Access Course Interview
by Today was the day that I had to man up (ha) and go in to college for the first time in over 10 years as a *gulp* mature student. That all important Access to Higher Education interview.
I received the letter in the post asking me to attend for an “informal interview” a couple of weeks ago. On the letter it simply stated I needed to attend at 10.30 and to bring with me:
- A passport sized photo
- This letter
- Any evidence for applications for support with learning difficulties
Quite simple, eh?
Anyway, I was there this morning 30 minutes early. Then had to wait 30 minutes for my interview. My nerves were shot!
I was led to the Access office to speak with the Access course manager. She was lovely, and it really was an informal interview.
The first thing she asked me was what did I last study, and further to that, why didn’t I complete it. I gave a brief rundown on how life, at the time (16-18) was extremely complicated and I moved around a lot. She seemed happy with my explanation and preceded to tell me a few times that with my GCSE grades (which were, might I add, half-decent) I should have completed my A levels years ago.
We spoke about the various pathways available, and went into the psychology and sociology pathways in more detail than the others.
Psychology pathway covers: psychology, sociology, English literature and physiology
Social Sciences pathway covers: sociology, psychology and social work
All access courses offered at my local college have mandatory units in Communication and Study skills, ICT and mathematics.
We decided between us that as I didn’t really have an interest in English literature or physiology, the Social Sciences pathway would be best for me. It’s spread over 15 hours a week which means on the current timetable I am in college 9.30 to 3.15 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Perfect! I can still work two days a week while my kids are at school and have to rely on a minimum of babysitting favours!
So the next step for me is to complete a pre-Access course in July. I have to go in to college for 6 days over 2 weeks to make sure that my numeracy and literacy skills are up to it. I also have to do some research before hand and write down the details of two different degree courses I am interested in and take this with me to the pre-Access course. Simples!
But for now, I can put my feet up knowing that once (not if!) I pass that pre-Access course, I will be a full time mature student in September!
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