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Anxious About Mature Student Interview Coming Up

Libertewhite

Not sure if this is the right place for posting so mod feel free to move it.

I've been out of education for nearly 8 years, hopefully going back this year to do Physics with Astrophysics. I dropped out before the LC so I've had to do a lot of studying at home, to catch up for first year course work. I'm worried I wont be accepted because my lack of education looks profoundly bad. Also worried I won't be able to keep up.

I still haven't decided which other two subjects to pick, alongside Experimental Physics and Mathematics.
Is there any particular subject that compliments these two?

I also have a question regarding the books used. Is there any link or page to find out what books are used for your chosen course? A lot of information I found is a few years old, wouldn't want to buy the wrong books!

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mickstupp

Not sure any of this will be of use...

On the books point, you'll get a booklist at the first lecture, maybe before depending on the subject. Don't be worrying about that stuff.

I was terrified about my interview (which went badly but I still got through) and even more terrified about being able to keep up. Turns out being so apprehensive was a good thing, because it made me try extra hard instead of assuming I'd be just fine. So maybe try to see your concern as a good sign that you're not overestimating your abilities. You'll be far more willing to prove yourself to yourself.

Your lack of education only looks bad to you. Maynooth has a well deserved reputation for being mature student friendly. The admissions people know fine well after all these years that a lack of education is not even close to being a reliable indicator of a person's academic ability. My leaving cert points wouldn't get me into any university course in the country, but here I am doing a postgraduate degree.

I guess what I'd say about the interview is don't expect it to be long. Mine was under 10 minutes. So what you want to get across is how much you want to do a degree, and why this subject in particular. You should go read the course descriptions of the other possible subjects because they'll want to see you've given thought to subject combinations. But note that doesn't tie you down, you still have free choice when you're registering next September.

Good luck!

Pedro K

I'm a mature student studying science. I'm actually doing experimental physics as well.

The interview was very informal and probably lasted 15 minutes max.

I think they just want to gauge that you're serious about going back to education. You'll be grand. Don't worry about it.

I Am_Not_Ice

Okay, don't psych yourself out before you even walk into the room! I was in a similar boat in 2010 and, to be honest, I found that the best way to cope was to not think about it until the day of the meeting. There's no real way to prepare for the interview itself aside from having a fairly clear idea of what three subjects you plan to study should you be accepted (you don't need to stick with these choices; of the three I mentioned during my interview, I ended up taking only one in my actual degree), and how you plan on funding your way through your studies. There are no hard and fast rules; just be punctual, upbeat, and confident in your abilities, and you'll do just fine.

Also, have you considered either Computer Science or Mathematical Physics as a third subject? Or perhaps go with a humanities subject as a contrast?

banquo

^^^ As said, it's more to gauge how serious you are about going to college. They get a fair few of "I've loads of CDs, I'll give music a go" and "I know a few limericks, I'd like to give English Literature a go." They just want to see how serious you are.

Also, it might be comforting to know that most college departments don't see the LC as any kind of realistic measure of entry to college, so you're not "up against" any kind of super qualified body of intellect.

Tell them about how you've always wanted to do it, the extra study you've done, throw in a few physics jokes if you can. Your commitment and work ethic is what they're measuring, not your existing knowledge. Also, they are *very* sound and will give you every chance to go back and let you talk or explain about a certain aspect of your interests. You won't be grilled, it's your opportunity to talk about your interests. If you seem genuinely excited then you stand a good chance.

The best of luck! You're obviously interested in the subject, I hope it goes well for you.

Libertewhite

mickstupp wrote: »

On the books point, you'll get a booklist at the first lecture, maybe before depending on the subject. Don't be worrying about that stuff.

Turns out being so apprehensive was a good thing, because it made me try extra hard instead of assuming I'd be just fine. So maybe try to see your concern as a good sign that you're not overestimating your abilities. You'll be far more willing to prove yourself to yourself.

Your lack of education only looks bad to you.

