Tips on applying as a Mature Student

d.anthony · 25-01-2011 12:14am

Larianne wrote: »

I'm not 100% sure if you can update your online application. I know you can change your choices up until 1st Feb. Maybe log on and check your application and see if it can be done.

Failing that I would contact the CAO and ask can your application be amended.

Yeah, you can update your details on the CAO website.

I've updated it now, would you mind having another wee look and tell me what you think? Sorry to keep bothering you!

For the past 7 years I have been working in retail and I feel the time has come for me to better myself by going to college. It's something I have been thinking of doing for a while now and I am finally in a position to apply. I have enjoyed working in the retail industry but I feel it doesn't challenge me or give me the job satisfaction I crave. I want to go to college to study something I love doing and make a career out of it.

The thing I love doing is working with computers, since my early teens I have been fascinated with the inner and outer workings of them and have become very skilled at using them. I would love a qualification that reflects that.

The number one course I have applied for is Graphic design. It's a subject I studied at secondary school and one I hugely enjoyed and feel I excelled in, so I already have knowledge of the course and I feel I would fit in very well if given the chance.

After the course, I see myself in a job I love doing and I'm determined to do it.

Luellen08 · 25-01-2011 10:59pm

Hi Larianne, Your info on CAO is fab, thanks for taking the time to post such detailed info! Quick Q - I am filling in my app now online and the Personal Statement Section is that the section called "Relevance of your life / educational experience to your application and your educational goals & objectives"? Or is there another section with heading Personal Statement?
I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything, Thanks a mill:)

Larianne · 26-01-2011 12:20am

d.anthony wrote: »

Yeah, you can update your details on the CAO website.

I've updated it now, would you mind having another wee look and tell me what you think? Sorry to keep bothering you!

For the past 7 years I have been working in retail and I feel the time has come for me to better myself by going to college. It's something I have been thinking of doing for a while now and I am finally in a position to apply. I have enjoyed working in the retail industry but I feel it doesn't challenge me or give me the job satisfaction I crave. I want to go to college to study something I love doing and make a career out of it.

The thing I love doing is working with computers, since my early teens I have been fascinated with the inner and outer workings of them and have become very skilled at using them. I would love a qualification that reflects that. Where would you want to go with your qualification?

The number one course I have applied for is Graphic design. Do not say this as every college will see your application.It's a subject I studied at secondary school and one I hugely enjoyed and feel I excelled in, so I already have knowledge of the course and I feel I would fit in very well if given the chance.This is a creative course. Are you creative, do you have creative hobbies. It is also a career where you use computer design programmes. You could mention this as well.

After the course, I see myself in a job I love doing and I'm determined to do it.

I've added a few pointers. You don't say particularly what skills you have that would help on the course or any hobbies/outside interests, experience you have that would help. I'd play up the creative side on your application. I know its hard when you are applying for more than one course and you need to balance it out.

Have a look at thestudentroom.com and studential.com for more examples of personal statements. They should be able to give you an idea.

Larianne · 26-01-2011 12:22am

Luellen08 wrote: »

Hi Larianne, Your info on CAO is fab, thanks for taking the time to post such detailed info! Quick Q - I am filling in my app now online and the Personal Statement Section is that the section called "Relevance of your life / educational experience to your application and your educational goals & objectives"? Or is there another section with heading Personal Statement?
I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything, Thanks a mill:)

No, this is where I slotted in my personal statement. The online application only allows you to use a certain number of characters so I sent my PS (which was just over 2 pages) in postal documents and made note in the section to - See Postal Documents.

Luellen08 · 26-01-2011 10:47am

Thanks for that. much appreciated!

d.anthony · 26-01-2011 9:57pm

Thanks very much for all the advice Larianne! Fingers crossed now... I'm desperate to get in...

Thanks again.

Dutch_Druid · 29-01-2011 5:04pm

Hi Larianne, thanks for the great guide, have most things sorted out already but your guide helped me out. I've a couple of questions though...
I'm applying online (sending it off Sunday morning), and there is no section for the CV, only the Personal Statement. I've sorted the personal statement, but since there was no section provided for the CV, I was wondering how much you would recommend sending one in.
And also, there is a section asking for "Final Secondary Qualifications Awarded: Junior Cert, Leaving Cert (pre-1985 only), GCE, etc." I presume that I just leave that clear? Did my Leaving Cert in 2005. Applying to UCC for a BSc in Physics, no other application forms required other than the CAO application. Left everything a bit close to the hilt, but I work better under pressure

Thanks for all the advice,
Dutch

Larianne · 29-01-2011 8:50pm

Hi Dutch Druid,

I can't remember what way the on-line form is laid out but on page 12 of the CAO handbook it has a few headings regaring applying as a mature student:

1. Begin by explaining the relevance of your
life/educational experience to your application and
state your educational goals and objectives.

