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Tips on applying as a Mature Student

245678

Comments

  • #52
    moonandstars
    Registered Users Posts: 225 ✭✭moonandstars


    MickShamrock wrote: »
    When do colleges normally send you interview information? If I don't hear after a certain date, should I be worried?

    normally interviews are held in april i think..


  • #53
    Cosmic_love
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Cosmic_love


    Hi Larianne, I just wanted to say thanks for all the tips, they've been a great help to me! :)


  • #54
    SEANYBOY1
    Registered Users Posts: 830 ✭✭✭SEANYBOY1


    Hello, I recently visited my local citizens information office about going to college as a mature student, part time to get a degree.
    I am in full emlpoyment, thankfully. However this means I get nada, nothing, not a sausage. No grants what so ever.
    I personally know people who are receiving grants to go to college who are unemployed. Here the best bit, one guy told me that he was unemployed for the last 8 months and was 'advised' to remain unemployed for at least a further 4 months to qualify for the grant as he would be then a full year unemployed. Oh yeah my taxes will help pay for that.
    I am strugling with my pin to the collar with big mortgage and kids and I am willing to get a bank loan to fund a further education but I was convinced there would be at least a small grant even 10% but no!
    I s there any financial help out there :confused:


  • #55
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    I am not very clued up on grants. I think though as you are in full time employment you are not entitled to anything. Also, I don't think they give assistance to students doing part time courses. (I could be corrected on this though).

    The grant system in this country is a disgrace and is totally being bent by many people. But that belongs in a whole other thread.

    Best of luck with whatever you decide. It is tough going with the grant.


  • #56
    amy85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 220 ✭✭amy85


    hey. i am just looking for a bit of advice. i am 24 and have applied for the 3 year F/T vet nursing course in athlone. i have been called for an interview next week. i am a nervous wreck now after reading some of the posts because i thought i was fairly well prepared but now i dont think i am. these are probably very stupid questions but il ask them anyways..

    1. do i need to have copies of my cv and any other courses i did previously(even if there not related). i did 2 P/T childcare courses and a secretarial course years ago. i think i have my certs from the childcare courses but cant find my one from the secretarial course.

    2. the only science subject i did in my leaving cert was home economics and now im wondering will this really go against me or not.(damn it for not applying myself more in secondary school) knew it would come back to bite me in the ass some time!

    3. i have been working full time for the last couple of years and my manager has said she is more than happy to give me a character reference to bring with me to the interview. is this necessary or not do you think?

    any advice or info would be so much appriecated as i am so nervous about the interview, i really want to get the course and need to find out as much as i can so i will be prepared.

    also if anyone has done this course already, could they give me there opinions on it.

    thanks so much
    amy


  • #57
    redout
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,435 ✭✭✭✭redout


    amy85 wrote: »
    hey. i am just looking for a bit of advice. i am 24 and have applied for the 3 year F/T vet nursing course in athlone. i have been called for an interview next week. i am a nervous wreck now after reading some of the posts because i thought i was fairly well prepared but now i dont think i am. these are probably very stupid questions but il ask them anyways..

    1. do i need to have copies of my cv and any other courses i did previously(even if there not related). i did 2 P/T childcare courses and a secretarial course years ago. i think i have my certs from the childcare courses but cant find my one from the secretarial course.

    2. the only science subject i did in my leaving cert was home economics and now im wondering will this really go against me or not.(damn it for not applying myself more in secondary school) knew it would come back to bite me in the ass some time!

    3. i have been working full time for the last couple of years and my manager has said she is more than happy to give me a character reference to bring with me to the interview. is this necessary or not do you think?

    any advice or info would be so much appriecated as i am so nervous about the interview, i really want to get the course and need to find out as much as i can so i will be prepared.

    also if anyone has done this course already, could they give me there opinions on it.

    thanks so much
    amy

    I had an interview this past week in DCU - it basically followed the same format as what everyone else is saying - it was more of a chat than an interview - they asked about what I have done since school up to present and then obviously why it is you want to do the course. That question is the key for me - why? If you nail this question then you will give yourself a great chance. My advice is to think out the answer to this before you go - dont just give the usual "i have always been interested" spiel as they have heard that countless times and does not really tell them much. Remember that you only about 15mins or so to convince them so try and show them that you are serious and have thought it out.

