Tips on applying as a Mature Student

jamesbere

Went for an interview in st johns college today, Went really well. So fingers crossed

Mel87

Hey Larianne.

I would just like to give you a BIG thank you for all of the tips that you posted. I just got accepted to the three year Physiotherapy programme at RCSI. :D

Larianne

Mel87 wrote: »

Hey Larianne.

I would just like to give you a BIG thank you for all of the tips that you posted. I just got accepted to the three year Physiotherapy programme at RCSI. :D

Congratulations!! Well done. May see you out on the wards some day.. probably in Singapore. :pac:

partay pooper

Thanks for all your info on here Larianne, I got accepted at DCU last Thursday.


Thanks again.
Partay Pooper

theletterman

Hey All! Iam 27 year old irish national amd i am currently coming to an end of a rather long trip to Oz(4 years) and would love to enroll in a arts degree starting 2012/2013. I plan on coming home this christmas, just wondering is there anything i can do to get the ball rolling so to speak.

I have a decent leaving certificate (about 300 or so) with no fails, however my epmloyment for the last few years is not relevent to the degree im applying for.
Cheers for any help in advance:)

Digitaljunkie

Hi folks I'm putting together my application for next year. Just wondering as a mature I have a lot of old references, should I include any or should I put "references available on request" ?

Thanks in advance and apologies if this is the wrong form.

Dj.

Larianne

I would get new references. If you can, I'd contact the person directly and tell them what you want it for and if you know them well enough direct them as to what you'd like them to put in the reference. There's no point giving a reference if it just states:

X worked at Y company from date to date. There role was Z.

You'll need it to be as related as you can to the course you are applying to.

Also, I'd ask at least 4 people so if one person doesn't give you a great reference/not what you wanted, you have 3 others to fall back on. (I sent 3 references in with my application as one college requested it, so I sent the same amount to all colleges).

Digitaljunkie

theletterman wrote: »

Hey All! Iam 27 year old irish national amd i am currently coming to an end of a rather long trip to Oz(4 years) and would love to enroll in a arts degree starting 2012/2013. I plan on coming home this christmas, just wondering is there anything i can do to get the ball rolling so to speak.

I have a decent leaving certificate (about 300 or so) with no fails, however my epmloyment for the last few years is not relevent to the degree im applying for.
Cheers for any help in advance:)

You could maybe consider an access type one year course, some Uni's allow good grades on a PLC/Fetac Level 5.

Digitaljunkie

Larianne wrote: »

I would get new references. If you can, I'd contact the person directly and tell them what you want it for and if you know them well enough direct them as to what you'd like them to put in the reference. There's no point giving a reference if it just states:

You'll need it to be as related as you can to the course you are applying to.

Also, I'd ask at least 4 people so if one person doesn't give you a great reference/not what you wanted, you have 3 others to fall back on. (I sent 3 references in with my application as one college requested it, so I sent the same amount to all colleges).

The problem I have is the related field in which I need references for was a self employed role over 4 years or so, could be tricky. It's a shame as I do have experience in the area it's just proving it on paper.

I was at the collage open day during the week and was talking to one of the tutors, he was asking me relative questions on my experience and gave me great encouragement he said the interview route is one for me, the only problem is getting the application right so I can get their.

Larianne

Digitaljunkie wrote: »

The problem I have is the related field in which I need references for was a self employed role over 4 years or so, could be tricky. It's a shame as I do have experience in the area it's just proving it on paper.

I was at the collage open day during the week and was talking to one of the tutors, he was asking me relative questions on my experience and gave me great encouragement he said the interview route is one for me, the only problem is getting the application right so I can get their.

Can you get references from customers or suppliers, people you've dealt with? You can also have a reference from someone personal to you.

Yes, you could have all the experience in the world, but you need to get the application right.

Digitaljunkie

Appreciate the advice thanks Larianne.

paperclip2

UCD are holding application and info clinics on the 21st of Jan including one focused at Mature Students if anyone is interested:

Applying to UCD?

UCD is offering three Applying to UCD/CAO information clinics on Saturday 21st of January. The clinics will provide advice on the CAO application process to final year secondary school students, mature applicants and their families.

