Hey Maturies/Non-Trads, how's it going?

sarahn11 · 29-01-2010 4:32pm

Im going for Pharmaceutical Science in WIT.

Not my first time in 3rd level, did first year in sport science twice in wit, but the course just wasnt for me. The went to work for a while, travelled some then did a Higher Diploma in Sound engineering and music technology. Really did well in that, but i cant get a job in the industry. Went back to work, travelled some more...lol and now here i am! Really looking forward to getting back into education, but at the same time totally bricking it ! lol, i suppose were all in the same boat judging by the posts in this thread!

Have you put nursing down on your CAO Ciara? or did you choose something else and now your thinging of nursing now?

ciaracp · 29-01-2010 5:17pm

Wow you've done a lot, fair play, i worked and did a bit of travelling too...still more to do though

I did general nursing in DCU for 2 years and then dropped out. Now im thinking about law in Cork or Carlow (but probably Carlow!). Its all very daunting, im find it harder now than when I was 18...im 24 now.

Great to have this forum for people to look at I must say!

sarahn11 · 29-01-2010 5:33pm

yeah, i still have a whole lot more too see and do, but the opportunity presented itself to me very recently and i feel like nows the time to climb the mountain!

I was very young when i finished secondary school (16) and i was very lost in the world and didnt know who i was or what i wanted. Ive learned alot in the 'University of life' over the last 10 years and i feel really ready to get back into learning! i'm 26 now.
you gotta think about all the life experiences you already have under your belt and how you can apply them to this opportunity.

i was really feeling like a duck out of water til i came across this forum and realised that everyone was feeling the same was i was! and everyone seems to be getting on grand and having the time of their lives, Why not me?

Hope things become clearer for you, remember were all in the same boat, well i know i am anyways!

thepuredrop · 29-01-2010 7:24pm

Good luck to you both Ciara and Sarah. I am at the very beginning of my career change (nearly 10 years nursing) and want to get into DIT bioscience course. I think there's a school open day late March so hopefully they'll be able to answer some of my questions. It's difficult overcoming fears or inertia about retraining, I'm hoping that this is my biggest challenge-making the decision to go and do it!

mousehouse · 07-02-2010 1:51am

Hey
I am 28 have worked in retail management for the last 8 years and due to the times we are in decided to follow my dream Teaching. Have applied as mature student in St Pats Thurles so heres fingeres crossed I am stressing though after the report last week 2 people for 1 place..

Larianne · 07-05-2010 8:22am

Hey all!

Finished 1st year!

Had my last exam on Wednesday. It was tough going. I definitely think studying throughout the year (mostly) has paid off and helped me get through.

I can't believe how quickly the year has gone. I've read all the threads here about people having interviews. That was me last year!!

I loved every minute of it (bar a few labs!) and I couldn't ask for a nicer class. There is no one in the class who I don't know by name and I can honestly say I've made friends with a good 10 of them.

Hope exams are going well for everyone else. Best of luck to ya all!

Now.. what to do with myself till September...??

Curlz · 07-05-2010 3:54pm

Nice to have the summer off!! I got my date for Nursing Interview :eek:. I have your tips printed off and doing the questionaire over the weekend. Any last minute advice??

Larianne · 07-05-2010 4:04pm

I can't emphasise enough to be yourself at the interview!

Have a think of what questions you'd like to be asked and how you would answer them.

And talk to them as if someone on the street has asked you why you want to do Nursing.

One of the biggest things colleges want to know how mature student applicants will cope with the academic side of it. how do you know you are capable of the workload? What would you do if you were finding a subject difficult? Etc. So think about how you would answer that. I did a study skills class before so I mentioned study journals and they were well impressed with that. So maybe have a look at study skills websites on the net and relay what you have learnt from them.

Best of luck! It is nervewracking but they aren't out to get you. You would not have got an interview if they didn't think you might be suitable for the course.

