Tips on applying as a Mature Student

Larianne · 09-09-2009 11:12am #1

I’ve decided to write up some tips on what to do when applying as a mature student which should help people along their way.

I wasn’t successful in getting a place ANYWHERE the first time I applied but this year I was offered my first choice (TCD), and second (Uni. Of Ulster) and third (UCD) choices. Don’t take everything I say as set in stone for getting a place at college (my course is health science related), but this is what I did….

Know the course you are applying for

Know what you will study – sounds stupid but sometimes people don’t know the course and what its modules entail before they choose a course. (If you’re going to do med, you will work on cadavers so get used to that idea!)

• How many years the course is – 2, 3, 4+

• How many places – is the class big or a small one, and especially for mature students, how much competition will you have for a place? Does the course have any places reserved for mature students?

• What the outcome of a degree/diploma will get you – work opportunities, add-on courses, post-grad options?

• Will you have to pay fees?

The college/university website is a good place to start. It will give you lists of the courses and also have a mature student section. Order a prospectus. I know, I know, save the trees but having a hard copy is easier to refer to and make notes on etc. Some colleges have separate Mature Student Handbooks (like UCD).

The mature student section on the website should tell you what is expected of a mature student application –

• Whether you apply through the CAO or directly to the college, or in some cases both.

• Give links to application forms.

• Detail supplementary documents needed such as CV, exam results, personal statement etc.

• Application deadline – usually 1st February every year if through CAO. When applying directly to the college it may be different. Check with the college. Some colleges take late applications but like anybody who is late, it does not give a good first impression.

• If a MSAP aptitude test is required for the course (usually Arts and Social Sciences) or a HPAT. Check closing date for application for this.
For any queries, contact the admissions office, department head or mature student office. Emailing has worked fine for me.

Go to any Open Days/Evenings and get as much info on the course as you can. Speak to lecturers and students. Have a bunch of questions written down that you can ask them. This is your opportunity to find out info that might not be in the prospectus – about the work load, timetable, placements, good/bad modules etc., social life, clubs etc.

Larianne · 09-09-2009 11:20am

Now that you know what supplementary documents you need for your course application, get working on it straight away.

****Applying for a place as a mature student is pretty much the same as applying for a new job. Always remember that you are in competition with, in some cases, hundreds of applicants. You have to make your application the best it can be and one which will make the selectors want you on their course. And due to the ‘current climate’ you can bet there will be a huge increase in mature student applicants for 2010 entry. Competition will be fierce.***

CV

Like any CV for a job, make the CV suit the course you are applying for. Focus mainly on any details which are relevant to the course you are applying to. Don’t have the CV overloaded with information (such as hobbies/interests/achievements) as you get a chance to explain experience etc. in your personal statement and application forms. I would use it to big up educational info and work experience. Limit it to two pages, shorter if possible. The CV is used as a time line of your experience since leaving school – this is my experience from interviews.

Examination Results

Along with your Junior/Leaving Certificate results and any 3rd Level course results, include any training certificates etc. Obviously if you’ve done a course in flower arranging and now wanting to go into business, unless you’re planning on opening a florist after, I’d leave that one out.

Just a little side note on Education (okay not that little):

As I’ve stated before, I got rejected the first time I applied for my course. I wrote to the three Heads of Department and asked what area of my application was the weakest. Two replied, both saying my level of education let me down – I had sat my leaving certificate 8 years ago and the course I went on to do after school was Art related with very little academic element to it. To fix this, I went and enrolled in an Access course at UCD. The subjects taught were at Leaving Certificate level and the aim of the course was to prepare me for 3rd level education. Access courses are new enough in Ireland, I think, but are very common in the UK.

Now, just because my lack of education hindered me in getting a place, it could be different for you and your course. Everyone’s application is different. I would advise contacting admissions or the Head of Department or whoever is in charge of mature student applications and giving them a quick rundown of your work and education experience and see if you need to add to it.

There are plenty of 1 year courses out there that can prepare you for college. Most universities have access courses attached to them in some form. And there are also plenty of FETAC courses usually run by PLC colleges, some with direct links to universities, available to suit your interests. You may even decide to take the Leaving Certificate again, or for the first time!

(I am glad that I didn’t get offered a place first time around as I think I would have been lost at uni. Doing the access course has given me lots of confidence about my academic ability to start the course this year.)

Personal Statement

This IS the biggy. You need to get this one right. This is where you get a chance to sell yourself properly. This is the hardest part of the application. Is it too long? Is it too short? Have I spent too much time talking about this? Do I need to speak about that? Is it too moany?

When I was writing mine out I stated:

• Why I wanted to do the course

• What influence me to do the course/go back to education

• What work experience/voluntary work has helped me build up the skills to be successful in the ‘new’ career – be it working in the same/similar sector or taking up work experience/volunteering some way related to the course.

