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Original poster

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

67 replies

Beebityboo · 25/06/2020 10:19

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!

OP posts:
Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 17:38

And I do actually want to do this! Just have a bit of a defeatist attitude right now I suppose.

OP posts:
Northernsoullover · 27/06/2020 17:44

I applied late in 2017. August I think. Started mid September. I didn't need to supply proof of exam results until I'd started. I have found that there are mature students in nearly every course at my university. You certainly won't be the oldest. I'm in my 40's.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 17:52

I don't even know if I'll be able to get hold of them by September as they have currently suspended the service to apply for them. I have my A Levels but not my GCSES.

OP posts:

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Higher education
blosstree · 27/06/2020 17:57

Lots of info on certificates here OP

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/filling-your-application/what-do-if-you-dont-have-copies-old-exam-certificates

I imagine there will be something in place due to COVID if some services are suspended? Email/call the university and ask for their advice.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 18:00

Yes I've read that but I can't do the things they are suggesting due to COVID. I will have to call admissions on Monday and see what they suggest. I'm just hoping this won't stop me applying as I will be able to get the replacements eventually.

OP posts:
BalloonSlayer · 27/06/2020 18:17

They will find a way round your problems. Your A Level certificates are more important, and you have got those.

Are you still in touch with anyone from your school days who can look up their own certificates and tell you what board they were? These days schools use a mixture of boards but in the past schools tended to pick one and use it for everything.

For your personal statement talk about what aspects of history you like, focus on stuff they teach in the course. If you have read anything recently you have enjoyed, say so.

Good luck! You will have a great time!

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 18:28

The only friend I keep in touch with from school doesn't have hers either. I managed to finish my personal statement even though I was completely terrified. I think I have done an ok job of it too!

...Which is why I'm so bloody annoyed I've lost my GCSES as I was really feeling positive about applying. Fingers crossed you are right and they help me find a way around it.

OP posts:
Love51 · 27/06/2020 18:32

Cross the certificate bridge when you come to it.
If you need to know exam boards, ask someone on Facebook you went to school with.

Love51 · 27/06/2020 18:34

Sorry just seen your comment.
Apply, then worry about phoning round all the exam boards to find out if you did exams with them.

Springcatkin · 27/06/2020 18:40

I have just applied too and I am much older than you. Haven't a clue where my certificates are but then as a mature student they aren't really relevant as over 16 years ago.
You have to apply by 30 June and have your reference done before then. Mine was a very late decision but thankfully my referee was great at doing it quickly.
If too late you can still apply but not put down choices of course/ place and basically go thro clearing.
Hope you get your application finalised and are succesful.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 18:42

What did you put in the education bit @Springcatkin, assuming you applied through UCAS? when it asks for your GCSES and the exam boards etc?

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 27/06/2020 18:42

You should totally do it! I'm 35 and have just finished my degree (with a First 😄😄😄)

I wasn't the oldest and even if you are no one will care.

Good luck!

Mummyofmay2020 · 27/06/2020 18:46

Aww it's never too late!! It's normal to lack confidence when you've had a big gap, but honestly you'll settle back in quickly. Life experience and raising children is invaluable and you'll probably be more engaged than many kids straight out of school who applied on a whim. Also, don't be afraid to ring the universities up and explain your certificate situation. Say I don't want to miss out on opportunity because of this, what can I do? You can also say in application you've been a full time home maker , but now ,as kids are growing up or whatever, seeking a return to education in order to build foundation for a career as a history teacher.

Springcatkin · 27/06/2020 19:07

@Beebityboo I just put down as much as I could remember and guessed the exam board. I knew the dates and subjects as they have always been on my cv thankfully and I knew most of the grades just had to guesstimate which grades in which subjects. But realistically they are only worried about English and Maths at GCSE if you have A levels

Springcatkin · 27/06/2020 19:10

I got good help on here about talking about 'transferable skills' learned thro work / parenthood when it came to the personal statement and how the course related to my aspirations

sanityisamyth · 27/06/2020 19:19

I started last September at the age of 36. Loving every second of it!

QuestionableMouse · 27/06/2020 19:20

You could do an access course if needed @Beebityboo. Might actually be a good idea to ease back into studying?

2ndAugust · 27/06/2020 19:26

My best friend has just finished a three year course and graduated at the age of 47, it was intense as well as being a single mum of three she carried on working throughout. I am beyond proud of her, and it’s really going to change her life. Never too late.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 20:38

So I have checked all the exam boards I would have taken my GCSES with and they have all suspended their services so I am at a loss as to what to do.
Going to have to call the admissions department first thing Monday and hope for the best!

OP posts:
Silvercatowner · 27/06/2020 20:45

Your school will know which exam board you did your GCSEs at - but I highly doubt that information is essential for an undergrad.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 27/06/2020 20:52

My school was demolished and the one that was built on the site is closed due to Covid. I am just really hoping I can sort it out and have got myself in a bit of a flap about it.

OP posts:
Silvercatowner · 27/06/2020 20:57

The local authority will have the info then. (My work brings me into contact with Uni admissions...).

Silvercatowner · 27/06/2020 20:58

And even if schools are closed for the children, there will still be someone in the admin office. Good luck!

Maturestudentneedshelp · 27/06/2020 21:00

Entering third year on my degree - I am in my forties, the ONLY mature student on my degree (unless you count the 21 yr old) and I love it!! First year was a little tough but it all settles down by the second term. Did an access course - had no idea where my GCSE certificates were and they didn't care. Turns out that just by knowing my name, year of graduation and the secondary school, they could confirm my grades if they wanted too (they didn't bother).

Honestly its been one of the best decisions of my life! Go for it!!

WhoKnowsWhatsAroundTheCorner · 28/06/2020 08:22

Reading with interest
My son has just finished a Biomedical Degree in Scotland, and wants to try and apply for PGDE in primary teaching - I know that’s hard to get into and unlikely at this stage.

A pp said you have to apply by 30 June - he’s told me applications don’t open till 30 June.

Could someone give me a quick summary of how it works at this point. Or tell me where to look online.

DS doesn’t have a current UCAS application open at this time.