When you think of University, you likely think about teenagers running wild, experiencing their first taste of adulthood and living from home. A concept which may not be all that appealing if your ‘wilder’ days are behind you. However, a recent study has found that 37% of all undergraduate students are mature students, with the figures increasing steadily each year. As a result, if you’re thinking about obtaining a degree later in life, you aren’t alone.
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What’s more, there are plenty of benefits to getting a degree (no matter how old you are at graduation). For example, it can help you to make a career out of your passion, or up your earning potential. It can also be instrumental in achieving personal growth.
With that in mind, here are some top tips you should bear in mind when applying to university as a mature student
Choose the right course.
According to a recent study, one in three university students wish they had chosen a different course. This is a startling statistic, especially when you consider the costs associated with getting a degree. As such, you should ensure that you choose your course carefully, considering not only your skills and interests but career opportunities too. You should also have a great deal of faith in yourself, as this will help you to balance out any university nerves.
Make your application stand out
Regardless of which course or university you are applying to, you’re going to be met with some competition along the way. As a result, it’s important that you know how to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, being a mature student may come to your advantage here, as you have professional experience on hand to pad out your CV. However, you may also be out of practice with studying or receive little help during the application process (whereas six formers have tutors to guide them through every step of the process). As such, it’s important that you make the most of all resources available to you. For example, if you can’t seem to conquer the all-important personal statement, you might want to enquire about personal statement writing services.
Know what support you are eligible for as a mature student
One of the biggest misgivings associated with studying as a mature student is that there is little help out there for you – as there are now more resources than ever for you to rely on. For example, many universities have childcare facilities on-site, making them the perfect location for those balancing their studies alongside raising a family. You are also eligible for funding support as a mature student, meaning you won’t be expected to pay out of pocket for your studies. This is great for those who may want to learn, but are worried about the costs associated with this endeavour. Of course, there are also plenty of ways you can cut down on the cost of studying. For example, studying part-time enables you to split the cost of your course over a few years, while also ensuring you can hold down a part-time job or freelance work.
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