• Any courses (full/part time) which relate to the course to show how you can cope with workloads.

• Interests and Hobbies which relate to the course.

• Your hopes for the future after you graduate.

The best thing to do is get someone else to proof read it for you. Ask them to be brutal. But choose the person wisely who will do this. I found www.thestudentroom.com a great source for information/examples of personal statements and they have a facility where you post up your personal statement and advisors (who are students on courses or past students on your course area) read over the statement and give you advice on what to change/add to your statement. (done privately so no ned to worry).

I guess the average length would be a page and a half but mine ended up being just over two pages!

It was recommended by a member of a university admissions office to make your personal statement ‘quite’ soppy. But be careful not to be too over the top. No-one likes a whinge or a lick arse.

Work Experience & Voluntary work

This is also a very important part of your application. Having gone to observe people at work in the area of interest is a huge plus for your application. It shows you know what you are getting yourself in for and that you’ve made an effort to find out as much as you can about the profession. It can be very difficult to get work experience – people don’t have the time these days, insurance etc. Speaking to someone by telephone rather than email/letter is best. It is much harder for someone to say no to you while on the other end of the phone. Put the message out to your family and friends that you are looking for work experience and get them to spread the word. You never know who knows who!

Voluntary work is easy to get and looked upon favourably especially if you are applying for a health or social care course. Not many people like to work for free but most volunteer work is fun and it doesn’t need to take up a lot of your time. 1-3 hours one day a week might be all you need to do. There are many places to help out – community centres, Youthreach, nursing homes, soup kitchens, charity shops, meals on wheels.

References

I followed UCD’s application procedure for all universities I applied to and gave 3 references/letter of recommendation – one academic, one work related and one other (another academic). Try to have your references from your most recent work/education. Referees with titles - the higher the better. Remember, treat this like a job application – having a reference from the department manager is better than your supervisor. If you can, ask the referee can you give them a sample letter of what you would like them to include in the letter. I think most people are used to this and prefer it as it gives them an idea of what you want written. Be polite about it though!

Completing your application

N.B. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application. After Christmas, the deadline comes around pretty quick! I’d start getting things organised now if possible. Things like getting references, certified copies of exam results can take time. And the personal statement will be the bane of your life for the next few months!

Make a checklist of everything you need and double/treble check you have everything. I would photocopy EVERYTHING that you send to each college (this will help you prepare for your interview later on).

Larianne · 09-09-2009 11:25am

Do your CAO application on-line. I found it is easier not to make a mistake or leave things out. Go through it slowly and read every line. Have someone help you if you are a bit scared of the computers/on-line forms.

It gives you sections to write about why you want to do the course (this is space to write your personal statement) and also another section to write up a CV and give work experience details. This section only allows you 1,000 characters or something like that. Instead, write: see postal documents. I posted off my CV, personal statement along with my examination results no problem.

Mark all documents you send with your name and CAO number clearly. And make sure you tick the Mature Student Applicant box.

You usually have to send a copy of everything to the CAO plus the college you are applying to so make sure everything is organised. I paper-clipped everything so it wasn’t mixed up or sections lost. Depending on how many different colleges you are applying to and how many courses, you can end up with a pile of papers to be sent off.

Making your choices is the tough part but if you have researched the different colleges you should know which one is your first choice. You can change your choices up until March but after that you cannot add any restricted courses (mature student courses and courses which require portfolios/interviews etc.)

If you get your application in before a certain time in January, you get a discount of €10.

Larianne · 09-09-2009 11:31am

Like any interview: if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Remember the photocopies of your application? Get them out and read over your CV, personal statements and other forms. You’d be surprised how much you’d forget (interviews usually start at the end of March and go on through till June, depending on the course). If the interviewer asks you a question about a statement you made in your application, you want to know what you were talking about!

Have a good night sleep the night before and know where the interview is being held. Aim to get there early in case of mishaps along the way.

Wear something smart but comfortable. I don’t think it is necessary to wear a full suit and tie. They do tend to keep the interviews informal. I wore a suit the first year I applied and I wasn’t comfortable in it at all. The second time round I wore a smart dress and cardigan with flat shoes. Make a bit of effort (clean and tidy) but not over the top (too much make-up, aftershave etc).

What will they ask you……?

They won’t be out to trick you with the questions. They’ll want to know how much thought and research you have put into doing the course you have chosen.
What I was asked and what I have heard of others being asked:

What have you been up to since you finished school in 2000?
What do you know about the profession? Give examples of the different areas.
Tell me about what you know about the course?
What made you decide to do the course?
How do you think you will cope with many students in the class a lot younger than you?
Do you think your previous work experience/career will help you with this course? Do you see any links between them?
How will you support yourself financially?
The placements will require you to work during holidays and summer breaks, will you be able to cope with that?
It has been a few years since you were in education. How do you think you will cope with the workload?
There is a shortage of jobs in the area at the moment, how do you feel about that?

