one could I request that my employer writes it in place of my personal tutor as my employer has known me and worked with me for 11 years and I have only briefly met my personal tutor for roughly five minutes!
Studying Access to Public Sector Professions, affectionately known as PSP... also better known as Humanities. Modules of English, Psychology and History. Also doing a retake of English GCSE as I never sat the exam 11 years ago and got an E.
I'm intending to apply to Kings (my first choice) UCL, QMUL, Cambridge (Hughes Hall for that later deadline) and then I still need to pick an insurance. Understand that i'm not being overly confident in myself with my choices, I just really could do with a Central London university!
I plan to study Law (none qualifying.)
Favourite snack.. cookies! And cakes! (Despite being a fitness freak.)
Anyone mind if I pose a question? Regarding PS and references? I don't intend on becoming a Solicitor or a Barrister. I want to study law because of the tie-ins that it has to event management. I already work seasonally for the company that I want to spend my life with (or should that read career? lol) and they have a huge licensing department that I want to become part of. I already know that the Managing Director only hires graduates into permanent positions and he won't look at anyone with Event Management Degrees or Business Studies related degrees. He wants Economics, Law, Politics etc. I have a vague idea of what I want to write in my PS and how I can link all of what I have done in the past with what I could do in the future thanks to a law degree, but will I be regarded negatively for wanting a none-qualifying degree? I'm so worried that they'll think i'm not taking law seriously because I want to help organise large get-togethers in fields!
And along with this, you'll have to excuse my ignorance of UCAS, I have never attempted to apply before and although i've researched, I don't know too much of the process. How many references can you send in? And if it's only one could I request that my employer writes it in place of my personal tutor as my employer has known me and worked with me for 11 years and I have only briefly met my personal tutor for roughly five minutes!
Original post by Elle408
And here's me...
Studying Access to Public Sector Professions, affectionately known as PSP... also better known as Humanities. Modules of English, Psychology and History. Also doing a retake of English GCSE as I never sat the exam 11 years ago and got an E.
I'm intending to apply to Kings (my first choice) UCL, QMUL, Cambridge (Hughes Hall for that later deadline) and then I still need to pick an insurance. Understand that i'm not being overly confident in myself with my choices, I just really could do with a Central London university!
I plan to study Law (none qualifying.)
Favourite snack.. cookies! And cakes! (Despite being a fitness freak.)
Anyone mind if I pose a question? Regarding PS and references? I don't intend on becoming a Solicitor or a Barrister. I want to study law because of the tie-ins that it has to event management. I already work seasonally for the company that I want to spend my life with (or should that read career? lol) and they have a huge licensing department that I want to become part of. I already know that the Managing Director only hires graduates into permanent positions and he won't look at anyone with Event Management Degrees or Business Studies related degrees. He wants Economics, Law, Politics etc. I have a vague idea of what I want to write in my PS and how I can link all of what I have done in the past with what I could do in the future thanks to a law degree, but will I be regarded negatively for wanting a none-qualifying degree? I'm so worried that they'll think i'm not taking law seriously because I want to help organise large get-togethers in fields!
And along with this, you'll have to excuse my ignorance of UCAS, I have never attempted to apply before and although i've researched, I don't know too much of the process. How many references can you send in? And if it's only one could I request that my employer writes it in place of my personal tutor as my employer has known me and worked with me for 11 years and I have only briefly met my personal tutor for roughly five minutes!
Studying Access to Public Sector Professions, affectionately known as PSP... also better known as Humanities. Modules of English, Psychology and History. Also doing a retake of English GCSE as I never sat the exam 11 years ago and got an E.
I'm intending to apply to Kings (my first choice) UCL, QMUL, Cambridge (Hughes Hall for that later deadline) and then I still need to pick an insurance. Understand that i'm not being overly confident in myself with my choices, I just really could do with a Central London university!
I plan to study Law (none qualifying.)
Favourite snack.. cookies! And cakes! (Despite being a fitness freak.)