    As regards copies of your CV and certs you should have already included them with the cao documents and I wouldnt bother bringing them along unless they specifically asked for them.

    Science ? Dont worry about it. They know that you are a mature student and wont expect everyone to have all the subjects that say are required if you apply straight after the leaving cert. It is all about convincing them that you have the desire, interest and ambition to put in the work necessary. Do that and you will be fine.

    As for the character reference you probably should have included that with the cao documents. I am not sure whether you should give them anything at the interview unless they asked you to. Best thing would be to ring the college and ask their advice.

    As regards nerves just be yourself. I was quite nervous myself going in but the interviewers put me at ease straight away to be honest. They were quite nice and came across as approachable as opposed to other times you can get people who give you that standoffish approach were you are afraid to open your mouth.

    P.S. one last thing, know about your course and what it entails, optional modules etc. I was asked on that. Best of luck.


  • #58
    amy85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 220 ✭✭amy85


    redout wrote: »
    I had an interview this past week in DCU - it basically followed the same format as what everyone else is saying - it was more of a chat than an interview - they asked about what I have done since school up to present and then obviously why it is you want to do the course. That question is the key for me - why? If you nail this question then you will give yourself a great chance. My advice is to think out the answer to this before you go - dont just give the usual "i have always been interested" spiel as they have heard that countless times and does not really tell them much. Remember that you only about 15mins or so to convince them so try and show them that you are serious and have thought it out.

    As regards copies of your CV and certs you should have already included them with the cao documents and I wouldnt bother bringing them along unless they specifically asked for them.

    Science ? Dont worry about it. They know that you are a mature student and wont expect everyone to have all the subjects that say are required if you apply straight after the leaving cert. It is all about convincing them that you have the desire, interest and ambition to put in the work necessary. Do that and you will be fine.

    As for the character reference you probably should have included that with the cao documents. I am not sure whether you should give them anything at the interview unless they asked you to. Best thing would be to ring the college and ask their advice.

    As regards nerves just be yourself. I was quite nervous myself going in but the interviewers put me at ease straight away to be honest. They were quite nice and came across as approachable as opposed to other times you can get people who give you that standoffish approach were you are afraid to open your mouth.

    P.S. one last thing, know about your course and what it entails, optional modules etc. I was asked on that. Best of luck.

    thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. ya i included my cv and details of the other courses i did in my application.but not the character reference so might bring that along anyway. in the letter they sent out to me,it said you can bring along any supporting documents that you have,so thats what got me all stressing about all that.

    ya my manager was giving me some advice on what kind of things they might ask etc and what to be clear about when answering things, and when she asked me that question(why did i want to do the course) i couldnt even say why really,bar the whole i have been interested in animals spiel. i just couldnt think of things to say to make me stand out,so think im going to have to work on that one.

    one last thing,as reagards what to wear to it,do you need to wear a suit,or is it a bit less formal. just something smart and neat i suppose! i just want to get it right on the day. what im wearing though will really be the last thing im thinking about on the day. haha

    thanks again for giving me some tips,its really helped. hopefully you will get your course. when will you hear back whether you get it or not?
    amy


  • #59
    toffeesfan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14 ✭toffeesfan


    hi all
    know im late with this but when applying online as mature student do you need to post copy of leaving cert results,cv etc. also i a have done some evening courses over the last few years,if these are entered on online application do i also need to post copies of certs received?
    thanks


  • #60
    fifi836
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭fifi836


    Hey people, some serious advice needed!!!

    Larianne got some great tips there, and sorry if im on the wrong post but wondering if anybody here could help me out:confused:
    Just recieved a letter for the mature nursing interview which im super excited about but very nervous at the same time.