Curlz · 07-05-2010 5:25pm

Well I think I will do ok in terms of being myself and I'm hoping my life long ambition shines through and they see that!

I currently work in Marketing but to help my chances I did an Introduction to Nursing FETAC Course,I volunteer in the childrens hospital one evening per week I also did a small bit in a nursing home but finished that now and tomorrow I start 4 days shadowing in Beaumont...phew! Thanks for the heads up on the 'study' part. I'm so busy trying to get as much experience you can forget that the next 4 years will be study/exams etc...hmm maybe I should have done a day shadowing in the college or something??:rolleyes:
At this stage though I've done so much and its been hard as nothing is guaranteed so ill just keep thinking positive thoughts and hope that i'll be one of the lucky ones!!

Larianne · 07-05-2010 6:03pm

Ah you've done loads and your marketing experience should help you in the academic part. I had done art related jobs so I that's where I fell down there. If you've spoken to nursing students make sure to mention that too and that you know exactly what the course involves.

Jessibelle · 08-05-2010 12:52am

I have a wee bit of a dilemma. I've been offered a place on a MSc and have 2 weeks to make up my mind whether to accept or not. If I accept, I have to pay a 500 euro non-refundable 'deposit' from the course fees, so if I later decline the place on the off chance the undergrad I applied for comes through, I'll be down a very much needed 500 euro, however, if the undergrad falls through and I haven't accepted the MSc, I'll have nothing. Hurmph, decisions decisions...

Larianne · 08-05-2010 4:40am

Well what do you want more???? If you get offered the undergraduate place after accepting the Msc would it not be worth it to loose the €500????

Laydee · 08-05-2010 10:22am

Well done on completing 1st year Larianne

I got my date for the nursing interview. I'm still going through the whole process but I'm still in 2 minds whether to go for it or not if I get it. Honestly I probably won't. I want to do radiography so much & I'm not half as passionate about nursing anymore as I am about radiography.

I still haven't heard anything from UCD about an interview & apparently they do call mature radiography students for interview so I'm still playing the waiting game here. I've rang the admissions dept a few times & I got told that I'd be called in April, then that I'd be called in May. I think I'll just ring the radiography dept on Monday, they might know a bit more.

Larianne · 08-05-2010 12:47pm

Thanks Laydee.

UCD aren't the best for getting back to you or giving you any information for that matter.

Don't settle for something you don't want to do. If it means applying again next year or heading to the UK so be it. It would be nothing worse than finishing a degree you only half heartedly wanted to do and then be in the same environment as the career you did want. If you get me.

I didn't hear back from UCD until late too.

Laydee · 08-05-2010 1:29pm

I was talking to some 4th year radiography students when I was on my work experience & they gave me the name of one of the heads of radiography who would be likely to give me an interview if I wasn't called.
They also told me about the areas of radiography that interest him the most so to mention those to help me in the interview or in my email to beg for an interview.

Larianne · 08-05-2010 1:32pm

Well if you have a name, maybe try contacting them on Monday?

Even when I went into the Health Science Building in UCD no-one would come and speak to me. I was not impressed.

I gave their offer letter the two fingers!(yes it was after accepting Trinity but still.. felt good!)

Laydee · 08-05-2010 1:51pm

Can I just ask for one of the heads of radiography?
I thought that if I rang the radiography dept & asked for him that I'd be asked what it's about & be put through to admissions again?

I suppose, I won't know until I try.

Larianne · 08-05-2010 6:06pm

Well I don't know. I was dealing with a different department. It might be completely different in your case. But I was able to contact the head of the department in Trinity no probs so I'd definitely go for it.

ithread · 08-05-2010 8:04pm

Hi everyone, I'm new here and like some of you, in the process of preparing for the interview. Great to read some of the threads on here!!

I was wondering if anyone knows if you are supposed to receive a separate response with the number of points you got in the written assessment? I got a letter to attend an interview but not sure how well I did in the test?