I guess what I'd say about the interview is don't expect it to be long. Mine was under 10 minutes. So what you want to get across is how much you want to do a degree, and why this subject in particular. You should go read the course descriptions of the other possible subjects because they'll want to see you've given thought to subject combinations. But note that doesn't tie you down, you still have free choice when you're registering next September.

I was thinking that if I knew the courseware it would help my odds. What you said gave me hope though. I've gone over the other subjects and honestly I want to do them all and can't make my mind up yet! I have till September at least. I'd feel more confident if I read the books before hand.

Pedro K wrote: »

I'm a mature student studying science. I'm actually doing experimental physics as well.

The interview was very informal and probably lasted 15 minutes max.

I think they just want to gauge that you're serious about going back to education. You'll be grand. Don't worry about it.

I've read such great things about Experimental Physics! Some people say they regret not doing it. The one thing I'm wondering is, is there any prerequisites I should know before starting? What book are you using for it?

I Am_Not_Ice wrote: »

Also, have you considered either Computer Science or Mathematical Physics as a third subject? Or perhaps go with a humanities subject as a contrast?

I was considering Mathematical Physics and Engineering Science as my two but I feel like I'd be bombarded with so much information that my brain would explode. Wait, you can pick a humanities subject, too? I didn't know this! I don't even see the option on their site!

banquo wrote: »

^^^ As said, it's more to gauge how serious you are about going to college. They just want to see how serious you are.

Tell them about how you've always wanted to do it, the extra study you've done, throw in a few physics jokes if you can. Your commitment and work ethic is what they're measuring, not your existing knowledge. Also, they are *very* sound and will give you every chance to go back and let you talk or explain about a certain aspect of your interests. You won't be grilled, it's your opportunity to talk about your interests. If you seem genuinely excited then you stand a good chance.

The best of luck! You're obviously interested in the subject, I hope it goes well for you.

http://i.imgur.com/TLE1p.png
I thought this seemed appropriate :P:P

I Am_Not_Ice

If you're planning on doing a pure science degree, I don't think you can pick a humanities subject as well (don't quote me on that!). That's apparently set to change in the coming years though. There is an option to take Physics with Astrophysics in the first year of your BA Double Hons, but only as a third subject; you cannot take it beyond first year.

mickstupp

I think the new setup for incoming students is supposed to allow four subjects in 1st year, if you choose. You can still go for three or even just two I think. One of those could be a language, or history, or something else you're interested in. But whether that can be carried forward into later years, dunno.

I Am_Not_Ice

They do four subjects in first arts in Galway, Cork, and UCD don't they?

Libertewhite

I see the options about doing 4 subject in first year, 3 subjects in 2nd year, 2 subjects in 3rd year and 1 subject in 4th year. The site says I can choose two other subjects out of the list of 5: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, and Mathematical Physics. Are any of those considered an arts subject?

The page in question where I'm getting my info

I Am_Not_Ice

Libertewhite wrote: »

Are any of those considered an arts subject?

No. The Bachelor of Science in Physics with Astrophysics is purely a science degree, so you can only choose from other science-related subjects. However, there is an option on the three year BA Arts Joint Honours program to study Mathematical Physics to degree level as an arts subject. You can take it with two other arts subjects in first arts, one other subject in second arts, and then study only Mathematical Physics in your final year. This may be another option for you if you feel that the four year BSc is a little too science-heavy.

The full info is here: http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=SUBJECT&MODE=VIEW&OFFERING_CODE=U_HONS_DEGREES&QUALIFICATION_CODE=ARTS&SUBJECT_CODE=MP200A&YEAR=2015

Libertewhite

I Am_Not_Ice wrote: »

No. The Bachelor of Science in Physics with Astrophysics is purely a science degree, so you can only choose from other science-related subjects. However, there is an option on the three year BA Arts Joint Honours program to study Mathematical Physics to degree level as an arts subject. You can take it with two other arts subjects in first arts, one other subject in second arts, and then study only Mathematical Physics in your final year. This may be another option for you if you feel that the four year BSc is a little too science-heavy.