    I finished my Leaving Cert over 10 yrs ago and didnt do so well in it basically because of lack of study at the time, so im wondering if anybody who has been through the whole interview process has ever had to explain why they didnt achieve a good L.C???? And ive never been to third level college so will this go against me in the interview????

    Any advice much appreciated, thanks!


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  • #61
    Scram
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 683 ✭✭✭Scram


    Great points but..

    I applied for a course Called "Internet Technologies" in an "unnamed" I.T

    When i entered first year on my first day the "course" had been changed to a "BSC in Computing", which is level 8 instead of level 7....

    i went for an interview in the summer before the start of term as being a mature student, but nobody from the college told me of the course change till the first day. They had told some people applying but not us mature students it seems..


  • #62
    mumtoe&e
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 220 ✭✭mumtoe&e


    fifi836 wrote: »
    Hey people, some serious advice needed!!!

    Larianne got some great tips there, and sorry if im on the wrong post but wondering if anybody here could help me out:confused:
    Just recieved a letter for the mature nursing interview which im super excited about but very nervous at the same time.

    I finished my Leaving Cert over 10 yrs ago and didnt do so well in it basically because of lack of study at the time, so im wondering if anybody who has been through the whole interview process has ever had to explain why they didnt achieve a good L.C???? And ive never been to third level college so will this go against me in the interview????

    Any advice much appreciated, thanks!

    Fifi, well done on passing the test & being called for interview.

    In answer to your question, no I doubt very much you will be asked about your Leaving Cert - when applying as a Mature Student it is based on exactly that "mature" grounds, over 23! You are not applying on the results of your LC, so it is irrelevant, so dont worry. Plenty of people applying for and indeed doing nursing/midwifery as a mature student, do not have a LC at all, so dont be worrying.

    I too had sat my LC over 10 years before I applied for Midwifery! They dont ask anything about it in the interview

    As for 3rd level college, again, the majority of applicants have never been to 3rd level college before. So dont be worrying about it, you wont be asked about that

    You will be asked why you applied for Nursing/Midwifery - why do you want to do it so much?

    The interview is be based on that form you have to fill out, know your scenarios inside out and also have a back up scenario on the ready. because they do ask, "so can you give me another example of a time when you showed responsibility" etc.. so have 2 examples prepared for each one

    I did the interview twice - first year passed the test and interview but didnt score high enough in the test to gain a place, I missed out by 3 points :confused: Second Time, thanksfully I got my place and I am now just about to finish first year midwifery - exams start tomorrow uh oh :eek:

    Heres hoping you do a super interview, and you score high enough in that blooming test to get a place

    Best of Luck


  • #63
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Just to follow on from what mumtoe&e has said. If they do ask you about your Leaving Cert, which I don't think they will (I was never asked in my interviews) just be honest with them. Many people aren't focused when they are 17/18 doing the leaving. That's why many people go back as mature students.

    Have an answer prepared as why you are focused now and where you want to go with your degree when you're finished.

    The panel are not out to catch you out. The interview is more like an informal chat.

    Best of luck.


  • #64
    felony
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭felony


    Afternoon folks,
    Just a quick post to reinforce the points about interviews. All the advice prevoiusly posted is bang on.

    I recently did an interview with DCU. It was with two people and quiet relaxed and informal. Straight away I realised that they just wanted to be sure that I was clear about why I wanted to return to collage and not trip me up or catch me out. They wanted to know I was sure about what I was getting myself into! But also see if I researched the course properly.

    The questions where:
    Why did I select the collage & course?
    What subjects interested me the most?
    What subjects I think could be difficult and will require extra work?
    Why return to full time education? Did I consider part-time/distance learning?
    How did I think I’ll cope in a class full of CAO students?
    How am I going to finance my return to a full time education?
    Did I have any questions?

    It’s also a chance for the collage to sell themselves to you. I was told about what support networks are available in DCU for students such as maths assistance. They also spoke about a work experience option that they highly recommend. The whole thing was no more then 15min.