Each information clinic will have a different focus:

Clinic 1 - 9.30am to 11am Mature Entry & MSAP
Clinic 2 - 11.30am to 1pm School Leaver
Clinic 3 - 2pm to 3.30pm School Leaver
During the clinics there will be:

Individual CAO clinics - applicants have the opportunity to speak to staff about their CAO application
Course information stands where applicants can chat to staff and students
Talks on Choosing UCD, Applying to the CAO, Mature Entry, MSAP, HEAR & DARE, Fees & Grants and Accommodation
Campus Tours - student ambassadors will give guided tours of the campus including accommodation
To reserve your place please complete the online booking form at:www.ucd.ie/myucd/applyingtoucd

Places are limited so pre booking is essential.

mamaehinoh

Hi larriane. Thank you so much for this thread. It is a great help to me.
I am a dutch lady (mom of 4 smallies lol) i did a pre-nursing course in 08/09 and passed. i had 4 distinctions, 2 merits and 2 passes. I have applied for nursing (both integrated and general), and level 7 bio sciences, pharmaceutical science and analytical science.
I have applied on athlone it, trinity and ucd, and carlow it for the sciences. However, would you know when they do the interviews, what kind of questions they would ask? When i am preparing for a test, i would like to know what to learn. (if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail!). any advice? i am confident that i should be offered a course as it is in the health sector i got a good few distinctions where it matters most. (only i got distinctions in ' intro to nursing, human growth and development (psychology), care of the older person and communications. i got a merit (77% gutted ) in anatomy and physiology and nutrition. However, do you think i still have a good chance of being offered a place? i applied last thursday. Any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks, esmeralda.

paperclip2

mamaehinoh wrote: »

Hi larriane. Thank you so much for this thread. It is a great help to me.
I am a dutch lady (mom of 4 smallies lol) i did a pre-nursing course in 08/09 and passed. i had 4 distinctions, 2 merits and 2 passes. I have applied for nursing (both integrated and general), and level 7 bio sciences, pharmaceutical science and analytical science.
I have applied on athlone it, trinity and ucd, and carlow it for the sciences. However, would you know when they do the interviews, what kind of questions they would ask? When i am preparing for a test, i would like to know what to learn. (if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail!). any advice? i am confident that i should be offered a course as it is in the health sector i got a good few distinctions where it matters most. (only i got distinctions in ' intro to nursing, human growth and development (psychology), care of the older person and communications. i got a merit (77% gutted ) in anatomy and physiology and nutrition. However, do you think i still have a good chance of being offered a place? i applied last thursday. Any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks, esmeralda.

There's a link to the nursing careers booklet from An Board Altranais that goes through all the info on the application process here http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/careers.aspx
Pages 23 to 31 cover details related to mature applicants including the timetable for interviews and topics covered in the written assessment.

mamaehinoh

Thank you for your reply paperclip. That booklet was very useful.. Now i pray that i will pass those tests!

elleelle19

hi there,

Just looking for a bit of advice. I've ticked on my form that I completed NCVA exams, and the cao handbooks says I have to supply certificates for there qualification but they where 13 years ago and completely unrelated to what I’m applying for, also I have no idea where the certs are, Do I really need to include them?

Digitaljunkie

I think if you mention it on the cao they will look for proof - certs etc. As it is unrelated why don't you scrap it ?

elleelle19

Digitaljunkie wrote: »

I think if you mention it on the cao they will look for proof - certs etc. As it is unrelated why don't you scrap it ?

Is it ok to leave things off the application if they're not relevant?
If they find out somehow afterwards that I did have NCVA qualifications will it count against me?

Digitaljunkie

elleelle19 wrote: »

Is it ok to leave things off the application if they're not relevant?
If they find out somehow afterwards that I did have NCVA qualifications will it count against me?

It's ok to leave it out if your NCVA qualifications are not relevant to the coarse you are applying for. I'm not sure what you are applying for so you can make that call.