2. Final secondary level qualification awarded,
e.g. Junior Certificate,
Leaving Certificate (pre-1985 only);
GC(S)E, etc., and the dates awarded.

goes on..

6. Employment.
Show Job Title, name and address of company or
organisation, dates, duties and responsibilities.

etc.

So to cover these areas as well as hobbies/interests etc. I wrote out a CV and sent it on the post. I think its a good idea as it gives the college a quick way of seeing every thing you have done previously without going into too much details. Keep it short. Two pages max.

ucdgal1 · 30-01-2011 4:54pm

Hi Larianne,

I am currently completing my personal statement for UCD Arts submission to CAO.
Do you know if I am supposed to write it on the form supplied by UCD or attach it?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Larianne · 30-01-2011 5:03pm

ucdgal1 wrote: »

Hi Larianne,

I am currently completing my personal statement for UCD Arts submission to CAO.
Do you know if I am supposed to write it on the form supplied by UCD or attach it?

Many thanks in anticipation.

If you can fit it all onto the form for UCD then submit it that way or if not you can attach it separately, stating it is your personal statement and write your name and CAO number also on it.

ucdgal1 · 30-01-2011 5:19pm

Thanks so much Larianne, I know this probably sounds silly but should I do the same with the CAO Form page 4 part B?

ucdgal1 · 30-01-2011 5:27pm

Hi Larianne,

Apologies, but if I apply lnline do I need to submit any part of the CAO form or do I simply send in everything on extra sheets with my CAO number and name on them?

Thanks again ucdgal1.

Larianne · 30-01-2011 5:30pm

ucdgal1 wrote: »

Thanks so much Larianne, I know this probably sounds silly but should I do the same with the CAO Form page 4 part B?

Yes.

ucdgal1 wrote: »

Hi Larianne,

Apologies, but if I apply lnline do I need to submit any part of the CAO form or do I simply send in everything on extra sheets with my CAO number and name on them?

Thanks again ucdgal1.

Anything that you cannot fit in the sections on-line send in as supplemental documents. Mark your name, CAO number and what part the document corresponds to the application.

Everything on the on-line form should correspond with the paper format of the form. (Although the on-line one is slightly different).

ucdgal1 · 30-01-2011 5:33pm

Great, thank you so much Larianne, I really appreciate that.

tropics · 30-01-2011 11:51pm

Hi Larianne,

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the tips you posted.

I finished my applications last week. It was pretty hectic trying to get everything sorted.

Reading your tips helped in a big way.:D

macskanadrag · 31-01-2011 9:37am

Same here, thanks Larianne and John and louloubella, for the help, tips and ideas! I have no idea how I would have managed without ye

Now fingers crossed!

partay pooper · 01-02-2011 10:25pm

Thanks again Larianne for all your help on this Thread.

Best of Luck to everyone & Fingers crossed I get my place as well.

Partay Pooper

Gipo3 · 02-02-2011 8:13pm

I just have one question, do leaving cert results and points come into play if your a mature applicant?

Larianne · 02-02-2011 8:16pm

Gipo3 wrote: »

I just have one question, do leaving cert results and points come into play if your a mature applicant?

They don't use the point system at all with Mature Entry but some courses require certain subjects/grades even as a Mature student entry. For example, I applied to UCC Pharmacy and you need LC Chemistry, even as a mature student.

The requirements required for the course should be stated in the prospectus/mature student handbook from the college/uni.

Dutch_Druid · 03-02-2011 7:16pm

Just want to say thanks for your advice and tips, now playing the waiting game

RoseDeBu · 09-03-2011 11:13am

Hi,

thanks Larianne and all the others for compiling all the great tips! I was just wondering as I haven't really found an answer to this yet, around what time would I usually get an invitation for an interview? I'm aware that the interviews will start being held around late-March, but how soon in advance do you get the invitation? I applied to TCD and UCD btw.

Many thanks,

RoseDeBu

liquid_pebble · 09-03-2011 5:44pm

Hi, I am looking for suggestions as to what to include in my personal statement for the B.Ed in Primary Teaching.Has anyone any examples or tips from successful applications? Any information would be greatly appreciated.:)

Larianne your tips so far have been excellent.:D

Larianne · 09-03-2011 6:34pm

RoseDeBu wrote: »

Hi,

thanks Larianne and all the others for compiling all the great tips! I was just wondering as I haven't really found an answer to this yet, around what time would I usually get an invitation for an interview? I'm aware that the interviews will start being held around late-March, but how soon in advance do you get the invitation? I applied to TCD and UCD btw.