Thanks!

Jessibelle · 08-05-2010 9:05pm

Larianne wrote: »

Well what do you want more???? If you get offered the undergraduate place after accepting the Msc would it not be worth it to loose the €500????

Yes, yes it would! Sometimes all it needs is to be seen in black and white, thanks!

Jessibelle · 08-05-2010 9:10pm

ithread wrote: »

Hi everyone, I'm new here and like some of you, in the process of preparing for the interview. Great to read some of the threads on here!!

I was wondering if anyone knows if you are supposed to receive a separate response with the number of points you got in the written assessment? I got a letter to attend an interview but not sure how well I did in the test?

Thanks!

Hi iThread,
I'm not 100% on this, but from my on and others I know experience, it really depends on the course you're applying to, like for example, you can be called for interview for Med in May but won't get the HPAT results regardless until June, whereas some I know who sat psychological assessment tests for Counselling courses got the written assessment results before they had an interview.
I'd say though given that you've got the interview, you can be assured you did fabulously! Best of luck!

Laydee · 08-05-2010 9:55pm

ithread, if it's nursing that you applied for then you recieve your points that you got on the same letter that says whether you passed the interview or not.

ithread · 08-05-2010 11:35pm

Hi Laydee, yes it is Nursing and I received an A4 envelope with the interview date and time etc. and also interview material pages but no sign of any points anywhere. Did you get yours together in the same envelope?

Cheers

ithread · 08-05-2010 11:37pm

Sorry Laydee, just re-read your post - do you mean I will only find out how many points I received if I pass at the interview stage?

Cheers!

Laydee · 09-05-2010 2:54pm

You will only get your points when you get the letter to say you passed the interview. So in about 6 weeks or so.
You can score very high but if you fail the interview then you don't get a place so get preparing for that interview.

ithread · 09-05-2010 6:52pm

Thanks Laydee

I've been at it today - trying to prepare! Some great posts on boards.ie! So glad I came across it! All this waiting is a nightmare!

Cheers!

jimmyhat · 10-05-2010 5:37pm

Had my interview today and it went pretty good , the 3 people interviewing me were very nice and we had a bit of a laugh... now I just got to wait to see what happens next.
One of the ladies interviewing me said that applications are up 40% on last year so there is a lot of competition of places(fingers crossed)

ithread · 10-05-2010 8:16pm

Hi jimmyhat
Did you have a Mature student nursing interview or was it for some other subject? I thought they weren't starting until the 17th?

Cheers

jimmyhat · 11-05-2010 7:48am

No Nursing for me , computer science level8 @ Carlow IT. There was at least 100 people waiting to be interviewed at all times... they had a one in one out system in the waiting room.

ithread · 11-05-2010 9:30am

One out, one in - scary ha! Best of luck to you anyway jimmyhat!

lilylarkin · 31-05-2010 1:18pm

Hi, Just found this thread and ive been offered a place at UCd Engineering for Sept 2010 as a mature student. I am curious to know if you did finally get into University and if so how has it been for you? Did you qualify for any free fees? I did a diploma in 1989 so I am wondering if i will qualify for free fees? I am also curious about the main difficulties you are finding in getting to grips with learning/studying all over again? I am 43 next month and am worried about being perceived as a doddering elder and not fitting in. Having said that, my main motive is for re-educating myself and succeeding in getting a new career but it would be nice to fit in for 5 years!
Would love to hear about your experiences of those of anyone else who has made the jump to studying at UCD as a mature student.

I moved your post here Lily as its probably suited more to this thread. - Larianne

Macca3000 · 01-06-2010 3:42pm

I make it 5 weeks to go until mature students find out if thy got offered a place. Best of luck everyone. And congrats to everyone who has already been offered a place.

The_B_Man · 03-06-2010 2:41am

jimmyhat wrote: »

No Nursing for me , computer science level8 @ Carlow IT. There was at least 100 people waiting to be interviewed at all times... they had a one in one out system in the waiting room.