Oh yeah, I see what you mean. I never knew you could take that route. It explains why I was confused when I read people not getting the points they wanted, going through arts to do it. Thanks for that

I like the idea of only science though because everything else doesn't really interest me.

Pedro K

Libertewhite wrote: »

I've read such great things about Experimental Physics! Some people say they regret not doing it. The one thing I'm wondering is, is there any prerequisites I should know before starting? What book are you using for it?

No real prerequisites no. The book we're using this year is Serway & Jewett. I'm fairly sure there's a free copy online, but to be honest I haven't used it at all this year. Physics would be the strongest of my subjects.

No harm to do some reading though. What would you find easier? Astronomy or mechanics?

peacock169

Just be aware. As you have not completed the leaving cert, they may be concerned with your level of Maths. At my interview, they said they may offer me a 1 year Maths course, before the offer of a degree course. I had the Leaving cert but was so long out of education, there was every chance that I had forgotten everything (and rightly so:pac:). Just convince them that you are ready now, and are fully committed.

I'm sure i have the physics book and the maths book on pdf, can email them to you if it helps. Nearly sure theres a hard copy of the physics book here somewhere, if your in Dublin its yours. No good to me anymore.

Libertewhite

Pedro K wrote: »

No real prerequisites no. The book we're using this year is Serway & Jewett. I'm fairly sure there's a free copy online, but to be honest I haven't used it at all this year. Physics would be the strongest of my subjects.

No harm to do some reading though. What would you find easier? Astronomy or mechanics?

My first love was Astronomy. As I progressed through that, I fell in love with quantum mechanics and now I can't get enough! I'm quite a bit far out from understanding it though.

Serway & Jewett is the most expensive book I've come across this year :eek:

TheBody

peacock169 wrote: »

Just be aware. As you have not completed the leaving cert, they may be concerned with your level of Maths. At my interview, they said they may offer me a 1 year Maths course, before the offer of a degree course. I had the Leaving cert but was so long out of education, there was every chance that I had forgotten everything (and rightly so:pac:). Just convince them that you are ready now, and are fully committed.

I'm sure i have the physics book and the maths book on pdf, can email them to you if it helps. Nearly sure theres a hard copy of the physics book here somewhere, if your in Dublin its yours. No good to me anymore.

I'm not sure I would agree with this advice. Just because you were ready doesn't mean everyone is.

Libertewhite

peacock169 wrote: »

Just be aware. As you have not completed the leaving cert, they may be concerned with your level of Maths. At my interview, they said they may offer me a 1 year Maths course, before the offer of a degree course. I had the Leaving cert but was so long out of education, there was every chance that I had forgotten everything (and rightly so:pac:). Just convince them that you are ready now, and are fully committed.

I'm sure i have the physics book and the maths book on pdf, can email them to you if it helps. Nearly sure theres a hard copy of the physics book here somewhere, if your in Dublin its yours. No good to me anymore.

I went to the open day in November and the guy I was talking to mentioned the maths being a problem for me. I've been learning it myself since then and so far I've done a lot of work (10-15 hours a day minus the weekend).

Did you do the 1 year maths course? I'd hate to wait another year to do something I could do in a few months. I'd greatly appreciate the pdf if you can email them! I'll PM you my email add. If you do find the books, I would consider buying them off you since I live in Dublin.

peacock169

TheBody wrote: »

I'm not sure I would agree with this advice. Just because you were ready doesn't mean everyone is.

Assuming he IS ready, of course.

Dickie10

i agree with all the above advice, i remember doing mine and they asked me why i wanted to study history and geography , i said very innocently, that i read books on history and geography all the time and was constantly asking why did this happen this way? or why did something else not hapeen ? or why is something like it is in geography. ? later i was told that the interviewers eyes light up when they hear this kind of intrest, its basically what universities want in undergraduates.