Anyone mind if I pose a question? Regarding PS and references? I don't intend on becoming a Solicitor or a Barrister. I want to study law because of the tie-ins that it has to event management. I already work seasonally for the company that I want to spend my life with (or should that read career? lol) and they have a huge licensing department that I want to become part of. I already know that the Managing Director only hires graduates into permanent positions and he won't look at anyone with Event Management Degrees or Business Studies related degrees. He wants Economics, Law, Politics etc. I have a vague idea of what I want to write in my PS and how I can link all of what I have done in the past with what I could do in the future thanks to a law degree, but will I be regarded negatively for wanting a none-qualifying degree? I'm so worried that they'll think i'm not taking law seriously because I want to help organise large get-togethers in fields!
And along with this, you'll have to excuse my ignorance of UCAS, I have never attempted to apply before and although i've researched, I don't know too much of the process. How many references can you send in? And if it's only one could I request that my employer writes it in place of my personal tutor as my employer has known me and worked with me for 11 years and I have only briefly met my personal tutor for roughly five minutes!
That sounds like a great plan, good luck to you!
I'm also applying for law at Cam (Hughes Hall) and QMUL.
To my knowledge, you will need to go out of your way to obtain a non-qualifying law degree. Most law degrees now days, unless they are of joint honours or taken as a minor, will almost always be a qualifying degree.
You might be able to demonstrate your interests by saying that your heart lies in law, but you have many other interests such as history, politics, economics.
Or perhaps, if you're looking at a non-qualifying law degree, do something like a major in politics and a minor in law.
Adam
Original post by Elle408
Anyone mind if I pose a question? Regarding PS and references? I don't intend on becoming a Solicitor or a Barrister. I want to study law because of the tie-ins that it has to event management. I already work seasonally for the company that I want to spend my life with (or should that read career? lol) and they have a huge licensing department that I want to become part of. I already know that the Managing Director only hires graduates into permanent positions and he won't look at anyone with Event Management Degrees or Business Studies related degrees. He wants Economics, Law, Politics etc. I have a vague idea of what I want to write in my PS and how I can link all of what I have done in the past with what I could do in the future thanks to a law degree, but will I be regarded negatively for wanting a none-qualifying degree? I'm so worried that they'll think i'm not taking law seriously because I want to help organise large get-togethers in fields!
Every single law school I researched emphasised that they don't care about your future career plans - they want to see that you are actually interested in studying law and your ps should reflect that. Also, tbh, I specifically asked that question at an interview because I was worried about it affecting my application, and the admissions tutor said that no, they are more than happy to give offers to people who have non-traditional career paths in mind and prefer them to people who 'want to be a barrister/solicitor/city lawyer.' (They offered.)
Original post by Elle408
And along with this, you'll have to excuse my ignorance of UCAS, I have never attempted to apply before and although i've researched, I don't know too much of the process. How many references can you send in? And if it's only one could I request that my employer writes it in place of my personal tutor as my employer has known me and worked with me for 11 years and I have only briefly met my personal tutor for roughly five minutes!
UCAS will only transmit one reference for you, however, that reference can be an employer rather that your tutor. However, you can separately email additional references to some universities, (Warwick, for example will take external references into consideration from mature applicants) but this will be on an individually agreed basis.
Many unis, if you're a mature student on an Access course will ask for an additional or updated reference from your tutor later on in the cycle (Jan/Feb ish), and also for examples of completed work - QML, to my knowledge, is one.
It's also worth pointing out that they want an academic reference, not a character reference, and as you are currently in 'education' they will certainly want to know why your tutor isn't your referee!
Hi,
Im 21 and have just started an Access course in Humanities which is History, English Lit, English Lang and Study Skills.
Only started in this week and already worried about all the hard work. I know I have got to get on with it and do as best as I can because I really want to go to uni next year.
The plan is to become a History teacher..... in the far far away future!
Im loving Aber in Wales at moment so hopefully fingers crossed I get in there!
Im 21 and have just started an Access course in Humanities which is History, English Lit, English Lang and Study Skills.
Only started in this week and already worried about all the hard work. I know I have got to get on with it and do as best as I can because I really want to go to uni next year.
The plan is to become a History teacher..... in the far far away future!
Im loving Aber in Wales at moment so hopefully fingers crossed I get in there!
Hiya,
argh!! Have to start UCAS application in a few weeks!
I'm 23 (birthday yesterday) so will be 24 when I start absolutely cacking it!
What are you studying? - Access Humanities at Grimsby Institute
What universities do you plan to apply for? - Hull Uni
What do you want to do at university? - Business not sure what path as of yet!