Was this all for the same course or for different courses?
BTW, was it CW238 u applied for? Was thinking of going back to do CW207 but i think its too late to apply.

Larianne · 04-06-2010 9:45pm

Passed all my exams!! YAY!!

lilylarkin · 07-06-2010 12:52pm

Well done you, Larianne. Go maturies!!

duffflash · 07-06-2010 2:17pm

:PHey all. I’ve been reading this tread and I’m glad to see so many people in the same boat as me. I applied for the Higher Certificate in Computing in Information Technology Support course in LYIT. I sat the interview on Wednesday last and got my acceptance letter on Friday. The course starts next Monday( can’t wait! ).

seanypf · 14-06-2010 5:21pm

Hi all.
congrats to all who have recieved an a place for sept.
Iv been offered a place in NUIM. I'v been reading this thread with great interest.
Im in a situation now where having recieved a place I seem to be hitting a brick wall trying to arrange finance through grants. to qualify for btea I need to be singing on for 234 days as they say. Come the 12th of sept i will have been in reciept of payment for 254. Thank god I thought im entitled to it...but once again hopes where dashed when I realised that sundays do not count in qualifying time which takes away 35 days, and so leaves me 15 days short.
Im wondering is it possible to say that the course doesnt start until the 8th of nov which would give me the time I need...anybody any experience with this?? would college be willing to say this is when course starts??
Somehow I doubt it!
The other option was maintenance grant. This didnt get far. Because I spent 2009 in the U.S. I am not entitled to this either. Its absolutely crazy. Im being penalised for going looking for work in 2009 instead of staying here signing on. I mite have to give up on taking the course this year because im two weeks short on btea. this would mean sitting around waiting until next year thus costing the state another year of welfare they dont need to pay.
Anyway sorry for the long rant, suppose im venting a bit. I really want to go back to college. I just dont see how I can survive without the aid of financial asistance as working would consume too much time thats needed for study
any thoughts people??

duffflash · 14-06-2010 8:59pm

seanypf wrote: »

Hi all.
congrats to all who have recieved an a place for sept.
Iv been offered a place in NUIM. I'v been reading this thread with great interest.
Im in a situation now where having recieved a place I seem to be hitting a brick wall trying to arrange finance through grants. to qualify for btea I need to be singing on for 234 days as they say. Come the 12th of sept i will have been in reciept of payment for 254. Thank god I thought im entitled to it...but once again hopes where dashed when I realised that sundays do not count in qualifying time which takes away 35 days, and so leaves me 15 days short.
Im wondering is it possible to say that the course doesnt start until the 8th of nov which would give me the time I need...anybody any experience with this?? would college be willing to say this is when course starts??
Somehow I doubt it!
The other option was maintenance grant. This didnt get far. Because I spent 2009 in the U.S. I am not entitled to this either. Its absolutely crazy. Im being penalised for going looking for work in 2009 instead of staying here signing on. I mite have to give up on taking the course this year because im two weeks short on btea. this would mean sitting around waiting until next year thus costing the state another year of welfare they dont need to pay.
Anyway sorry for the long rant, suppose im venting a bit. I really want to go back to college. I just dont see how I can survive without the aid of financial asistance as working would consume too much time thats needed for study
any thoughts people??

If you make an appointment with your local jobs Facilitator from the department of social welfare and really convince him that this college course is the career path for you and will really improve your employment prospects then he should be able to over look the 15 days. As for the year in America last year, I thought as long as you were living in Ireland for 3 of the last 5 years you were entitled to a grant.
From the citizens information webpage on the Higher Education Grants Scheme (New requirement to be resident in State for 3 of previous 5 years)

I hope this helps and best of luck.