  • #65
    amy85
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 220 ✭✭amy85


    i had an interview in AIT bout 2 weeks ago for vet nursing. like everyone said,it was more like a chat than anything. no more than 15 mins long.they did ask me about my leaving cert though and why i didnt do a lab based science subject for my leaving cert. i had an answer ready for them(which was the truth and all) why i didnt do it. he said that might be the only thing that goes against me,becasue the course is very science based!

    i was a little bit taken back by this,because i was under the impression that when applying as mature student your LC doesnt really count as such. but anyways what can ya do. i was a bit disappointed in a way by the questions,because i felt i didnt really get a chance to sell myself at all.they never asked why i wanted to do the course,be a vet nurse,stuff like that. questions went as follows:

    1.tell us what you have been uo to since you left school and a bit about yourself.
    2.did you do a lab based science subject for LC and if so,why not
    3.will you be moving to athlone or communting(im from galway)
    4.how do you think you will manage going from full time work to going to college full time(not earning)
    5.what do you know about the course
    6.any questions.

    that was it really. wont find out if im sucessful until early july or that. fingers crossed. just thought id share this incase anyone is going for similar interviews.
    amy


  • #66
    fifi836
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭fifi836


    Thank ye so much for the replies, all i can do is be honest if they do ask!!!

    Just trying to figure out the best way to answer the questionaire now, dont know if the examples im giving are sufficient!

    Does anybody know if there is somewhere i could see some sample answers???..I would like to have an idea if im going down right path or not, really dont want to hand in a bunch of irrelevant info that could ruin any chance i have of getting a place :confused:


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  • #67
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I applied for Psychology in DCU as a mature student, and had the interview in early April. I thought they said we would know in a few weeks how it went, before the CAO offers .....but I can't remember for sure now. Anyone know how it works.

    Also the interview was fine. Really what I expected. They were accessing my knowledge of what studying psychology would entail and where it would eventually lead. I was asked where I would see myself in 5 yrs time from now if I got to study Psychology. They asked quite a bit about the voluntary work I am involved in and why I choose that type of voluntary work. Also asked about personal life experience and work experience that would have influenced my choice of course. They asked about how I felt I would cope with a degree course and did I have an indication of the time and committment needed. This was based on the fact its 20yrs since I did my Leaving Cert but I did a really good LC back then and I refered back to this, along wth Fetac courses I have done really well in even though they were at a lesser level. Also, there was a written piece on a topic they picked on the day, which was to see our written ability.

    One big tip I would give, from having done the interview, is to know the people who are going to interview you. We were given the names of 4 people and 2 would interview each person. I knew who they were, what they did in the college, what their areas of interest and research were and I got interviewed by the person I really wanted to interview me as her research areas are similar to my own interests in the area of psychology....but overall I felt more confident during the interview knowing a little bit about all the interviewers.

    There were people there, on the day, who didn't know the name, never mind anything else about the interviewers.

    Fingers crossed....but it did seem like a lot of people got interviews for only 4 places as mature students to study psychology. Personally, I couldn't understand why they interviewed so many people but in saying that I'm glad I got the interview and a chance to sell myself.


  • #68
    Borderline
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭Borderline


    Pricless advice Larianne, and much appreciated.

    I have a question about the personal statement for my case,
    I am interested in two courses that are not related, one is the Applied Music course in D.I.T. and would be my first choice but if I was unsuccessful I would happily do an Arts Degree in another College. I dont know what to write in a Personal Statement, which seems like it should be specific to one type of course. if i wrote about two courses would i risk not being seriously considered for either?


  • #69
    felony
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭felony


    Borderline wrote: »
    Pricless advice Larianne, and much appreciated.

    I have a question about the personal statement for my case,
    I am interested in two courses that are not related, one is the Applied Music course in D.I.T. and would be my first choice but if I was unsuccessful I would happily do an Arts Degree in another College. I dont know what to write in a Personal Statement, which seems like it should be specific to one type of course. if i wrote about two courses would i risk not being seriously considered for either?

