DCU - Mature entry test ?

redout

Does DCU conduct an entrance exam for mature entry or do they hold interviews instead ? I cant find anything on the website about tests only interviews.

Thx

giveliberty

I think it may depend on what course you are applying for, if there are certain criteria you may need to fulfill.

I am doing Communication Studies and we had an interview. Somewhat informal, but there are some things you need to keep in mind:

1. The people interviewing you are academics - they like to know that you have some knowledge of the course you are applying for so read up on it and tell them what subjects interest you.

2. Show knowledge of industry or potential career path - give them a logical reason for picking the course - they tore apart someone who had an interview before me for just playing a game of darts with the CAO list. She had no reason to pick the course other than it just being light on course work.

3 - Relevant work experience - if you have it flaunt it. Show that as a mature student you will have something positive to contribute to class discussions. It doesn't have to be directly related to the course, but show an ability to take examples from your life and apply them to college

4 - Acknowledge the change. Show them that you are aware of the life change becoming a mature student will bring. They want to make sure that you are dedicated and will stay the full 3 or 4 years. They don't want to waste a mature student place.

5 - Show a willingness to get involved in Clubs and Socs. Depending on what course you are applying for this could be very important. In Communication Studies it is VITAL. Do some research on the different clubs and societies on campus.

6 - Tell them the challenges you are looking forward to while studying.

7 - Tell them why you are going to college now, as opposed to when you were younger - it makes them feel good about themselves.

8 - Show an interest in post-grad studies.

9 - Don't BS - they will smell it a mile off.

10 - For the love of God ask questions, don't just sit there, have pre-prepared questions about the course, subjects, timetables, career paths etc

Anything else you want to know, PM me I'm happy to talk about it. DCU is very very good to their Mature Students.

cactus jack

i got in via mature student entry in 08 for an engineering coarse. seems to be a standard interview where they check your knowledge of the coarse, what interests you about it and so on. in mine they tested my maths with 2 easy differenciation & integration questions & also seemed inpressed by the fact i'd been a team leader where i worked before. so if you have an previous leaderships tell them about it as they also seem to be interested in potential class reps. the final thing i'd say to you is dress up for it. this is not needed but certainly leaves them with a good impression of you and thinking back to my interview i was told i was as good as in at the end of the interview and just that it needed to be rubber stamped as such.

H2G2

No tests only interviews. But they don't interview for every course, but the majority do have interviews. Usually short (10 - 15 mins). giveliberty's interview advice is spot on!

loumac

Interview is not guaranteed. You must submit a written piece, outlining why you want to do the course and your background. I would say this is your first chance to make an impression. Not all mature candidates get an interview. You are selected for interview based on your initial written application. While ll of Give Liberty's advice is useful for the interview you should spend a bit of time with your written application. Get someone you trust to properly criticise it. Write it in enough time so that you can leave it, come back to it and refine it.