Many thanks,

RoseDeBu

I got just under 2 weeks notice about an interview for TCD, which was at the start of April. UCD didn't hold interviews for the course I applied to. I just got a letter of acceptance from them sometime in late April.

In general, I don't think you get much more notice than 2 weeks. Not great if you're half way across the world in Malaysia!

liquid_pebble wrote: »

Hi, I am looking for suggestions as to what to include in my personal statement for the B.Ed in Primary Teaching.Has anyone any examples or tips from successful applications? Any information would be greatly appreciated.:)

Larianne your tips so far have been excellent.:D

studential.com and the studentroom.co.uk both have examples of personal statements. Both are UK sites but the samples are excellent and there is also a section in the studentroom where you can submit your PS and someone will give you tips on how to improve it.

JCDUB · 10-03-2011 11:46am

liquid_pebble wrote: »

Hi, I am looking for suggestions as to what to include in my personal statement for the B.Ed in Primary Teaching.Has anyone any examples or tips from successful applications? Any information would be greatly appreciated.:)

Larianne your tips so far have been excellent.:D

PM sent, hope I can help:)

JemTruly · 15-03-2011 2:21pm

Hi Larianne,

Thanks for all the advice!! I've applied to the English Department in Trinity. I know the interviews are from mid March to end of April and I'm getting really anxious as I have yet to hear anything from them as regards to interviews.

Do you think it would be okay for me to telephone the department and ask if they have received my application and when I might expect to hear about interviews? Would that be too cheeky?...I'm starting to go a bit mad with the waiting!!

Bobby42 · 15-03-2011 2:30pm

I was really anxious last year about my interview for trinity.'I sent my application in but then didn't hear anything back for weeks. I got a phonecall from the sociology dept at around three one afternoon asking could I come in for an interview at nine the next morning! They asked me had I heard anything about my application, when i said no they said they were really sorry about that. So if you haven't heard anything maybe give them a call.

JemTruly · 15-03-2011 2:55pm

Bobby42 wrote: »

I was really anxious last year about my interview for trinity.'I sent my application in but then didn't hear anything back for weeks. I got a phonecall from the sociology dept at around three one afternoon asking could I come in for an interview at nine the next morning! They asked me had I heard anything about my application, when i said no they said they were really sorry about that. So if you haven't heard anything maybe give them a call.

Thanks! I'm going to give them a call this afternoon...if nothing else at least I'll be able to relax a bit!!

Aonie · 31-03-2011 11:45pm

Hi all!

First of all i wanted to thank Larianne for all the brilliant help she provided

And now to mu question

. Did maybe any of ye apply to TCD for dental science or dental hygiene? If so, did u get a reply form them yet/ and interview invitation?

Would really apriciate any info!

Ashiya · 11-04-2011 7:03pm

Aonie wrote: »

Hi all!

First of all i wanted to thank Larianne for all the brilliant help she provided

And now to mu question. Did maybe any of ye apply to TCD for dental science or dental hygiene? If so, did u get a reply form them yet/ and interview invitation?

Would really apriciate any info!

I applied as well, but no word yet. I think they haven't sent out the letters yet!

Aonie · 12-04-2011 8:37am

Ashiya wrote: »

I applied as well, but no word yet. I think they haven't sent out the letters yet!

What a huge relief

I only got the guestionnaire for dental hygiene and am sending it back today... another lovely possibility to explain why this course and what i love so much about it

did u apply to dentistry or some other course in tcd?

cheers

jamesbere · 13-04-2011 12:07pm

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

Mel87 · 15-04-2011 11:26pm

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 · 16-04-2011 6:58pm

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 · 08-05-2011 10:57am

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

Thanks again.
Partay Pooper

theletterman · 01-06-2011 2:16pm

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 · 19-11-2011 1:34pm

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 · 19-11-2011 1:47pm

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 · 19-11-2011 1:59pm

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 · 19-11-2011 2:23pm

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 · 19-11-2011 2:26pm

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 · 19-11-2011 2:37pm

Appreciate the advice thanks Larianne.

paperclip2 · 13-01-2012 12:21pm

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 · 14-01-2012 7:21pm

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 · 14-01-2012 10:25pm

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 · 15-01-2012 4:52pm

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

elleelle19 · 17-01-2012 6:28pm

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 · 17-01-2012 6:45pm

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 · 18-01-2012 3:40pm

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 · 19-01-2012 12:24am

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 · 19-01-2012 9:39pm

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?

Tips on applying as a Mature Student

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