Mature Student Advice?

jimbo2010

Hi i am looking to do a access to HE - Science part time on a evening and don't know if i should go for it.

I am 33 years old and just completed a Level 2 FS Maths Course to brush up on my general maths, i have not done any studying since my school days and GCSE wise i got a few C's & D's, D's in maths, english and science.

I work full time for an engineering company for the last 5 years and feel like i am going nowhere in this job and always have had a love of science, i am concerned though that i will be out of my depth if i apply for the course?

Any advice guys

Maitane

What I would do is think about a quote from Winston Churchill - "Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about"
So, if your love of science goes above your love for the job, do your calculations and see if you can go for it.

Mind you, I'm biased. I've applied for a course in Nursing because I applied the same thought as above to my situation - I would sooner be wiping a patients backside than writing another press release especially if it helps provide some dignity in care. I'll be nearly 33 when I finish but at least I won't have 37 joyless years at work.

jaxjax123

I am 36 just finished year 2 or a 4 year degree. I got d's and f's in GCSE and yes I'm finding it tougher than others do but I just try to remember what I always say to my eldest son.
Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… Never envy a human being who led an easy life.

I too am doing science, I love learning and I find it very rewarding. I have even been getting A's for my coursework. And my son thinks I'm dead clever, if only he knew..........

Good luck, you'll be fine.

Dunroamin

jimbo2010 wrote: »

Hi i am looking to do a access to HE - Science part time on a evening and don't know if i should go for it.

I am 33 years old and just completed a Level 2 FS Maths Course to brush up on my general maths, i have not done any studying since my school days and GCSE wise i got a few C's & D's, D's in maths, english and science.

I work full time for an engineering company for the last 5 years and feel like i am going nowhere in this job and always have had a love of science, i am concerned though that i will be out of my depth if i apply for the course?

Any advice guys

What degree are you planning to do after the Access course?

stephyt23

Go for it! You are never too old to change career, and why spend many more years in a job you hate?

I'm 27 and did an Access to HE course a few years ago. Like you I didn't do great at GCSE in Maths and Science (I got an an E and a D). I completed the Access course feeling much more confident about these subjects and am now studying part-time to be a teacher (About to start year 3 of 4). There are plenty of people on my course in their 30s and 40s who wanted a career change so don't be put off by thinking you are too old.

NoGoodNamesLeft

Do it! I've just finished a level 3 diploma and been accepted onto my first choice degree course (today actually!) and I'm 31.

The years will pass whatever you decide to do and I know that I would rather use my time to work towards a job I enjoy.

My mum did the access course and ended up with a good management job without ever moving on to HE, so the course is worth doing even if you eventually decide against a degree.

flea72

I was 40 when i did the access course and have just finished my first year at uni. I too umed and ahd, but as already said, you have a good few working years left in you and if you are bored in your job now, it wont hurt to broaden your options.

I was able to do gcse maths alongside my access course, which means even if my degree goes tits up, at least i have that obligatory C+ that all employers ask for (actually got an A, which was surprising as at school i didnt even pass)

The access course isnt that hard, its more the adapting to being back in the learning environment that takes getting used to. Tbh with the gcses that you already hold, you will most likely be one of the more qualified on the course, many people have no gcses at all and still manage to pass the access course and go onto uni, so dont think it is beyond you.

Personally i would get moving. Most access courses start in september, so you might not even be able to start until next year now which is another year in a job you dont enjoy.

I too had reached a point where i couldnt see myself staying in the same field for the next 20+ years, so i just bit the bullet and went for it. Even if id made the wrong choice it still had to be better than what i was doing. Thankfully, im loving my new life and wish id plucked up the courage years ago to make a change. But hey, better late than never

elaine373

I am 49 and am about to begin a 3 year degree for adult. Nursing. I have just completed 2 years doing a pre_access and then the Access into health studies.
I am petrified and a yet to meet any one who is older, but I would rather try than regret not trying. Go for it.

MikeH2508

Im 35 and just about to start my 2nd year of a Law Degree, very much enjoying it and its saved me a fortune so far with the little I've learnt so far. Go for it.

Ettenna

elaine373 wrote: »

I am 49 and am about to begin a 3 year degree for adult. Nursing. I have just completed 2 years doing a pre_access and then the Access into health studies.
I am petrified and a yet to meet any one who is older, but I would rather try than regret not trying. Go for it.

You will probably find quite a few older people on your course. I was 44 when I started my Adult Nursing degree and I'm just about to go into my 3rd and final year!!