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Anyone need uni application advice?

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 117 The Mix Convert
edited March 27 in Work & Study
Hi guys!
So, I am a first year Classicist at uni and remember my own experience of applying rather vividly. I imagine that many open days etc have been cancelled, and you have all been thrown in the deep end a bit with applications. So, I just wanted to offer a helping hand with anything I can- from personal statements and UCAS to interviews and any fears/questions about uni that you may want answering. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I have gone through it all rather recently so hope I can offer some advice from the other side. 
I also went through the Oxbridge application process successfully, so happy to answer any questions I can. Clearly, I can't do it for you, but hopefully can assuage some of the fears and confusions. 
Much love to all,
AJ xx 
Post edited by JustV on
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  • Former MemberFormer Member Living the Zen life 🧘🏼‍♀️ Posts: 1,989 Extreme Poster
    @_AJ_ That's so amazing of you to offer! I don't have any questions myself right now but I have accepted a uni offer for September but it's so stressful not knowing what grades we will get and there being no exams! 
    Eleanor x
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 117 The Mix Convert
    Hey @MountainPeak
    Exciting! What did you apply to do? 
    Yeah- I imagine the grades stress may be tricky.  What grades did you need? I think it’s about waiting and trusting people will do the right thing. You guys have an earlier results day now, I’ve heard, so hopefully that gives you more time to set things in order if need be. 
    You looking forward to uni? 
    Aj xx
  • Former MemberFormer Member Living the Zen life 🧘🏼‍♀️ Posts: 1,989 Extreme Poster
    @_AJ_ I'm doing Psychology and Neuroscience, the advertised grades were AAB but I got offered BCC which is great. And yes, I am very excited!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 199 Trailblazer
    That's really nice of you!
    I went to uni already but I quit and reapplying next year. Do you have any experience on how you can make the uni take mental health issues seriously?
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 117 The Mix Convert
    ThePigeons said:
    That's really nice of you!
    I went to uni already but I quit and reapplying next year. Do you have any experience on how you can make the uni take mental health issues seriously?
    @ThePigeons
    Ah okay! I think my main advise is to declare it on your UCAS form- make it clear as early as possible. You should then get the chance to apply for the DSA (disabled students allowance)  I don’t know if you did that before? I have got a lot of software etc as well as a specialist mentor. You should qualify for this (and any other disability support) if your mental health problems have lasted, or are likely to last for more than a year and have a significant impact on daily life (https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010) It’s really helped me. 
    I’m at a collegiate uni so we have a lot more interaction with support staff, but it’s worth familiarising yourself early with the disability officers (both student reps- they are there to fight on your behalf for your rights!) and staff, as well as welfare teams. Make contact before you start at uni- I also got in touch with my college nurse as I need regular health monitoring due to my ED. 
    The disability officer for me helped me set up a student support plan, for my tutors to make sure  they are aware and giving me exam arrangements etc. Have you had things like that in the past? 
    Managing GPs is tricky, but worth getting on your side as they can also advocate for your rights. 
    There should be student welfare support as well- we have a peer support system (I am actually a trained peer supporter as well!) which is helpful for settling in. Use all the resources available! 
    If you know the support you want, ask. That’s my biggest piece of advice- you know yourself best and they have a right to help! 
    Do you have professional support team at all? A therapist? Uni’s should have counselling services as well- but look into any and all support! 
    All my love and let me know if I can help any more. 
    Aj xx
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 199 Trailblazer
    edited April 2020
    @_AJ_ wow thanks! I'm reapplying to the uni I was at before to finish my degree. I always knew there was something wrong but I just recently got my diagnoses and they're still figuring out another one. So I didn't mention it when I started there. I had one year of extra financing so I can't ask for that again. It's still unclear what I can and cannot do so it's a bit difficult to clarify it to them. But I will make contact with the support soon thankyou!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Moderator Posts: 343 The Mix Regular
    @_AJ_ lovely supportive idea! I’m sure those of us who have been to uni will also jump in to offer advice if needed :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 117 The Mix Convert
    ThePigeons said:
    @_AJ_ wow thanks! I'm reapplying to the uni I was at before to finish my degree. I always knew there was something wrong but I just recently got my diagnoses and they're still figuring out another one. So I didn't mention it when I started there. I had one year of extra financing so I can't ask for that again. It's still unclear what I can and cannot do so it's a bit difficult to clarify it to them. But I will make contact with the support soon thankyou!
    Ah nice! Did you enjoy it there at least, even though MH was difficult? 
    Okay- its definitely worth mentioning diagnoses now as they have a duty of care towards you more than ever. Plus, diagnoses can often help them understand exactly what is going on. Do you mind if I ask what exactly you've been diagnosed with as I may have some more specific advice? Totally okay if you don't want to share though. 
    Re funding, as far as I know, the DSA should be available for as long as you are studying? They don't give you money, but rather fund software, hardware (I get a printer, for example) and mentoring. 
    Deffo make contact with support and let me know if I can do anything to help!
    xxx
  • AzzimanAzziman Moderator, Community Champion Posts: 2,073 Boards Champion
    _AJ_ said:
    Hi guys!
    So, I am a first year Classicist at uni and remember my own experience of applying rather vividly. I imagine that many open days etc have been cancelled, and you have all been thrown in the deep end a bit with applications. So, I just wanted to offer a helping hand with anything I can- from personal statements and UCAS to interviews and any fears/questions about uni that you may want answering. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I have gone through it all rather recently so hope I can offer some advice from the other side. 
    I also went through the Oxbridge application process successfully, so happy to answer any questions I can. Clearly, I can't do it for you, but hopefully can assuage some of the fears and confusions. 
    Much love to all,
    AJ xx 
    Likewise, happy to help with anyone with questions about university applications, life, workload etc :) AMA!
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  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,054 Wise Owl
    Lovely idea! I'm in my final year of uni (studying psychology) so happy to answer any questions too! :heart:
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