To not go to the interview?

[WelshMaenad]

I am applying to return to Uni this September after finding out that I'll be losing my job at the end of March. I'm applying to study Social Work. I more than meet the academic criteria for the course and currently work in a related time so have the requisite experience; so my selection for the courses will be down to personality/aptitude etc.

I originally only applied to one Uni, Uni A - it's the closest and my preferred institution for course quality. Then I had a panic and extended my application to two more. Uni B is still very commutable and my mum did her social work diploma there and I'd be happy to be offered a place. Uni C is a good Uni but a little further away, still technically doable but it will be more of a rush in the mornings and more expense to drive.

I have been offered interviews at all three institutions. My Uni A interview was on a Thursday and I feel I performed to the best if my ability and am hopeful it will be enough to get me a place. Uni B isn't until early April but I will withdraw if I'm offered Uni A - should hear mid march.

Uni C is tomorrow. Since accepting the interview I've found out that the practical placements for this Uni MUST take place in their mandated LA areas - some of which are way further away again than the actual Uni. If I could guarantee that mine would be in the city where the hninus that would be fine, but they may be an additional 45 minutes travel time - it would be 90 mins each way from home, which with two small children just isn't doable.

Add to that that I've had a virus the last few days which is causing a flare up of joint problems and in currently in agony.

WIBU to call and cancel the interview and withdraw? Am I inviting some giant karmic fuck-you or is it just sensible? I have list all sense if perspective and DH just keeps telling me to 'do what you think is best' which isnt really helpful.

[WelshMaenad]

God, that was a really long post for a really simple question. Sorry.

[WilsonFrickett]

Go to the interview. You never know what may happen and if anything its good practice for Uni B, should you need it.

[vj32]

You don't want to go to uni there. So ring and withdraw from the interview.

[ninah]

I'd go, I'm sure they'd make work placements do-able if you did need to take up place. Good luck with A though, hope you find out soon!

[SunnyL]

Personally I'd go. interviews are a two way process. They might just blow you away with their teaching that you'd be willing to put up with the extra travel because they offer extra. Remember uni course aren't just about qualifications. They should be offering more.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I'd go. If they offer you a place you don't have to accept, its good practice for other interviews,and it keeps your options open.

[MammaTJ]

I would go! If it us anything like nursing, when you have to travel further then you would to uni to get to placement, they fund the difference.

[DeliciousIrony]

Well done on getting an interview at all three! However, it sounds like you were never very enthusiastic about uni C. I am in the final year of the MA Social Work and it takes me about an hour to commute to and from placement...I find it pretty tiring and I don't have any children to come home to. 90 mins is a lot, and most placement won't fund your travel to and from work - the bursary is supposed to cover travel expenses, so you wouldn't get any extra for it.
I am surprised that they are so rigid about the LAs they use for placements, given that my uni has had to search far and wide this year for them, and some on my course haven't been placed at all and will have to defer until next year.

If the interview was local, I might advise to just go for it anyway for the experience and to be on the safe side. But, it isn't local, you're ill, and it might be the wrong choice entirely for you. So give them a ring to let them know if you want to withdraw, and hopefully they can give someone else a shot. Good luck on getting into your first choice!

[ginbin54]

Go with your gut feeling. Good luck with your studies!

[WelshMaenad]

Popping back with an update! I did go afterwards - and I loved it ! It was a really positive , friendly interview and I hit some lovely feedback which has really boosted my confidence. I also lived the campus far more than I was expecting and am thinking about ways to make the travelling work!

They told us that we could potentially be placed up to 3 hrs from my home! However I explained that I'm a carer for my dd who has a disability and that the distance would be a barrier as I have to drive her to school and need to be closer if I'm needed to collect her, and they said they could guarantee that I'd be offered placements closer to home.

So thanks for giving me a boot up the arse because I had a great day!