P.S. Let me know how you get on.:):)

fionav3 · 21-06-2010 12:33pm

Hi guys. I'm starting this september in UL studying the Bsc in Psychology. Can't bloody wait although I am a bit stressed about how I'll manage financially. Don't qualify for a grant or free fees and am looking into BTEA at the mo (fingers crossed!). Just wondering if anyone else is starting in UL this september?

The_B_Man · 23-06-2010 1:43am

duffflash wrote: »

If you make an appointment with your local jobs Facilitator from the department of social welfare and really convince him that this college course is the career path for you and will really improve your employment prospects then he should be able to over look the 15 days. As for the year in America last year, I thought as long as you were living in Ireland for 3 of the last 5 years you were entitled to a grant.
From the citizens information webpage on the Higher Education Grants Scheme (New requirement to be resident in State for 3 of previous 5 years)

Nah, its a new rule they apparently just brought in. I rang them 2 days ago and told I fulfilled every requirement for the grant except that I was living out of the country on 1st October 2009. So now its that you have to have lived here for 3 of the past 5 years, with one of them years being this current year.:mad:

girlonfire · 11-07-2010 12:49pm

seanypf wrote: »

Hi all.
congrats to all who have recieved an a place for sept.
Iv been offered a place in NUIM. I'v been reading this thread with great interest.
Im in a situation now where having recieved a place I seem to be hitting a brick wall trying to arrange finance through grants. to qualify for btea I need to be singing on for 234 days as they say. Come the 12th of sept i will have been in reciept of payment for 254. Thank god I thought im entitled to it...but once again hopes where dashed when I realised that sundays do not count in qualifying time which takes away 35 days, and so leaves me 15 days short.
Im wondering is it possible to say that the course doesnt start until the 8th of nov which would give me the time I need...anybody any experience with this?? would college be willing to say this is when course starts??
Somehow I doubt it!
The other option was maintenance grant. This didnt get far. Because I spent 2009 in the U.S. I am not entitled to this either. Its absolutely crazy. Im being penalised for going looking for work in 2009 instead of staying here signing on. I mite have to give up on taking the course this year because im two weeks short on btea. this would mean sitting around waiting until next year thus costing the state another year of welfare they dont need to pay.
Anyway sorry for the long rant, suppose im venting a bit. I really want to go back to college. I just dont see how I can survive without the aid of financial asistance as working would consume too much time thats needed for study
any thoughts people??

It's incredibly frustrating. I was offered a place in NUIM last year, but as I wasn't entitled to free fees, grant or BTEA, I had no choice but to defer for the year. Not the most logical solution - for me or the state, but it's back around again and I start in September. That might be the only option, but try having a chat with someone at your local welfare office. Best of luck with it.

Snowie · 14-07-2010 1:39am

I'm not to worried about anything

Only the maount of food i wont have at my disposal and of course...living with younger people :mad:

Oh and of course, im looking forward to being back in collage...

MaMAme · 20-07-2010 9:29pm

Hi everyone. I will be starting a MA in art therapy in cork in september 2010. Students are required to attend Mondays & Tuesdays each week. The classroom is in westside business park, just off Model Farm Rd. Do any of you have any advice on suitable accommodation? (I will be a mature -50yr old -Student)
Have any of you taken this course?
Where do students attending for 2 days usually stay, "student accommodation", hostels, B n Bs etc. ?
Any other advice

stevewales0 · 03-09-2010 4:35pm

Hi, I'm starting Arts101 in UCC and I'm really looking forward.
I've a bit of an issue with chronic leg pain and have been talking to the support service in UCC --- VERY Helpful

if anyone has any health issues that might impact on their study -- do get in touch with their relevant college's support service -- You need to be in with them before you start, not when your work is suffering!
If you're like me, you'll want to try and keep your head down and not get stuck with another label, Wrong -- ask for what you need, ask for what you just might need, if it's on your "Statement Of Needs" (backed-up by written confirmation from GP etc), The colleges will be required to facilitate you.

