Thinking of applying for Uni for September. Am I mad?

[Beebityboo]

I have an opportunity to go back to university in October. It's something I've wanted to do for years and I thought it was probably too late for me.
I'm unsure about it though with the virus likely not have gone anywhere by then. I don't mind distance learning at all but I'm scared I won't achieve as much as I would if I was going to physical lectures as it's all likely to be disrupted and strange.

I'm also 33 and feel a bit embarassed that I may be the oldest in the class. I've been a Sahm for a decade so the whole thing terrifies me Tbh!
Just looking for some opinions and advice really as I would need to submit an application ASAP.
Thanks!

Bump

Go for it! I'm starting a degree in September at 37 🙂. I doubt very much you'll be the oldest in the class, but even if you are, so what? I started a thread on chat last week about starting uni in my 30s, can't link sorry but you can search. What are you hoping to study?

Think you have missed all the deadlines for this year - applications had to be in for January, I think. Maybe Covid has changed things - it would be worth phoning you University of choice and asking. But you may need to wait until 2021.

You won't be the oldest by a long chalk and also, although much contact will be virtual now, at most institutions that will change as the year progresses.

I'm applying for history. It's the only thing I've ever wanted to study and hopefully progress from teaching secondary to A level.
I'm just so nervous about it all. I have to write a personal statement, which is terrifying along with the whole application process.
I'm just feeling really overwhelmed as I had assumed I didn't have time to apply this year but they seem to be really keen to have people apply still.
I'm also worried about how the virus will impact it all.

It depends where and to study what. Lots and lots of places are still accepting applications and will continue to do so up to (and past) clearing.

Go for it OP.

It doesn't really matter if it's online or whatever, it will change to uni based at some point, and you'll still be learning wherever you are.

I'm 44 and going into second year and I'm not the oldest on my course (it is my second degree though). Just make sure you're aware of what the uni are planning in terms of online versus face-to-face learning (as much as any of them have any answers yet). I know we're having "minimal" face to face teaching next year - some live online learning and some recorded stuff to watch at our leisure. Suits me (if DH can stop wittering on about anything I'm watching) but may not suit everyone.

I do tend to get mistaken for a lecturer a lot when we're waiting to get into rooms and the previous group have overrun slightly - they apologise to me and it always makes me giggle!

Do it OP

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to apply. Feel very nervous as I don't have long and I have zero idea how to write this personal statement. I've been a hermit for a decade so not a lot to write about..

Think you have missed all the deadlines for this year

No she hasn't. Plenty of people apply late! Go for it OP!

Definitely do it, I was a mature student and a man on my degree course was in his eighties and he was brilliant, we loved being with him. I was mid 30s.

Hey op I’m 30 and starting uni this September.
I was one of the youngest on my access course!
Go for it!

For those that have applied as mature students, can I pick your brains about your personal statements? This is the bit I am finding the most stressful and worrying. The examples I have seen online are full of fancy travelling stories, loads of volunteering and extra curriculars etc.
I haven't really done anything other than raise my children for ten years - as well as a stint working in dementia care ( I had to leave just as Covid took hold).
I love my subject (history) and do lots of further reading/documentary watching but that is literally it. I want to be a teacher or work in archives later down the line.
I feel like my personal statement is going to be weak and although I have higher A Level results than required, it will stop me securing a place.
Been sat at my pc all day and barely written a thing .

Talk about skills: time management, Prioritising, communication,

And qualities: commitment, determination, passion for subject.

Try to give examples for these.

A bit of recent study experience (eg open learn free courses) is very valuable if you’ve been out of education for a while. You could enrol and get started on it, no need to necessarily complete.

Go for it! My best students are always the mature ones juggling loads 😊

Op it’s highly unlikely your personal statement will stop you getting a place if your a levels are above the required level! And actually I’m looking at what you’ve said you’ve done and thinking that probably a lot more than most 18 year olds. Extra reading will look great on there, say what you’ve read.
This is coming from a current history student.

Say why you want to study history, ie career aspirations to be a teacher, why that particular course eg look at modules offered, and why you think you would be successful - so time management skills, already do a lot of reading around the subject (give some examples) etc. Also what you are looking forward to, so if there is a module you don't know a lot about you could say you're looking forward to learning about that specific topic etc.

My advice is break into headings a) why study, b) why history, c) why that uni. Jot notes under those headings and then just write. Don't stop til it's finished and then edit it once you've finished. I find it's easier to improve something rather than thinking it's really hard and putting it off and getting worked up about it... That might just be me haha!

Good luck

For your personal statement, have a look at the modules you will be learning from the university's website. Then talk about which ones you are looking forward to studying.

As pp said mention where you want to be, and how your degree will help.

Don’t think too much about it, my life has been continuous care work, I’m studying English literature so the contrast will be a lot different.

Also include work experience, children etc. My friend has got into Durham university and she made a lovely personal statement about how it was her time now her kids have grown up and it was her time now etc.

Good luck!

Should I mention that I am disabled and that I have children in my statement?

That’s completely your choice op, i would, it shows the obstacles you have overcome and what you’ve achieved.

Disaster! After digging through the garage it appears my GCSE certificates are long lost. I still have my A Levels but nothing else. Though my GCSES were nothing to write home about, I will need to show I have some I'd imagine. The UCAS website even wants the exam boards you sat them with and I have no idea whatsoever!
I could try and track them down but my high school has literally been demolished and by the time I manage to get replacements it will likely be too late to apply . No idea what to do.

You can order your certificates online op!

I ordered mine from AQA as I lost the originals years ago.

Took about two weeks to come.

I've had a look at this but the service is currently suspended due to Coronavirus .

Op you’re looking for reasons not to do this. Just apply say your certificates are lost but you sat them at x school in x years

It's through UCAS so I'm not sure where I would tell them that on the actual form iyswim.