Mature student advise

vertical_fool

I was recently intending on going back to college, I had gone to enrol yesterday expecting to basically sign up. I was expecting to do three A levels (maths, economics and philosophy). However i was steered away from doing the A levels and pointed towards an access course. Reasons stated were that the college has a younger attitude (I`m 28) mainly 16 year olds, I already have A levels ( although C is the highest grade and personally I consider these as failures) an access course would have adults which are more tolerant and understanding ( I`m on antipsychotic medication which Is quite draining for me and on incapacity benefit).

My worries are that if i end up at university that an access course would limit my potential course options. That access courses are looked down on by universities and employers( I do personally). If I don`t go to university then employers wouldn`t regard an access course with much worth. That from an access course I wouldn`t get a good idea of where I want to go career wise, I think A levels would help me more with this. I`m also worried with regards to maths as I would like the option of taking a maths or a maths related degree, also I thought doing a maths a level would give me a better assessment of my maths ability and enjoyment of the subject.

Tonight there is an open evening so I shall go to this and see what
information I can gleen from this. Maybe I`ll have to go for this access course, maybe find A levels somewhere else, nightschool even, maybe distance learning.

I would appreciate anybodys responses, particularly people with similar experiences, there seems to be a number of people on mse who have done ou degrees particularly maths. I would appreciate there experiences especially to know what they have used there degrees for and employers reactions to them.

Regards Steven Child

IvanOpinion

Steven
Rather than doing all academic related stuff have you thought possibly about a more practical related subject .. car maintenance, plumbing, joinery, electrician? Out local tech does all these ... I did start the car maintenance but had to quit half way through because the comapny I work for put me on site for 6 months. Alternatively consider an OND or HND ... you mention OU have you considered using them instead ?

I did maths at uni (many years ago) - most of it was fine until we got to pure maths ... never could understand numbers that got very close to another number but never quite reached it ... no good when I want to buy a packet of cornflakes. There are many branches to maths which one did you have in mind?

Just a few random thoughts

Ivan

tiger

let me ask you; are u looking for uni place or work?
i definately ask you to do an access course if you are interested in going to uni and also you know which course u wanna do. access course are much suited to a particular course rather than being long and general like A levels. As for courses been recognised look for access course that are recognised by particular uni. an daim to get at least 60% and most likely you will get in. pm if u need further advice

tightgit_2

My husband did an access course, when he finished he was offered two places at two different uni's in two different subjects. The one he took was at one of the best uni's in the country, so they certainly didn't look down on the access course.

qwertybob

Im surprised that age was an issue! i recently done alevels at 25 - there was a 16 year old and a 40+ person in one class and everyone got on fine.

Sofa_Sogood

I'm not sure age should be an issue either

The access course I was on, but had to drop out of, seemed age-unrelated. The three subjects I was accepted on had age ranges between 18 and 70+ !! I fell between the two , but the older students were the best to study with imo, unless it was I.T. - then it was the 18 yr olds

Good luck neverthless.

P.S. It was hard work by the way, which is maybe why it had a high drop out rate?

Glen_b

I agree with Tiger earlier, if you definitely want to go to Uni then Access course is a great way to do it. I did one at the age of 25 and was accepted on nearly all my University choices, and decided I to take up the offer at a "red-brick Uni" certainely the University never looked down their nose at me and I had a great time eventually gaining a 2:1.

I got a post graduate job within a couple of weeks of leaving Uni (jub advertised at the Uni job center), employers just looked at the fact I had a degree,and also because I was a mature graduate with work experience I was able to negotiate I higher starting salary.

I found the Access course to be a more relaxed re-introduction to education and found that as most people were in the same boat, wanting to go to Uni, that I got alot of support from fellow students, as well a from the tutors. (It was a very enjoyable year)

HTH


Hope you have been able to decide what you want to do.

elisebutt65

I didn't bother with access or A levels. I did year 1 of an HND in the subject I wanted and then 'upgraded' to a degree course.

I started again in year 1 as there were some subjects the HND didn't cover, but that then meant i had only 3 subjects to do in year 1.

As I had extra time I also did some stuff for Yr 2 and now I only have 5 subjects this year

hippypixie

I started back at University last year at the great age of 37, and my DAD is about to do a degree at the age of 76!! So, dont worry, as 28 is sooooooo not old! Lol..If the University you want to go is anything like mine, then you, as a mature student will not need all the A levels, etc that the school leavers do. As a mature student most Universities will only require you to have some experience and enthusiasm, and an ability to learn and be flexible, so I think an access course would be far more beneficial than A levels.

I am doing Graphic Design and Illustration, and most of the students have done a Foundation Course in Art and Design, which is a type of access course. It will help you to decide what you really want to do as well as giving you relevant experience in your chosen field.

So, best of luck and GO FOR IT!!! Its the best thing I have ever done, and I am sure you will love it.

BWZN93

Have you thought about doing the Open University? I Was 20 when I decided to return to education, too young for access but I felt too old for A Levels. I did the Open University instead - its more flexible, the course texts are fantastic as are the tutors and other students for support.

Another great thing is that it starts in January so you can still sign up online now. I got into a top 10 uni with mine.... And I really really enjoyed it - I prefer to study when I want to, rather than when others want me to ;-)

Jo xx

susiesue_2

i did access and have just started (yesterday!!) at uni. it is NOT looked down on, in fact it was the easiest interview i've ever had,
"oh, i see you did an access course"
"yes i did"
"we can offer you a place"
:T

i'm 32 by the way, and not the oldest on the course