    I applied for courses in both DCU and UCD. Since the courses are similar I used the same personal statement. But in both applications I personalised it by mentioning the collage and course in question at various points.

    After registering with the CAO online, I put in my personal details and leaving cert results. The rest of the sections I referred to the personal statement that I was posting in.

    I then created two separate packages for each course with a clear cover sheet stating - it was a mature student application, the course code and my CAO number. This enabled me to send in two different personal statements. With each personal statement I attached the cover sheet and copies of all supporting documents (pervious courses, CV’s etc) and posted them together (seperated in plastic sleeves) to the CAO.

    It seemed to work out fine. Both collages have been in touch since. Actually UCD offered me my first choice this morning so happy days! :)

    Actually a big thanks to Larianne and all other posters for advice on this forum!
    I wouldn't have had a hope of pulling it together without the direction. An invaluable source of information!


  • #70
    Mrs Garth Brooks
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Mrs Garth Brooks


    Had the interview during the week and i don't feel very confident in getting a place. Was very nervous and they probably saw that. They also changed the whole process this year which i wasn't expecting. My mind went blank and forgot to mention half the things i wanted to say.

    Im normally a very positive thinking person but i dont know this time. Hundreds of people applied and they only take on 80. I guess im just feeling very sorry for myself already, even though i dont find out until next week. :(

    If i don't get accepted, is it ok to ring the college and ask them where i went wrong? Put it down as a learning experience and try again next year.


  • #71
    Scram
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 683 ✭✭✭Scram


    HardLuckWoman wrote: »
    Had the interview during the week and i don't feel very confident in getting a place. Was very nervous and they probably saw that. They also changed the whole process this year which i wasn't expecting. My mind went blank and forgot to mention half the things i wanted to say.

    Im normally a very positive thinking person but i dont know this time. Hundreds of people applied and they only take on 80. I guess im just feeling very sorry for myself already, even though i dont find out until next week. :(

    If i don't get accepted, is it ok to ring the college and ask them where i went wrong? Put it down as a learning experience and try again next year.

    When i went for my interview this time last year i was sick with nerves, the pressure of getting a place and not getting one was unbearable. I was in a terrable state for the interview i couldnt relax.

    The 2 lectures who interviewed told me to relax and i did, the interview went well. it was hard to remember what i wanted to say etc while being nervous but i told myself "i can only do my best" at the end of the day its all anyone can do.

    So i wouldnt worry too much about nerves everyone has them. :)


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  • #72
    Mrs Garth Brooks
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Mrs Garth Brooks


    Scram wrote: »
    When i went for my interview this time last year i was sick with nerves, the pressure of getting a place and not getting one was unbearable. I was in a terrable state for the interview i couldnt relax.

    The 2 lectures who interviewed told me to relax and i did, the interview went well. it was hard to remember what i wanted to say etc while being nervous but i told myself "i can only do my best" at the end of the day its all anyone can do.

    So i wouldnt worry too much about nerves everyone has them. :)

    Did you get a place?


  • #73
    Scram
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 683 ✭✭✭Scram


    HardLuckWoman wrote: »
    Did you get a place?

    i did thanks be to god. inot in the college i wanted but in a college non the less.

    so if you dont get a place which im sure you will:) try a college outside the area you live you never know:)


  • #74
    lilylarkin
    Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭lilylarkin


    Hardluckwoman, how is the mature student experience going for you? i just got a place to ucd engineering in sept 2010 and am nervous/excited/terrified about the step im about to take. just wondering if you could share some highs and lows of your experience.


  • #75
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    HardLuckWoman wrote: »
    If i don't get accepted, is it ok to ring the college and ask them where i went wrong? Put it down as a learning experience and try again next year.

    I didn't get accepted first time round and I wrote to the head of the department in each college and asked what made my application weak and how to improve it. Two of the three colleges replied to me. I took their advice and I've just finished 1st year.

    Don't give up hope yet!