If you have prepared yourself well for the interview, any of these questions should be easy to answer (I got asked the exact same questions in year 2 so I was well prepared!

)

If you don’t understand a question, say so! Look at the interviewer when replying and also then include the other interviewer(s). Don’t fidget. Sit up straight and don’t cross your arms. Body language is important too.

So, do YOU have any questions?

Like any interview, you should always have questions. You will be going to college for 2, 3, or 4 years. It is a big step for you so you will have questions about the course. But what to ask them about the course? Well, anything really that you want to know.

What is the timetable like? (not an unreasonable question for mature applicants as they need to make childcare arrangements etc.)
When do you do start placements?
Can you choose your placements? Can you go abroad?
How many mature students on the course (although you should know this)?
What types of add-on courses are available?
When will I know if I am successful or not?
When do you get the booklist?

Everyone gets nervous and the interviewers will see this but they will also see whether you have researched everything through the nerves. Get yourself to open days, talk to students, lecturers and professionals out working about the area you are interested in and you will be successful.

Edit: Just to add - I did a study skills module as part of my Access course and when I mentioned Reflective Learning Journals and study skills, the panel were all impressed by this. So do have a look at reflective learning journals on the net or see if you can get a study skills book from the library. They do seem naff at first but if you use them well they are effective! Stella Cottrell is a good authoer on study skills.

Larianne · 09-09-2009 11:33am

Make sure to read any documentation you receive from the CAO or universities or HEA.

Keep a file of everything and also a file on your email account of any emails sent or received. Mark your calendar with important dates.

If you are applying for a grant, it would be wise (once all your application is done and dusted) to have a look and see what documents are required for the grant application as that whole process can take a while and it is a pain!

I’m starting my mature student orientation next week in Trinity and the following week I’ll be meeting my tutor and class. The above all seems like a lot of work but in the end it is worth it.

Best of Luck,
Larianne.

(phew!)

Chet T16 · 09-09-2009 12:23pm

Larianne wrote: »

Make sure to read any documentation you receive from the CAO or universities or HEA.

This is very important. You will end end up with envelopes and bits of paper and booklets everywhere so try keep it organised and make sure you read and re-read. A couple of times i've read stuff 3 times before actually reading it correctly. Its very easy to do if you're excited about it all!

e_j · 10-09-2009 9:10am

Larianne, thank you. I think I'll have to print this page off!
Looks like I've a lot of work on my hands, I'd better get oraganised. . .
Good luck with everything at Trinity, although it doesn't sound like you'll need it

birdalone · 10-09-2009 10:42pm

with a generous handful of fairy dust, because reading all of your excellent advice Larianne I have no idea how I made it onto my course.
I must be blessed or something.

Larianne · 13-09-2009 8:00pm

birdalone wrote: »

with a generous handful of fairy dust, because reading all of your excellent advice Larianne I have no idea how I made it onto my course.
I must be blessed or something.

Like I said before, everyone's application is different. You obviously gave a good personal statement and interview. Fair play to ya!!

As I had been turned down the previous year I wasn't letting anything go against me this year.

Jessibelle · 13-09-2009 8:12pm

Thanks Larianne

Having been urned tdown last year I'm determined for this year to happen and your list there makes it so much easier to see where to strengthen the application! Thanks again, and enjoy going back to school

Larianne · 13-09-2009 9:04pm

Jessibelle wrote: »

Thanks Larianne Having been urned tdown last year I'm determined for this year to happen and your list there makes it so much easier to see where to strengthen the application! Thanks again, and enjoy going back to school

Yes, it's not uncommon for mature student applicants to get turned down the first time applying.

But it does make you determined for the next year.

It would be a good idea to write to the head of the department (or whoever interviewed you) and ask if they could tell you what area of your application was the weakest and what you could do to make your application stronger. Then take it from there.

Don't be afraid to post questions on here or to drop me a PM if you wish.

urban cowboy · 18-09-2009 1:02pm

When I applied for college as a mature student, I called into the college and actually spoke to the head of the department for my course. In my instance he was more than willing to speak with me. He could tell that I had some knowledge of the course. He gave me a contact number of firm that practiced in the area that I was interested in. I followed up on it and got a great deal of info which helped in the interview.
The list of questions that Lariane posted are identical to the ones that I was asked.
It was at around this time of year that I started working on my application. No doubt, for me as someone with little experience with getting applications together, it is a big deal. Not to mention applying for grants and meetind all the required standards.
Best of luck to all who are thinking about going to college, if you start now it will give you time to prepare and a better chance of succeeding. Good Luck!