While I was on the Mature Student workshop in UCC a couple of people asked for advice on which printer they should buy and how much they should pay.
I recently bought an Epsom SX515w from Tesco for 89bucks.
It's a high speed printer that has built-in wireless connectivity, so you can print from your laptop without being attached.
You can buy non-epsom branded cartridges from only 3EURO here
https://www.inkjet.ie/index.php?pageid=4&product_id=399

Larianne · 14-12-2010 6:14pm

Hope everyone is getting on okay in their courses!

I finished my exams last week. Passed the all. Phew! Not loving the course at the moment. What we're doing at the moment is kinda boring and doesn't really interest me. But I guess I'm learning the basics. Hopefully it'll get better next term and sure at the end of it I'll be on placement!!! :eek:

Remember, if you're finding things difficult, there is always someone to talk to. Whether its your fellow classmates, lecturers, tutors, mature student officers, welfare officers in the college or the people of boards!!! Just don't keep your worries to yourself!!

Laydee · 15-12-2010 2:55pm

Well done on passing all your exams Larianne!!
I'm sure every course has it's boring parts, at least the semester is over now

I have my exams in January, I'm not too worried. I'm enjoying my course at the moment & can't wait to go back out on placement in April

fionab2010 · 28-01-2011 3:15am

Hi everyone, congrats to those who passed exams and comiserations to those having trouble with grants/btea etc...

I am a mature student at the moment, i love my course, going back to college was the best decision i have ever made for myself. I do not miss work not one bit

But i have been through hoops, house moves(downsizing), btea, getting a grant, oh wait no we are not giving you a grant lol, and it all works out in the end. I am pretty sure if there were jobs available the btea section in the social welfare office would snap me up and pay me well:rolleyes:

So if anyone has btea problems i'd love to help if i can.

Going back to college was a huge deal for me, i had been working since i left school!!!! Im 29 now well i worked until 3 years ago when i was thrown on the scrap heap :eek::eek: and i now consider the recession to be the best thing that could have happened for me. I am so much happier now being a mature student, having life experience behind me and FINALLY knowing what i want and not just rollercoasting through each week to pay the bills, like a hamster on a wheel.

It took a long time to organise, i had a few horrible weeks with no money at all, and more than a few days with nothing but the ice in the freezer:p
I am doing grand now, it will work out, i have adjusted to being a broke student

and its grand cause we are all in the same boat.

So anyway if i can help i will with btea questions, ill be browsing the boards...take care all x

IPushButtons · 10-02-2011 6:01pm

JayC5 wrote: »

Hi,

Anyone else a little freaked about returning to study as a mature student this Autumn? I'm starting to get the 'ball-shivers' thinking about it!! - I hope I don't live to regret this one as I walked out of my job to do this (one which I disliked but nonetheless - still a job...)

Anyways, best of luck to those who've took the leap - oh & take a modicum of solace knowing that you're not the only one poo'in pellets over it

I'm not worried at all going back to education is gonna be great an now Im a few years older I'm not going to be intimidate, quite the opposite

:D:D

chalkie 501 · 11-02-2011 7:43pm

hi all,hope results were kind all around?i went back last sept and have loved every bit of it(business in IT tralee)got results for module 1 last week and passed everything:)my problem is one of my new modules(cost accounting) is proving to be way over my head...im not going to drop out or anything but theres no chance im going to pass it(CA in 4 weeks)....anyone know of (A)an easier way of understanding it or (B)any website that explains it more simply..... im convinced the lecturer thinks were all accountants,thanking ye

WesternNight · 13-02-2011 5:39pm

chalkie 501 wrote: »

anyone know of (A)an easier way of understanding it or (B)any website that explains it more simply..... im convinced the lecturer thinks were all accountants,thanking ye

Ask around or have a look at your college's website to see if anyone's giving grinds in that topic.

Hey Maturies/Non-Trads, how's it going?

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