Posy

I am thinking of applying to a course, but since I already have a degree, I wouldn't get 'free fees'.
I was looking up the fees for the course and it had listed (for example) Registration Fee: €2,000. EU Fee Status: €4,000. Non EU Fee: €8,000.
Is it the 'registration fee' that I'd be paying or is that the "free" fee and I'd be paying the EU Status fee?

paperclip2

Posy wrote: »

I am thinking of applying to a course, but since I already have a degree, I wouldn't get 'free fees'.
I was looking up the fees for the course and it had listed (for example) Registration Fee: €2,000. EU Fee Status: €4,000. Non EU Fee: €8,000.
Is it the 'registration fee' that I'd be paying or is that the "free" fee and I'd be paying the EU Status fee?

Hi Posy,

Generally the free fees in your example would refer to the €4,000. The €2000 registration fee can be covered for people eligible for the fee grant but as you hold a degree already you would be ineligible for this. In your case the total fees that would apply would be €6,000.

You can check your own particular status with the DES student support unit who implement fee policy: tel 057 9325317.

psycho-hope

quick question about the hobbies and interests part of the application, how long roughly should it be, is a few lines about 2 or 3 things enough or should i make it longer.

thanks

Larianne

Yeah, that sounds about right. I wouldn't have it taking over the whole thing.

psycho-hope

Larianne wrote: »

Yeah, that sounds about right. I wouldn't have it taking over the whole thing.

thanks, its the last thing i have left to do then off to the post office in the morning:D

Scallywaggy

Hi Larianne
I've been reading through this thread and it's been hugely helpful. Thank-you.

I do have a question though and I'm hoping that perhaps yourself or someone else can answer it.
I'm a very mature student, being 47, I feel this is my last shot at a 4yr degree as I'll be 51 on completion. I've always had a love of reading and found the two English Studies and English Literature courses would be right up my street. I've filled in everything on the forms and with a week or so to go I'm beginning to get a little panicked.

My problem is the question "What aspects of this subject/course interest you most?"

You see, they all do! And I've been looking at a blank screen for three days now. I simply do not know what to write.

I'm also feeling a little intimidated about the fact that it will likely be literary academics that will be reading my application and my use of the English language is basic, despite my being Irish and it being my only language.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should write there? I've tried refering to the course subjects, but to write a little about what interests me most, takes up too much space. To write that I like them as a whole looks lazy and like I'm just picking it for something to do, and with four kids that's the last thing I'm doing. Help?

Larianne

Hi scallywagg,

Unfortunately, no-one can tell you what to write in your personal statement as it is just that personal,to you.

This is good experience though to practice essay writing and keeping a word count low. Write out a rough draft and have a read over it. See where you can mix things up and change it around. Once you have something written you can go back and edit it. The hardest part is getting it all down.

Have you looked at the websites I linked on the first page of this thread? thestudentroom should have samples of English Literature applications. Use this as a guide. Do it your own way though! Have a few people read over it after to give you any criticisms.

Good luck!

paperclip2

Scallywaggy wrote: »

I'm a very mature student, being 47, I feel this is my last shot at a 4yr degree as I'll be 51 on completion. I've always had a love of reading and found the two English Studies and English Literature courses would be right up my street. I've filled in everything on the forms and with a week or so to go I'm beginning to get a little panicked.

Hi OP,

As an aside note the oldest student I’ve worked with to get to college was a lady who was 61 when she started her four year degree so you have a a good way to go before being over the hill learning wise!

Scallywaggy wrote: »

My problem is the question "What aspects of this subject/course interest you most?"

You see, they all do! And I've been looking at a blank screen for three days now. I simply do not know what to write.

Writers block is common for students doing personal statements. One of the techniques we use is to get the student to write down absolutely everything that appeals to you about the courses you are applying for. Don’t censor or edit as you are doing it. Put it all down. The idea is that this is a little like a flooded river clearing the dam that’s blocking you. It can help clear the swirling mass of thoughts that can be going round your head when you try to be selective about what to include. It also gives you a bit of confidence as you are being productive and proactive around your statement and this can reduce the panic a little.

When you have this done go for a walk. Or wash the dog. Or bake a cake. Do something unrelated and hands-on. It helps the mind relax and the subconscious kick into gear to start sorting through the stuff you have written down.