GALWAYINDOOR · 20-09-2009 12:19pm

i thought the lc and jc didnt matter when you are a mature ???

atheist · 20-09-2009 12:52pm

GALWAYINDOOR wrote: »

i thought the lc and jc didn't matter when you are a mature ???

You will still be asked for them no matter how embarrassing (failed Irish, french and Chemistry back in '82) or equivalent from previous Country and in addition they may insist on recient study to Show You're able for College.

21-09-2009 7:37pm

Grant tip - if you're applying for a grant as a mature independent student, they'll be asking for utility bills with your name on it from the 1st of October in the year prior you enter the college (so if you enter college in 2010 they'll look for ESB/gas bills from 1st October 2009).

If you're entering college next year, and as the 1st of October is coming up, get your name on the bill pronto! If you just look at this forum and at the student finances forum you'll see plenty of students who are not eligible because they don't have their name on the utility bills.

Mikanella · 24-09-2009 3:37pm

Thank you for this awesome post! I am hoping to attend TCD in 2010 as a mature student and this information is exactly what I've been looking for.

Good luck Larianne - btw what are you studying and how are you enjoying uni life so far?

Larianne · 25-09-2009 7:09pm

Mikanella wrote: »

Thank you for this awesome post! I am hoping to attend TCD in 2010 as a mature student and this information is exactly what I've been looking for.

Good luck Larianne - btw what are you studying and how are you enjoying uni life so far?

Ah no worries. I know how difficult and stressful it can be, esp. when working etc. and trying to get everything organised. I'm just passing on the knowledge.

I met my class and registered today. Studying Physiotherapy (at long last). I need to tame down the drinking already.

Serious hangover today.

Please post any questions you might have or send me a PM.

Sean/Telnor · 28-09-2009 8:05pm

Hi Larianne, Thanks so much for the advice. really helps.

I was wondering how the application process works. When I enter my 3 mature choices on my CAO App, does that mean I will get an Interview for all 3? or is it live the leaving cert where ill just get my 1st choice interview and not the others.

Maybe some1 will knoww this too :
Im also doing a FETAC course that allows for direct entry by FETAC to Nursing colleges. Can I apply using both or do i have to pick FETAC or just Mature entry or can i pick both.

Thanks a mill for the answers

Larianne · 28-09-2009 10:53pm

Sean/Telnor wrote: »

Hi Larianne, Thanks so much for the advice. really helps.

I was wondering how the application process works. When I enter my 3 mature choices on my CAO App, does that mean I will get an Interview for all 3? or is it live the leaving cert where ill just get my 1st choice interview and not the others.

Maybe some1 will knoww this too :
Im also doing a FETAC course that allows for direct entry by FETAC to Nursing colleges. Can I apply using both or do i have to pick FETAC or just Mature entry or can i pick both.

Thanks a mill for the answers

Hiya,
Yes, You could be called for interview for all 3 choices. (The Unis don't have which order you have them in.) If the college deems you a strong candidate they will call you for an interview. So just make sure you have your 1st choice 1st, no matter how little chance you think you may have. Put it down!

With your second question, I'm not so sure. I looked up www.ncc.ie and it has FETAC and Mature Student Entry as separate things. You should contact the relative unis for advice on that. But applying as a Mature Student with FETAC level 5 is no harm at all!!

But contact the colleges so you have an idea of what to do when sorting out your CAO.

Sean/Telnor · 29-09-2009 8:14pm

Hi

Thanks a million!!! that has answered my question. I've been searching the net for days trying to find out if i get called for 1 or all 3 choices

thanks a million.
I owe you one.

Thanks for taking the time to help others out

qwertytlk · 04-11-2009 5:00am

Hi,

Thanks so much for re-directing me to this forum Larianne (I posted about applying as a Mature Student to TCD for the Social Care course)

The info you have provided was SO helpful!:D

I have done alot of research, through various college websites, emailing mature student officers/application officers, searching forums and picking absloutly everyones brain i come across! but this in paticular has touched on many of the subjects i was worried about such as the interview process, dress code and the grant info etc.

All I can do now is hope for the best and make sure i am 100% prepared, like you say! Although as you mentioned it is competitive for Mature student places, and i also have a sinking feeling that this year is going to be even more difficult to get a place due to all the job losses and everything else thats going on in the country.....:eek:

Thanks again for your help!! and a BIG Thankyou for posting this information in the first place!

Hope your course is going well!!

Best of luck to everyone applying!:)

Larianne · 04-11-2009 7:43pm

Hi qwertytlk,

Glad to be of help.

I totally understand the stress of it all and not being able to get proper answers from people!

