Being Turned Down by Universites

[chrissa1]

After working for 7 years with children and having all her NVQ Levels passed, my daughter decided she wanted to become a children's nurse through University. She has paid for a years Access Course to improve her grades that the Uni's require but has just received 3 "unsuccesful" replies. There doesn't seem to be any point in her carrying on with this course, as they could all say the same thing to her next year too. She is very downhearted. How can they turn her down before she has even got started on the course? Any thoughts as to why she has been turned down at this early stage?

[Mrs Y]

Unfortunately Children's Nursing is a very competitive course and it can be difficult to get a place. It may just be that the universities she applied to had an exceptional level of applicants this year, or lots of applicants who already had the necessary qualifications. Please tell your daughter not to give up; many people fail to get an interview the first, second, even the third year of applying, but if it's want she wants to do then surely it's worth her persevering?

Personally, I'd say it's well worth her doing the Access course and seeing if she can get a bit of work experience in a healthcare capacity (rather than a childcare one), just to show that she has a wide range of experience. Get her to visit www.studentnurse.org.uk for more information and advice on the best experience to get, and how to write a killer personal statement.

I recently changed careers to pursue my dream of becoming a Midwife and, although I was constantly told how difficult and competitive it was to get a place, there was no way I was giving up without a fight. I'm now half way through my first year at university and it's the best thing I've ever done. Please don't let your daughter give up; if she gets some feedback from the universities, works hard at her Access course and tries to expand her experience I'm sure she'll get there in the end. Wish her the best of luck from me; and tell her it's worth the struggle!!

[chrissa1]

Thank you Mrs Y.

[chrissa1]

Anymore thoughts would be welcomed.