When you come back to the personal statement you can put the editing hat on. What colleges are looking for is someone who is interested, motivated, and has the capacity to lean and the ability to stick with the course.
It can be useful to organize the info you have written under these questions:

• What interests you about the field(s) you have chosen?
Pick the one or two strongest points from what you have written earlier. The ones that resonate with you the most. Are there particular literary authors you enjoy and why. Relate this to aspects to the course, e.g. are there particular specialisms available that appeal to you and why.

• How have you developed your interest?
Practical examples, e.g. member of book club, literature study courses you might have taken, member of drama group, work in a library, volunteer after school tutor, Collecting the complete works of specific authors etc. Basically anywhere that your love of reading has intersected with your life. Examples can be recent or ideally a few over a number of years to illustrate the depth of interest, e.g. winning a short-story competition in secondary school, working as a voluntary family learning tutor, completing a local literature studies course etc.

• How does your previous work or education relate to your chosen courses?
You can look back at the things you have done in life and try to relate them to your love of English, Obviously if you have ever worked in media, journalism or library work you have lots of scope but if not then you may need to be a bit creative here e.g. someone working in a frontline position might have taken on responsibility for all report writing. Or if working in the home practical examples of encouraging reading there etc.

• What are your long terms aims?
What do you want this course to give you? Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years? What do you want to achieve and how will the course help you in this? The aims can be as big or little as you like. The main thing is to show that you have thought about the long term.

As Larianne said keep it to the point. A typed page is usually more than enough; many students average three quarters of a page.

Scallywaggy wrote: »

I'm also feeling a little intimidated about the fact that it will likely be literary academics that will be reading my application and my use of the English language is basic, despite my being Irish and it being my only language.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should write there? I've tried refering to the course subjects, but to write a little about what interests me most, takes up too much space. To write that I like them as a whole looks lazy and like I'm just picking it for something to do, and with four kids that's the last thing I'm doing. Help?

Finally don’t worry about the ‘venerable heads’ who may or may not be reading your application. The hardest thing is to write for other people so focus on what you want the college to know about you and why you are the best candidate for this course.
Your post was clear, to the point and expressive so you have a good faculty with language. Anyway you are applying to college to learn.

I’ve waffled enough.:o Hope this helps

KERSPLAT!

Thanks Paperclip for the advice here and in the PMs, also thanks to Larianne, reading this thread helped me alot in filling out the CAO, hopefully it all works out

Digitaljunkie

IPAM wrote: »

Thanks Paperclip for the advice here and in the PMs, also thanks to Larianne, reading this thread helped me alot in filling out the CAO, hopefully it all works out

Yea me to, thanks Larianne Paperclip and everyone else who helped..........

Good Luck Y'all.............Dj.

Posy

Firstly, thanks to all on this thread- it's been a mine of information while I've been mulling (panicking) over whether to go back to college after nearly a decade in the workplace!
I have a few questions about my upcoming application and if anyone could help clarify anything, it would be amazing!

Two references (at least one of which is academic) are required. Should I put down two lecturers I had, or one academic and one from the head of my department at work? I'm worried that if I pick two academic, they'll wonder why I'm not mentioning work and think something's up! Or would two academic be the norm?

They ask about any previous college courses-
Institution: (obviously name of college)
Qualification: (eg. Honours Degree etc..)
Result: What do they mean by this? Like the percentage? I'd have assumed I'd enter 2:1, 2:2- that type of thing, but I'm not sure, because that seems the same as qualification..

Then they ask for Personal Achievements and Professional Associations.
Achievements: eg knowledge of languages, computer skills etc.
Associations: Include the details (association, period, level of involvement) of any membership of professional associations, institutions, national and international bodies.
I don't understand what this part means!!!

Also, I have to upload copies of my transcripts etc..
I did a masters degree many years ago, and have a letter from the department 'Dear Posy...the examiners have accepted the recommendation that you be awarded the degree of masters...' and I have a cert with a load of Latin on it that I got on graduation day that my mother has in a frame somewhere. Is that what I'd need to scan- or would I have to call the college and get something from them?

If anyone has any info. it would be very, highly appreciated.