If you can make your application as good as it can be then you should have no problem. But I do agree that competition for places will be tough next year. But you never know they may have extra places for mature students next year, I'm not sure.

Just keep doing what you're doing and if you need any more help give me a PM or post here.

Course is tough, but I'm really enjoying it!

gigglyhumour · 06-11-2009 11:58am

will everyone get a grant..they way things are and all?

The_Silverback · 06-11-2009 1:16pm

Great tips! I hope there aren't too many people reading it though because I dont want anyone to take my place!!

Larianne · 06-11-2009 10:36pm

The_Silverback wrote: »

Great tips! I hope there aren't too many people reading it though because I dont want anyone to take my place!!

Yes, I let no-one in on my secrets till I got my place!

The_Silverback · 07-11-2009 10:28pm

Your dead right! I hope know about my place in the new year!

lisajane · 24-11-2009 1:32pm

Any tips for the interview?

I applied to go back for next year and interview is in may.

I don't know what to expect. Can they ask you to bring things like references, certificates? Or can i bring them anyway and anything else that will make me look great?

vicki1 · 30-12-2009 7:45pm

Hi my name is Vicki i'm a Maternity Care Assistant and i work in Dublin, i've been trying to get a place in Midwifery as a Mature student for the last two years and im doing quite well i think because i'm passing the aptitude test and i am happy with my interviews altho they are very scary but im still not getting a place. I think i'm not getting high enough points in the aptitude test so was wondering does anyone know of any pratice courses that might take place for the exam or are there any good books to study from that i may be missing, i really need to get a place in 2010 im getting old now!! If anyone has any info i'd really apreciate it!
Thanks

mumtoe&e · 01-01-2010 7:11pm

vicki1 wrote: »

Hi my name is Vicki i'm a Maternity Care Assistant and i work in Dublin, i've been trying to get a place in Midwifery as a Mature student for the last two years and im doing quite well i think because i'm passing the aptitude test and i am happy with my interviews altho they are very scary but im still not getting a place. I think i'm not getting high enough points in the aptitude test so was wondering does anyone know of any pratice courses that might take place for the exam or are there any good books to study from that i may be missing, i really need to get a place in 2010 im getting old now!! If anyone has any info i'd really apreciate it!
Thanks

Hey Vicki,

I am a first year Midwifery Student - applied twice, first time passed aptitude test and interview - just like yourself - but I scored too low in the apt test (150) second time applying I scored 175, which got me my place, basically I bought a few of the Mike Byron books and found them brill, I practised sudoko LOTS (even though I dont like sudoko) brain training games etc!
Really hope you get your place this year

CPDS · 02-01-2010 2:01am

hi just came across this thread. im hoping to get into midwifery this year 2, i applyed last year using my fetac results from a pre nursing course i did i got 10 distictions i didnt get a place

but reapplying again this year fingers crossed. im only 22 so can apply as a mature student yet. vicki1 how did you get a job as a Maternity assistant.? what does that involve? this is something i would also love to do to. sorry about the spellings

moonandstars · 05-01-2010 9:20pm

HI I want to apply thru CAO as a mature student for arts. I have a couple of questions..maybe someone can help..
I will have only 1 choice down on my cao..is that ok or will they expect lots more?
Also what happens after that?
What do I need to prepare for an interview?
I hope to get backt o education allow,when do I apply for grants and what am I allowed to get?
Also any other info that I may have missed would be super great~!

Thanks.

Larianne · 09-01-2010 7:18pm

moonandstars wrote: »

HI I want to apply thru CAO as a mature student for arts. I have a couple of questions..maybe someone can help..
I will have only 1 choice down on my cao..is that ok or will they expect lots more?
Also what happens after that?
What do I need to prepare for an interview?
I hope to get backt o education allow,when do I apply for grants and what am I allowed to get?
Also any other info that I may have missed would be super great~!

Thanks.

You can of course put down only one choice on the CAO. But it is limiting yourself to just the one course. I would have a back up course down. (Colleges cannot see other choices you have made on the CAO application or at what preference they are at.)

After you send in your application before 1st February you will get a receipt of your application from the CAO and the college. Depending on the college and the course, you could be called for an interview sometime between April-June. If successful, you will be offered a place. If not offered a place you may get one in the 2nd round of offers.

Have you looked at my previous post regarding interview with mature student applications? Have a read of that and post back with any more questions.

With the grants, (I'm not fully up to speed on this area) the application forms aren't released till sometime in June or July I think. If you look up http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/higher_education_grants_scheme and http://www.studentfinance.ie/ it gives a lot of information about grants.

I would also check out last year's application form and see what information you need to supply such as P60s, proof of Social Welfare payments, certified proof of ID, proof of living away from home, rent receipts etc. etc.

