Hello there
Sorry this is so long
. I'm considering a second BA. (I have a first Honours degree in History/Women's Studies from the University of Guelph, Canada, 2009). My adolescence was rather chaotic and, despite a ferocious curiosity, my performance has been erratic. I really regret my undergraduate degree, and I'm convinced that I would flourish under your tutorial system. The question is, how to get there from here?
Should I do CertHE's, OU courses at level 2 or 3, or go back and get A levels? If so, how many? (I will need to work, at the very least, part time). Am I mature student even though I have a BA? Will my sorry undergraduate continue to count against me?
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As a broad background to my academic profile: I studied at a British high school in Bermuda, studied 8 subjects to GCSE level (Latin, English, Biology, etc), took ill, and only sat for the 3 for which I knew I wouldn't have to revise: A*, A*, A in IGCSE History, Business and Ec, and French, respectively. I sat the first semester of IB diploma, mostly ranging from 94 or so up, with the exception of Math (44 or so). I was very successful in debating and dance, winning various national competitions and dance scholarships. I was also the highest national scorer in the talent search for the Institute for Talented Children(Verbal) and had an incredible time studying a Ethics at John Hopkins' Centre for Talented Youth in Baltimore.
Then, I transferred, was skipped a year, and graduated for a Canadian high school. Philosophy, Canadian and International Law, History, and The Writer's Craft - 96, 80, 92, 95. From 16-20 I did my undergraduate degree, failing some semesters and on the Dean's List others. (I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and unfortunately my grades were as well!). My overall GPA, including first two years, is probably a dead 70. My final two semesters were done concurrently (11 courses) as my mother died, and somehow I made a respectable, but not exceptional, showing of a B+ across the 2 semesters.
All of this to say, my history works for and against me. I have considered applying for an MA (Rhetoric) but I really want to do my undergraduate right, and fully show up. I am more aware of the fact that you need more than "intelligence" to do well - I need health, stability, and a mature outlook.
Any suggestions on moving forward? Thanks for your patience!
K.