  • #76
    Mrs Garth Brooks
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭Mrs Garth Brooks


    Larianne wrote: »
    I didn't get accepted first time round and I wrote to the head of the department in each college and asked what made my application weak and how to improve it. Two of the three colleges replied to me. I took their advice and I've just finished 1st year.

    Don't give up hope yet!

    Never mind about my previous post. I got a place. Didn't think i was going to find out so quick and didn't think i would get it. It feels as if i just won the lotto. Im delighted. :D:D:D I can't wait. Roll on september!

    Now i have to post on a certified copy of my school results. What do i do? Where can i get that?

    Larianne, i owe you one. Massive thanks for the help throughout the whole process.


  • #77
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    HardLuckWoman wrote: »
    Never mind about my previous post. I got a place. Didn't think i was going to find out so quick and didn't think i would get it. It feels as if i just won the lotto. Im delighted. :D:D:D I can't wait. Roll on september!

    Now i have to post on a certified copy of my school results. What do i do? Where can i get that?

    Larianne, i owe you one. Massive thanks for the help throughout the whole process.

    Delighted for ya! :D I remember the feeling this time last year. It is such a relief. I remember having to read the letter three times!

    You can either contact your former school or contact the State Examination Commission http://www.examinations.ie/index.php?l=en&mc=ca&sc=sor They hold all the results of Leaving and Junior Certificate exam results.

    Happy to help. :)


  • #78
    Parchment
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,203 ✭✭✭Parchment


    I am reading this thread and just feeling so overwhelmed!

    I want to return to college was a mature student to study Physiotherapy.....but im almost defeated already! It just seems like a huge task to even get applications ready.

    I dont know where to start.....


  • #79
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Parchment wrote: »
    I am reading this thread and just feeling so overwhelmed!

    I want to return to college was a mature student to study Physiotherapy.....but im almost defeated already! It just seems like a huge task to even get applications ready.

    I dont know where to start.....

    Re-read the thread and see what you can do and then PM me! I've just finished 1st year in Physio. It is possible! Hard work yes, but if you want it enough you can get it. :)


  • #80
    moonandstars
    Registered Users Posts: 225 ✭✭moonandstars


    Is it July mature students normally hear if they got a place? Had the aptitude test but no word as yet. Have a bad feeling!


  • #81
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    moonandstars wrote: »
    Is it July mature students normally hear if they got a place? Had the aptitude test but no word as yet. Have a bad feeling!

    It really depends on the course/college. You could ring up the admissions department to see what stage they are at?


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  • #82
    The_B_Man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,878 ✭✭✭The_B_Man


    Does every mature student course require an interview? I applied for one directly with the local IT, not through CAO, and i dont remember them mentioning interviews.
    If there is an interview, I probably havent heard about it yet coz the closing date for applications hasnt come yet, and they're still waiting on my transcripts from my old college to be sent up. Hopefully theres no interview though. :D


  • #83
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    The_B_Man wrote: »
    Does every mature student course require an interview? I applied for one directly with the local IT, not through CAO, and i dont remember them mentioning interviews.
    If there is an interview, I probably havent heard about it yet coz the closing date for applications hasnt come yet, and they're still waiting on my transcripts from my old college to be sent up. Hopefully theres no interview though. :D

    No, not all courses require interviews.


  • #84
    Borderline
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭Borderline


    Congratulaions felony and cheers for the reply!
    Is it the case so that the CAO only passes the personal statement onto the college?


  • #85
    felony
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭felony


    No worries. Cheers! Yea I’m delighted, I know how lucky I am. Again it was the advice on this thread (i.e Larianne!) that really helped with the application.

    Yes everything goes to the CAO and they send it out to the collages. Some collages might require additional paperwork, you need to check their website or with admissions.
    I can only comment on my own circumstances. In my case I applied to DCU and UCD.

    UCD required everything to go through the CAO.

    DCU on the other hand required a Mature Student Supplementary Application Form which I got off their website.
    http://www.dcu.ie/registry/forms/pdfs/R3.pdf
    I posted this directly to DCU at the same time as applying to the CAO. The additional information section is pretty small so I just wrote ‘see personal statement’ then I attached the same personal statement that I sent to the CAO.


