Is it easier to get a uni-place at a mature student?

I would like to go to university. I will be 25 years.

Is it easier or harder (i mean regarding the probability) to receive a university place?

I went to school in Germany. I dont have the highest German school leaving certificate (Abitur).

However, I am taking courses at the OU and I have worked for a couple of years in Business related jobs. I would like to study either Business Studies or Economics.

I speak English, Spanish and German and I had also done some volunteer work as a youth group leader for a few years. Hope that helps, but I have no idea about how probable it is it get a place.

I am flexible, although I wouldnt like to study at the "worst" uni, doesnt have to be one of the best either... I hope you see my point...

What do you think, how easy and probable is it to get a place?

Cheers

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Reply 1

cloder

some of these "worst" universities are actually the "best" or "only choice" in certain subjects. so its just a matter of opinion.

a good application is a good application, mature or non mature.

it certainly can be more challenging for mature students to achieve this.

Reply 2

Celifein

Try e-mailing a few admissions tutors and seeing what they think. If they don't feel you're up to scratch academically there's always foundation years/Access to HE.

Reply 3

Mumintroll

Hi Globetrotter,

I will be the same age as you. I spoke to one uni that said they are no longer allowed to discriminate on the basis of age when dealing with applications; so in effect there is no such thing as mature student status. Yet, others seem to still go with it. Still, even at this uni they were very supportive and recognised that the "entry-route" is different (i.e. not coming directly from school). Definitely that you have done the OU thing will help a lot - they seem to value signs that you can study or have studied recently.

Definitely go for it and apply. Which unis are you thinking of applying to?

Reply 4

TimeLady

If you've had buisness related jobs, and choose buisness, then you stand a very good chance of getting an offer :smile:

Reply 5

Globetrotter83

Thank you all!

@ celifein: what is access to HE? Well, I understand HE = higher education, but is there a special programm which will help me to get in if i have time?

So, what makes an application good?

As I said, I dont have the highest school leaving certificate. However, I am definitely still used to study. I recently completed an insurance industry specialised course (i have no idea, whether it is a certificate or a diploma, it is German stuff) and I am taking courses at the OU.

I have 7 years working experience (including my apprentinceship) in Germany and Ireland.

@ Mumintroll: I have yet no idea at which unis I will apply. I only plan to start a brick uni course in 2009... just ask you know, because I want to combine my other plans with a preparation as good as possible

Reply 6

suek

I guess it depends how much OU stuff you're doing and how well you do :smile:

Usually most Universities like either an access course or a couple of A Levels for mature students, plus good work experience which you of course have!

I'm sure your app will be strong with a fair bit of recent academic study :smile:

Reply 7

Celifein

Globetrotter83

@ celifein: what is access to HE? Well, I understand HE = higher education, but is there a special programm which will help me to get in if i have time?

Access to Higher Education is an A level equivalent for mature students. It typically takes a year full-time or two years part-time. The subjects you can choose to study are dependant on the college you go to.

It's usually taken by people who have been out of education for a few years, but since you've been studying with the OU/working in your field you might be better off going straight into the your undergrad or taking a foundation year. It really depends on the uni, which is why I would recommend making a list of the unis you like and e-mailing their admissions tutors.

Reply 8

ElemenT'

A mature student is more sort after than the average 18 year old. Because a mature student is less likely to drop out and has work experience

Reply 9

Globetrotter83

Do I have to do the Access to HE Test for sure? (or the foundation course)

I thought, as a mature student, I dont have to worry about it and with enough and relevant credit points, it could even be possible to start in year 2.

Reply 10

holeysock

Globetrotter83

Best thing to do is call your chosen uni(s) & see what they have to say. They could all have slightly different requirements & mature students are all different in that they can have a mix of quals and/or work exp.

Good luck

Reply 11

Celifein

Globetrotter83

Like I said, you may be able to go right into the undergrad course, rather than doing Access/foundation first. It really depends on the uni.

You probably won't go straight in at Year 2. It depends on how much you've done with the Open University (i.e. is it equivalent to the first year of the Business degree). But again, you need to check with the uni.

Reply 12

Globetrotter83

Alright, thank you all for your help.

The British education system is still pretty new for me, so your advice is really appreciated.

Cheers!

Reply 13

Mumintroll

Globetrotter, you're not that much of a "mature" student, in years. I don't think the unis should demand an access course - although that will depend a lot on your school leaving grades and the strength to which they value your more recent studies, i.e. OU.

I doubt though that you will get into the 2nd year directly - for that they are far, far more fussy. Although all these things also depend on which uni and which course.

The best thing is definitely to contact each uni before you apply. As I said before, I'm the same age as you, and that's what I have done - basically you can get to the stage where they've more or less told you that you would be almost certainly accepted before sending in the UCAS form. They will also already be familiar with you, which is a big strength.

Good luck with your application!

Reply 14

suek

Have to agree with Mumintroll. The only way you can get the answers you want is to ask the admissions tutors, and they are generally really open and helpful from what I have found. Basically, my main 'recent study' was 3 and a half years ago, so I emailed all the unis I was interested in to ask if it was ok. (it would be four years upon beginning a course..)

Replies I got ranged from:

1. It's fine, you don't need to do anymore study, we'll give you some reading to do in the summer to help you get your brain into gear.
2. Maybe consider doing an AS level or two.
3. We'd prefer it if you could do an A2 this year, but an AS should be acceptable too.

What I will add is that it depends on the strength of the rest of the application. Be sure to be specific about the 'level' of the OU modules you've done - some are shorter/easier than others etc. The universities want evidence that you will be able to study at degree level :smile:

I actually opted to do two AS levels this year, if for nothing else than to satisfy myself that I would be happy with studying again! And now I have three interviews from Portsmouth, Sheffield Hallam and Cardiff.

Reply 15

Globetrotter83

Mumintroll

What do you mean by saying "I am not that much of a "mature" student?

I completely understand their point. Of course, they want me to prove that I am able to study. It shouldnt be a problem with the previous courses and the ones I am attending to do.

I will definitely talk to them before applying. It is like applying for a job, you receive relevant information and they recognise your serious interest.

To be honest, I have never heard of a mature student, who really wants to go to university and didnt get a place. Most of us really know what they want to study. In addition to this, we dont do it because it is just the next step or our parents want us to study, we have realised the value of education!

Have you heard about any mature student, who was ready to complete necessary courses, but didnt get a place? That is why I called the thread "is it easier for mature students..."

Reply 16

Mumintroll

Globetrotter83

What do you mean by saying "I am not that much of a "mature" student?

I only meant your not in your 40s, 50s or 60s or anything! So, it's not that long back since school leaving, that's all. And party because I'm the same age as you, and I'm not that keen on the whole "mature" student label - I think it sounds a bit rubbish!!

But yeah, contacting the admissions officer for the courses you're interested in is definitely the way to go. That way they're expecting your application and recognise your name when they see it on your UCAS form. Always a good thing.

Reply 17

Globetrotter83

Hooligan

If you are 21 or over, you are known as a mature student and you are guaranteed a place in uni. you can get a place on nearly any course

???

You are kidding, aren't you?

Reply 18

suek

Hooligan

If you are 21 or over, you are known as a mature student and you are guaranteed a place in uni. you can get a place on nearly any course except for courses like forsenics, or if you want to become a scientist.
But otherwise you dont need no qualifications if you are 21. in this country it is so easy to get a degree/education if you really want to. Well what are you planning to do anyway ?