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The mature student

Posted on 30 July 2013 - 09:43am

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As postgrad admission requirements vary by institution, applicants must be thorough in their research.

Worried about returning to the classroom after years of working? The thought of going back to university to do a postgraduate degree can send a shiver down one's spine, more so when questions and doubts are thrown into the mix. But there are ways to make your academic homecoming a pleasant and fulfilling one. The solution is to understand the situation you are in and how universities evaluate applications by mature students. People fall into the category of "mature student" (also known as "adult learner") for various purposes: some are mid-career employees who may have several years of work experience under their belts; others could be individuals who have raised families and have various reasons for studying once again. Whatever the reason may be, mature student status simply means that one now has the chance to prove his or her academic potential via means that aren't purely academic in nature. Although there is no single predetermined set of criteria, the definition of mature student is generally the same across different countries. You will be recognised by most universities as being an applicant who isn't directly entering higher education from school or college. You must also be above a certain age and have been out of full-time studies for a certain number of years. When you decide to take up studies as a mature student, remember that you are not alone in your quest. While the number of students varies from course to course or university to university, you will find that there are many like-minded individuals. In any case, there is much to be gained by forging new friendships and supporting each other through the hardships you may face in your new endeavour. Applying as a mature student isn't unlike applying for a job; indeed, there are many similarities between the two processes. With the right planning and approach, you will be able to increase your chances of landing a place in the programme.
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The mature student | theSundaily

Here is a checklist of what you need to prepare: CV Prepare a CV for your applications, and bear in mind that the same rules apply. Limit it to two pages and load it with only the necessary information; in this case, details which are pertinent to the postgraduate course you're applying for. Examination transcripts Have certified copies of your exam results ready at all times. If you have any training certificates, don't forget to include those too. Feel free to exclude the transcripts that you feel are irrelevant to your course and what you plan to do after you complete it. Personal statement Many applicants find this to be the hardest to prepare. However, you can hit the nail on the head by answering the key questions: What influenced me to go back to school? Have I taken any relevant courses before? What do I wish to do after I complete my postgraduate study? Remember to limit the length of your statement (even if no word limit is given, it shouldn't be longer than one A4 page) and have someone proofread it for you. References Have at least two letters of recommendation prepared for your applications. Preferably, one should be work-related and the other academic, and they should be from referees with senior titles such as manager or director. These documents should form a fair and positive assessment of your capabilities, characteristics and qualities as an employee and a student. Preparing for the final push Once you have your documents organised and ready, be sure to make a list of the different application deadlines. The last thing you need at this point is to send in your application late, which will be categorically rejected. You should keep in mind that it is a competitive playing field, and universities must consider many applications within a short period of time. Some universities may require you to attend an interview prior to admission. Think of this as the same as a job interview; it is your chance to impress the interviewer. Before the scheduled interview, perform a dry run with friends or family members. This will help you communicate your intentions clearly and give you a well-deserved boost of confidence on the big day. Another aspect of the interview process that you can prepare for is the questions. What did you do after completing your first degree? What convinced you to apply for this course? How do you intend to finance your education? Interviewers will usually stick to a fixed set of questions, so it's best to have the answers on hand. Meeting international standards While universities don't rely solely on standardised test scores to make admission decisions, these scores give them a basic idea of your ability to do postgraduate-level work. Postgraduate admission requirements vary by institution. However, there are a few standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL that most institutions use as a basic gauge of applicants' language and general technical knowledge. These tests are set by organisations separate and independent from any institutions to ensure a fair and impartial assessment of the prospective students' ability to study at postgraduate level. Usually, you need to have your test scores sent directly to the institutions to which you are applying. Thus, it's important to take any required tests in a timely manner to avoid delaying the processing and evaluation of your application. Source: GTI Media, a leading graduate careers media and research business

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The mature student | theSundaily

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