  • #86
    felony
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭felony


    Parchment wrote: »
    I am reading this thread and just feeling so overwhelmed!

    I want to return to college was a mature student to study Physiotherapy.....but im almost defeated already! It just seems like a huge task to even get applications ready.

    I dont know where to start.....
    Well you know the course you want so you’ve already started! If you know why you want to do it you have the most important part of the personal statement worked out. So go for it!
    Just find out the application requirements of where you want to study and take it from there. I knew the courses I wanted so when I found out the requirements I kept referring back here for tips on personal statements and interviews.


  • #87
    karma_
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,798 ✭✭✭karma_


    hey all

    From the north myself and have decided to try and going back to get a degree. I just submitted a late application so not sure if i will get an offer this year or not but I'm hoping to. Just found out today I have been approved for full grant which will cover all my tuition fees so I'm delighted by that.

    Any ideas when they make offers on late applications? I'm guessing it could be anytime this month before clearing starts.


  • #88
    lilylarkin
    Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭lilylarkin


    Hi Karma,

    How did you get approval so quickly, ie before you were offered a place? Did you apply or were you just told over the phone?


  • #89
    karma_
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,798 ✭✭✭karma_


    lilylarkin wrote: »
    Hi Karma,

    How did you get approval so quickly, ie before you were offered a place? Did you apply or were you just told over the phone?

    I applied online the day after I submitted my UCAS application, was approved within a couple of days was really fast. I had to send in my passport but again that was back to me within 2 days.


  • #90
    mazi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭mazi


    Hi Larianne,

    I am thinking of doing the same course as you,(physio) also as a mature student. I have no background what so ever in health care etc- ( I work in Insurance for my sins!) Just wanted to ask you how it's going for you? Did you have a background in Health care previous? Out of the 4 year degree how much of it consists of placement? I am looking into information on grants etc & fell like i'm getting nowhere, i have been told because i am working that i do not qualify for BETA. I dont want to sit around for months just to qualify for this. Do you know if the situation would be different if i got a place in Northern ireland, would i qualify for some sort of grant / beta from there? Sorry ....so many questions!!???

    Maz


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  • #91
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    mazi wrote: »
    Hi Larianne,

    I am thinking of doing the same course as you,(physio) also as a mature student. I have no background what so ever in health care etc- ( I work in Insurance for my sins!) Just wanted to ask you how it's going for you? Did you have a background in Health care previous? Out of the 4 year degree how much of it consists of placement? I am looking into information on grants etc & fell like i'm getting nowhere, i have been told because i am working that i do not qualify for BETA. I dont want to sit around for months just to qualify for this. Do you know if the situation would be different if i got a place in Northern ireland, would i qualify for some sort of grant / beta from there? Sorry ....so many questions!!???

    Maz

    PM sent.


  • #92
    fionav3
    Registered Users Posts: 208 ✭✭fionav3


    Hey Larianne, just want to thank you for all your advice in this thread, I followed it and got my course! I'm so very happy so thank you.


  • #93
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    fionav3 wrote: »
    Hey Larianne, just want to thank you for all your advice in this thread, I followed it and got my course! I'm so very happy so thank you.

    Brilliant!!! Congratulations!

    It's only a guide really. You have to do all the hard work yourself. Keep us all updated on how you are getting on!


  • #94
    hippy_hi
    Registered Users Posts: 64 ✭✭hippy_hi


    Hi Lorraine,

    Thank you very much for all of your info on applying, I was lost at first and your advice really did help me. I got offered my first choice in WIT. Im so excited and nervous at the same time and its all down to your help.

    Your a star


  • #95
    Snowie
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,048 ✭✭✭✭Snowie


    Hey Larianne

    Just wanted to say a big thanks for your help :).. It was tops, :cool:....