Sort out your CAO application first, then when that's done and dusted, start working on your grant application as the information required for that is ridiculous and takes a long time to organise.

WiseMona · 10-01-2010 9:42pm

moonandstars wrote: »

HI I want to apply thru CAO as a mature student for arts. I have a couple of questions..maybe someone can help..
I will have only 1 choice down on my cao..is that ok or will they expect lots more?
Also what happens after that?
What do I need to prepare for an interview?
I hope to get backt o education allow,when do I apply for grants and what am I allowed to get?
Also any other info that I may have missed would be super great~!

Thanks.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news

but the most recent budget (December 2009) brought some bad news for new applicants (mature or otherwise). If you are in receipt of the Back To Education Allowance, then you will NOT be eligible to apply for the maintenance grant.

This royally sucks for a lot of people.

Curlz · 13-01-2010 11:32am

"Like any CV for a job, make the CV suit the course you are applying for. Focus mainly on any details which are relevant to the course you are applying to. Don’t have the CV overloaded with information (such as hobbies/interests/achievements) as you get a chance to explain experience etc. in your personal statement and application forms. I would use it to big up educational info and work experience. Limit it to two pages, shorter if possible. The CV is used as a time line of your experience since leaving school – this is my experience from interviews "

I am applying for nursing but as I don’t have any real healthcare experience I feel my CV – all be it a good one isn’t very relevant to the course.

I have written my personal statemement and I think I get my points across better in that than my CV.

To help my application I am doing a part time Intro to Nursing FETAC Level 5 course and I am also volunteering in a local nursing home. i have included all of this in my personal statement. Its hard to big these two up when that is all I have really done. While my CV shows how I have progressed in my line of work I’m not sure what to leave in & what to leave out??

:eek:
Any help is much appreciated!!

Larianne · 13-01-2010 1:29pm

You should have your intro to Nursing FETAC course on your CV as part of educational and also your volunteering work also on your CV.

I'm not saying leave out information on your CV, but just big up any relevant information. If you have worked in a job that has dealt with people, involved communication skills, make sure it's on it. Play up the good points.

The intro to Nursing and the volunteering experience will stand well to you.

When I had my interview last year ( and the year before.

) they asked me what I had been up to since I finished school in 2000. They will want an idea of what you have done since school to try get a better understanding as to why you want to go back to college now.

entropi · 18-01-2010 6:10pm

I REALLY should not have missed your part about sending off JC/LC result sheets...accidentally sent off original copy of LC results with PLC grant application in Nov:o so no hope of getting that back anytime soon so i'll have to suffer or get a copy within the next week somehow!:( Never even knew i'd have to send off JC results lol, done that around 9 yrs ago now...

Loving the tips you gave Larianne, taking some stuff down now for doing up my personal statement tonight, i'll have it proof-read tomorrow in college. I DO have a question though: Do i HAVE to apply through the website first to get a CAO number, then send off my postal application before Feb 1st? or can i just send off the relevant information plus form and will get issued a number for correspondence in the post?

I seem to have left alot of this too late at this stage, i actually forgot to fill my CAO form out over the xmas break!:( Let this be a lesson to others...get it done the time really flies in!:o

Larianne · 19-01-2010 12:24am

Hey,

You don't have to send off your Junior Certificate results (I didn't). It's more for people who haven't done the Leaving Cert. Have you contacted your old school. They should be able to give you a certified copy of your results.

What way do you want to apply? Through on-line or on the form? To be honest, I not sure what way you get your CAO number if applying through paper form. You would be best ringing up the CAO and getting an answer. I applied twice by the CAO online. I can't remember back 10 years with my form in school.

EDIT: But now that I think about it, if applying through paper application I think you're supplied with a number after. On-line and paper applications are TOTALLY separate.

If you can apply on-line, I think it's a better option. You then can organise your forms and get them in a week or so after 1st Feb.

Try not leave applying on-line until 1st February as the site *mite* crash and that would be just awful.

Make sure to have a look at the two websites I mentioned for personal statements. They will give you an idea of how a personal statement should be laid out.

Paper application MUST be received by the 1st Feb!

entropi · 20-01-2010 7:28pm

Found out what was needed afterall, PLC i'm in right now had a copy of the LC results:) I'm sending it by snail mail as i'll just photocopy whats needed and bundle it all off together...seemingly this year they ask for another €10 administration fee to process your stuff if you apply online, then send paperwork like results etc. And yes, you are sent out a CAO number once they recieve your application by snail mail.

No JC needed aye, good that is! sorted out personal statement too, wrote it up in an hour and a half and will have it proof read tomorrow by my tutor:) Had a look at those sites, turns out my "Tips for applying as a Mature Student" handout from DCU covered what i needed alongside your own tips:) Making it sound good and relevant to more than one course is hard (Athletic Therapy, and Human Nutrition) but i think i got it in the end:D

Cheers for that.

puckie · 20-01-2010 9:49pm

Hi Larianne,

Thanks for the great thread!

