My Access Diary (Inspired by TomU :P)

I wish I'd done something like this! I started an access course in September and finding it pretty hard, but absolutely loving every minute of it!
Keep up the good work and good luck!
Lou

Thanks very much for the kind words...everyone's support is much appreciated

This weeks update...another assignment back (History, one I'd been stressing about), another distinction (Which I am so chuffed with ) They've told us we do 54 L3 assignments in total, but several tutors have mentioned they opportunity to do more if there is extra time, so it might reach 60. Nevertheless, at least a 10th of the way through...only 90% to go

Maths is going a little more slowly...getting it but I really need to be constantly revising and working on the stuff in order not to slip behind...a busy weekend ahead! I have to prepare my notes for my group discussion next week on an Inspector Calls, the text we've studying for our appreciation of a play assignment, which we're due to do next week! In addition to this, I've also got a time management assignment due for Thursday which about 75% done which I'll have done by Monday hopefully, so I can submit it on Tuesday. In addition to an assignment on Wuthering Heights and a psychology essay due at the end of the month, I've a lot to do...but to be honest the more busy I am, the more its keeping me focused

My access course has always been 60 credits at level 3 from the start, from what i've read on here, nearly everyone else's seem to be 45 credits at level 3 and 15 at level 2.

Ours is split into 18 credits for each subject (chemistry, biology and quantitative methods), then 6 credits for 'toolbox' - which is a complete waste of time. I think it's like the access course equivalent to a level general studies. We've spent the past 2 months doing ucas applications in toolbox lessons, and only in this weeks lesson on monday we started doing something else. We did a task to identify which style of learning suits us best, and started an essay on our previous learning.

Handing in my first assignment next week, which is chemistry. I really hope it's at distinction level, i've put so much effort into it!

I'm doing 93 Credits at level 3. English, Maths, Study Skills & IT are core subjects and everyone chooses three option subjects on top. I've dropped maths because it was too easy and am taking a fourth option subject to make up my hours. We also do a research project in the new year.

My impression is that this course is a lot harder than many other access courses. They stick to the rules, deadlines are enforced, there is no 'honing' of assignments and everything is studied at level 3, which means there are no 'easy' options. The workload is pretty high - I've already completed 4 essays, 2 science reports, an IT project, given a speech, a presentation and I have an exam coming up.

It's been twenty years since I last studied and, as someone who hated the subject at school, I never thought I would be doing A-level standard English but actually it's been great and I'm loving the course.

Feedback from former students is that first year of university is a walk in the park because it really prepares you for university level study. That's what swung it for me in the end.

Christ - 93 credits! So what will your certificate say at the end then, as i think you need 60 credits to achieve the access course, so will your be an access course with additional credits?

Yes newcastle college seem to stick to the rules too, we were told that if our chemistry assignment wasn't handed in before 4.30 yesterday it would be capped to a pass, unless we had a very good reason for it being late - then we may have been granted a weeks extension. I have my first exam a week on friday - a bit worried about that! However thinking about it, it will ease the pressure come january when i have the other two.

Oxbridge tend to see right through those who bang their a'levels then try to get in via access. Esp if those a'levels were taken only 2/3yrs ago. Plus you can't use CSAS as a mature student.