What is your favorite snack? - CAKE "ooh love abit of cake!"
argh!! Have to start UCAS application in a few weeks!
I'm 23 (birthday yesterday) so will be 24 when I start absolutely cacking it!
What are you studying? - Access Humanities at Grimsby Institute
What universities do you plan to apply for? - Hull Uni
What do you want to do at university? - Business not sure what path as of yet!
What is your favorite snack? - CAKE "ooh love abit of cake!"
Original post by FDCR
.....
Thank you for that! Answered my questions perfectly! I think my PS will certainly stand out from the usual 'I want to be a city lawyer..' then. Hopefully that will be a good thing! There are so many overlaps with festival organising that I can't think of any better degree to study for than law!
hi all, I have a question regarding Cambridge's deadline for the UCAS app.
Do our referees have to submit their references before oct 15th?
Do our referees have to submit their references before oct 15th?
My advice always make sure you are a 100% sure you want the course before you you apply and definitely check requirements especially for nursing and social work. Maths and English Grade C is a requirement for Social Work. (It's statutory)
Original post by pathfinderr
hi all, I have a question regarding Cambridge's deadline for the UCAS app.
Do our referees have to submit their references before oct 15th?
Do our referees have to submit their references before oct 15th?
Best to contact Cambridge if they will accept a late reference.
Hello !
I'm about to start my second year of Cert He in psychology and then i want to do a mental health nursing degree in sept 2012, probably at DMU as that is near to where I live. Not started my UCAS app yet but after reading all your posts i think i better get on with it as my PS might take some work
Favourite snack ? ooo has to be Salt and vinegar crisps
I'm about to start my second year of Cert He in psychology and then i want to do a mental health nursing degree in sept 2012, probably at DMU as that is near to where I live. Not started my UCAS app yet but after reading all your posts i think i better get on with it as my PS might take some work
Favourite snack ? ooo has to be Salt and vinegar crisps
So where's everybody at with their applications then? It seems absurd to be applying so soon after starting my course! I've had 6 lessons, have no work assigned to me and yet am ready to send off my application! I have to admit to being ridiculously excited though. I'm expecting to be asked to go to interviews so i'm already starting to think about those, plus I'm trying to plod through as many critical thinking books and hints on timed essay writing for the LNAT which I hope to be ready to sit mid-November!
Original post by Elle408
So where's everybody at with their applications then? It seems absurd to be applying so soon after starting my course! I've had 6 lessons, have no work assigned to me and yet am ready to send off my application! I have to admit to being ridiculously excited though. I'm expecting to be asked to go to interviews so i'm already starting to think about those, plus I'm trying to plod through as many critical thinking books and hints on timed essay writing for the LNAT which I hope to be ready to sit mid-November!
Luckily I don't have anything to study that will effect my application but I understand that its a bit weird doing your application when you havent even started. I'm sure you'll do well at the LNAT just don't panick. I think i'll be able to send up my application net week but I need to sort out the opening of my personal statement. I'm not sure what to put in it.
Original post by chicagowonderland
Hello
Thought I'll create a thread for 2012 folks applying for university this year.
After much consideration I'll be applying for science foundation course as it just much easier than having to find the money to do access course and quicker than going through the open university since I already have A levels. I'm 19 now but the curse of having a birthday in September I will be 21 when I start.
so state:
What are you studying?
What universities do you plan to apply for?
What do you want to do at university?
What is your favorite snack?
Thought I'll create a thread for 2012 folks applying for university this year.
After much consideration I'll be applying for science foundation course as it just much easier than having to find the money to do access course and quicker than going through the open university since I already have A levels. I'm 19 now but the curse of having a birthday in September I will be 21 when I start.
so state:
What are you studying?
What universities do you plan to apply for?
What do you want to do at university?
What is your favorite snack?
Hello
I'll be starting university next October at the very mature age of 21 (well, I'll be 22 when I start) :P
I'll be studying Psychology BSc (Part time while I work)
I'm applying to De Montfort, Nottingham Trent and Derby Uni as they're local to me (I'm from Derby) Anyone else applying to these?
What do I want to do at uni? Party maybe? Nope, I'll be the one in the library all the time
My favourite snack - garlic bread
ummmmmmmmm!Are you looking forward to your course then? I never knew that being 21 was considered a mature student!
Stacey
(edited 12 years ago)
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