I have a couple of (probably) stupid questions.

I applied online on Monday night and now I just have to send my supporting documents, thank God I read this thread because I had no idea you had to send a CV! It makes perfect sense of course but I didn't see that anywhere in the CAO handbook. I assumed I just had to send in my exam results and any other items I had specified in the online form.
So, to the questions:

1: Do you definately need to send in a CV?

2: I completed the personal statement online so I assume I don't need to include this in my posted documents?
3: Do you have to send the original copy of your LC results? I think I read that a photocopy won't do but I just wanted to check.
4: I went to NUI Galway for one year and dropped out, I didn't mention this on the application as there didn't seem to be an appropriate place, did I miss something? I assume it's something I can put on my CV anyway, I have no problem disclosing the fact that I dropped out of a third level course already, I was young and stupid and didn't know what I was doing with my life etc... it may work against me though.
5: I am only 23 since last August and have been in employment for the last 5 years that is totally irrelevant to the course I'm applying (I work in Insurance, applying for an English based course). Do you think this will work against me?
6: It says in the CAO handbook that you should contact the Mature Student Officer/ Head of Applications in advance of your application, is this essential? I have contacted the admin office of the college I applied to last week asking for contact details but they still haven't replied.
7: Given that I've already applied when is the latest I can send the supporting docs? I need to contact the insurance institute for exam certs I've since lost.

I'm probably guilty of taking the whole process a little for granted before I read this thread, I sat my leaving cert in 2004 and scored 60 points more than required for this course so I thought that would be the overriding factor in getting accepted or not. Thanks to this thread I can see I was dead wrong so thanks so much and sorry about all the questions!

Larianne · 20-01-2010 10:25pm

puckie wrote: »

So, to the questions:

1: Do you definately need to send in a CV? No, one of the courses I applied to last year required it. But it's no harm to have it.
2: I completed the personal statement online so I assume I don't need to include this in my posted documents?Again, no you don't have to include another personal statement. I suggested writing out the personal statement separate to the application as the online section only allows 1,000 characters which is quite restricting. But if you managed to fit it all in, great!
3: Do you have to send the original copy of your LC results? I think I read that a photocopy won't do but I just wanted to check. YOu can get a certified copy from your school. They just copy the results and put the school stamp on it. I think because you did your exams recently enough, you don't actually need to send a copy. I did anyway just to be on the safe side.
4: I went to NUI Galway for one year and dropped out, I didn't mention this on the application as there didn't seem to be an appropriate place, did I miss something? I assume it's something I can put on my CV anyway, I have no problem disclosing the fact that I dropped out of a third level course already, I was young and stupid and didn't know what I was doing with my life etc... it may work against me though. I can't remember actually what way the CAO application is laid out, but are you sure there isn't a section about previous courses in the mature student section? This is where you write the year you did.
5: I am only 23 since last August and have been in employment for the last 5 years that is totally irrelevant to the course I'm applying (I work in Insurance, applying for an English based course). Do you think this will work against me? Everyone is different and every course requirements are different. It's really up to yourself on how you filled out your application form and displayed why you should get a place on the course - whether its through work experience, life experience, other educational experience, hobbies etc. I couldn't tell you for sure.
6: It says in the CAO handbook that you should contact the Mature Student Officer/ Head of Applications in advance of your application, is this essential? I have contacted the admin office of the college I applied to last week asking for contact details but they still haven't replied. Not essential but contacting them would give you an idea as to what the college could be looking for in an applicant.
7: Given that I've already applied when is the latest I can send the supporting docs? I need to contact the insurance institute for exam certs I've since lost.As soon as you can, no later than 1st February.

I'm probably guilty of taking the whole process a little for granted before I read this thread, I sat my leaving cert in 2004 and scored 60 points more than required for this course so I thought that would be the overriding factor in getting accepted or not. Thanks to this thread I can see I was dead wrong so thanks so much and sorry about all the questions!

No problem about the questions. I'm happy to help!! I went through this TWICE!!

puckie · 20-01-2010 10:40pm

Thanks so much for the speedy reply! You're a great help!

Eleora · 03-02-2010 2:37am

Hi Larianne! I wish I read this before I sent my CAO application. What a great help to those who have read on time! Well, you mentioned you are studying a course related to Health Science. I would like to become a Dietitian but since it is not offered in my county, I am taking the route of Health Science. I am not sure if I am doing the right way, though. What careers can you pursue with this in the next 4-5 years? Why did you choose Health Science (related)? You might as well help me in my interview

. Thanks!