    I just wanted to say that i got my place because of her help:D...
    But I will say one thing from the point of view of writing the letter,
    you gotta sell your self to the course show why you wanna do it if you have any rel-vent experience most of all, charm the pants of that person with your intelligence... Show that your looking at that bigger picture...

    just My two cents, if any one in the future whos applying for college as a mature student who wants to see the letter for my application all you gotta do is pm me and you can have a look It may help some of you if your wondering what to put in, either way i was given help, so its only fitting i contribute, So all you need to do is ask :)


    One again Larianne thansk so much for all your time and help :)


  • #96
    JCDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,225 ✭✭✭JCDUB


    Hi Larianne and others,

    Big thanks to you and to all the contributors here, your advice was invaluable to me:)

    I was accepted to do the B. Ed. (primary teaching) in St. Pat's starting September, and am delighted.
    Your advice was very good for putting my mind at ease and I, like Snow-Monkey^^^, don't mind showing anybody my personal statement or going through the interview process here.

    Thanks again Larianne, you're a star.


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  • #97
    Hooty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Hooty


    Hello Larianne,

    Firstly many thanks for posting your tips on the mature student application process at the start of this thread, like many others i had completley underestimated the amount of hard work and paperwork needed to apply!! I too want to study physio at Trinity. I'm hoping to apply for the 2011 intake but I'm reading up as much as I can on it at this stage so I am well informed.

    Can I just ask you a few questions in regards to your direct experience - apologies if I repeat any questions you have already replied to.

    1. Is there much competition for mature student places on this course - i'm assuming there is, are there many in your current year?

    2. How has life been adapting to college life? I think this is the part I find most scary, it's been a long time since I last studied (I have a 2 year Certificate in Food Technology from DIT but completed that in 1998). If by some miracle I was accepted in 2011 I'd be 33 years old starting out on a four year degree - this slightly terrifies me!!

    3. In regards to the appliction process, in your opinion is it essential that you have work experience in a physio related field, the vast majority of my work experience is in Financial Services, I do get the feeling that my lack of any experience could ruin my chances. I know I have time to arrange some experience, can you advise on what avenues you followed to achieve this?

    Any input appreciated.
    Cheers.


  • #98
    -Trek-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,139 ✭✭✭-Trek-


    I wanted to say a big thank you to Larianne and all the posters here for all your valuable information. I have to say this is probably the best place on the net to get any information about applying as a mature student.

    If I was to offer my tip it would to try and do a short course or get some experience relevant to the course your are applying for. I found during my interview that they were impressed about the way I was able to talk the talk technically wise (I applied for a computing course) and I believe that is what won it for me.

    Anyway that's my 2 cents.

    best of luck with your application.


  • #99
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Hooty wrote: »
    Hello Larianne,

    Firstly many thanks for posting your tips on the mature student application process at the start of this thread, like many others i had completley underestimated the amount of hard work and paperwork needed to apply!! I too want to study physio at Trinity. I'm hoping to apply for the 2011 intake but I'm reading up as much as I can on it at this stage so I am well informed.

    Can I just ask you a few questions in regards to your direct experience - apologies if I repeat any questions you have already replied to.

    1. Is there much competition for mature student places on this course - i'm assuming there is, are there many in your current year?

    2. How has life been adapting to college life? I think this is the part I find most scary, it's been a long time since I last studied (I have a 2 year Certificate in Food Technology from DIT but completed that in 1998). If by some miracle I was accepted in 2011 I'd be 33 years old starting out on a four year degree - this slightly terrifies me!!

    3. In regards to the appliction process, in your opinion is it essential that you have work experience in a physio related field, the vast majority of my work experience is in Financial Services, I do get the feeling that my lack of any experience could ruin my chances. I know I have time to arrange some experience, can you advise on what avenues you followed to achieve this?

    Any input appreciated.
    Cheers.

    PM sent!


  • #100
    Hooty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭Hooty


    Thanks a million for the advice Larianne:)


  • #101
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Hooty wrote: »
    Thanks a million for the advice Larianne:)

    You're welcome. PM me if you're stuck with anything or post on the forum. Here to help and all that. :)


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