Eleora · 03-02-2010 2:46am

Hi Larianne, I just posted you a while ago regarding Health Science. I meant Health Science and Physiology here. Three year course.

Larianne · 03-02-2010 3:01pm

Eleora wrote: »

Hi Larianne! I wish I read this before I sent my CAO application. What a great help to those who have read on time! Well, you mentioned you are studying a course related to Health Science. I would like to become a Dietitian but since it is not offered in my county, I am taking the route of Health Science. I am not sure if I am doing the right way, though. What careers can you pursue with this in the next 4-5 years? Why did you choose Health Science (related)? You might as well help me in my interview . Thanks!

Have you looked into applying to UK or up in Uni of Ulster (Coleraine)?

Are you applying for the course offered by Sligo IT by any chance? If you completed that you may be able to apply for a postgrad in Dietetics (which has to be done in the UK). But knowing a dietician myself, the dieticians who have completed their training this way never are the same standard as the dieticians who've done the four yr degree course.

I'm not sure what the options are after doing this course. It is something you need to contact the college about and research it as they will ask you something about this in the interview.

Yes, you probably could then go on to do Dietetics maybe in Ireland, but definitely in the UK. But its a long route. You may be eligible for accelerated entry to a course.

I'd suggest emailing the department in DIT, UU and maybe some colleges in the UK and ask if you were to complete this course would it be possible to gain a place on the Dietetics course.

The course in DIT has 3 mature places but the competition for a place is huge. A lot of people with degrees in Science etc. would be applying for a place.

If applying to the UK or Northern Ireland isn't a problem for you I would suggest doing a Access to Science course or some type of pre-University science course this year, get as much work experience as you can and apply next year. (I'm assuming you don't have a degree or experience related to Human Dietetics & Nutrition).

If you need any more help, just PM me.

Stuxnet · 03-02-2010 7:17pm

question regarding your opening few posts, which are all very helpful thanks.
Are interviews offered for everybody, or is it it based on previous education and writing good personal statements etc., selling yourself, before you can get half a foot in the door so to speak..

For me I didn't do the leaving cert, left fifth year in 97 and went working in construction, all that's dead and buried now, so I need to re-skill myself. I've a passion for computers always did, self thought in everything I know, Unix, & basic programming etc., but I have no formal training in any of these. Nothing I can relate to in my work life has been anyway computer related so I cant really sell it on the cao form. On paper I've nothing to prove that I have any business in coming into this computer/IT world of education, but at least if I'm guaranteed an interview I can explain myself. Any thoughts, I'm kinda worried !!
Thanks

Larianne · 03-02-2010 9:23pm

BOBBY wrote: »

question regarding your opening few posts, which are all very helpful thanks.
Are interviews offered for everybody, or is it it based on previous education and writing good personal statements etc., selling yourself, before you can get half a foot in the door so to speak..

For me I didn't do the leaving cert, left fifth year in 97 and went working in construction, all that's dead and buried now, so I need to re-skill myself. I've a passion for computers always did, self thought in everything I know, Unix, & basic programming etc., but I have no formal training in any of these. Nothing I can relate to in my work life has been anyway computer related so I cant really sell it on the cao form. On paper I've nothing to prove that I have any business in coming into this computer/IT world of education, but at least if I'm guaranteed an interview I can explain myself. Any thoughts, I'm kinda worried !!
Thanks

It really depends on the course and college. Some departments interview, some don't. I guess to get an interview, you're application does need to stand out to be short listed. And again that depends on how many applied for a place.

Once you have explained in your application why you want to have a career in IT you're in with a chance.

Eleora · 04-02-2010 1:20am

You clever Larianne! Yes, it is in Sligo IT. No, I can't go anywhere else because I have babies. I wish I could just travel and study some other places and pursue the career I want. The Health Science interests me because it is close to Dietetics. What do you think of the future for health promotion? I think this course leads closest to health promotion. Thanks for sharing your brain!

Pope John 11 · 05-02-2010 3:56am

Is there a list of certain courses whereby you will be able to apply for the BETA.
I had it on excel format before but cannot find it now
A friend of my is looking to do a post-grad course.
Mind you I am thinking of doing one too

Pope John 11 · 06-02-2010 2:55pm

Pope John 11 wrote: »

Is there a list of certain courses whereby you will be able to apply for the BETA.
I had it on excel format before but cannot find it now
A friend of my is looking to do a post-grad course.
Mind you I am thinking of doing one too

As above, has anyone any idea where one can get a list of BETA post-graduate courses.

Stuxnet · 07-02-2010 12:26am

Pope John 11 wrote: »

As above, has anyone any idea where one can get a list of BETA post-graduate courses.

http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7721/postgraduate-courses/index.html

MickShamrock · 21-02-2010 1:58pm

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

Tips on applying as a Mature Student

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