Can I go to Uni or experience something???? Please

[andover888]

Any advice appreciated. My 18 year old daughter is really desperate to experience University or something similar. She was mega gutted seeing her friends go off to their Universities and depart for that independent life. She left school at 16 years old to do a diploma in Holistic Therapies which she obtained (all but one element) She only took this route only because of some personal problems which she is still working on. She has GSEs grade Cs and really isn't sure what she would study or what options are open to her at present. She has mentioned an interest in Science, Media and Animals. Bottom line is could she go to a Uni with her current grades? Help!!!

[Buenchico]

To get into Uni, your daughter either needs to get some A-levels or take an access course. I used to teach A-level maths and I'd have serious reservations about anyone studying for an A-level course if they hadn't already obtained an A*, A (or possibly a B) at GCSE. (Obviously that doesn't apply to subjects where the A-level curriculum doesn't depend upon a sound knowledge of the GCSE curriculum). The best route for your daughter might be to take an access course. This website provides a good starting point:
http://www.aimhigher.ac.uk/student_info/access _course.cfm

In terms of a choice of subjects, most university courses to do with animals require incredibly good A-level grades (or equivalent qualifications). Vetinerary Science, for example, is the hardest course to get a place on. (It's even harder than getting a place to train as a doctor). To study most branches of science at university, you normally require A-level Maths. From the three areas you've mentioned, Media Studies (or something similar) is the one area of study that doesn't rely heavily upon previous studies.

Chris

[andover888]

Many thanks Buenchico. We are going to mull over the link that you gave us. ATB

[Eric Git]

Hi Andover,

If you are still mulling things over I thought I'd let you know that your daughter deosn't have to have A level maths for science, I know as my duaghter doesn't, she didn't even take A level Maths, and was accepted at Kings College London for Science. If your daughter is interested in sciencea dn health, why not point her in the direction of doing a Health and Social Science course AVCE, it woul dhelp her get a job in either social work, or any of the broader health positions, and if she liked it she could go on and take a degree in it. If not then why doesn't she look at working away from home on a nursing course at a hospital, it's not like it used to be and in fact there are now nursing degrees, after which she could go on and do a nursing practitioner's degree, all of which she would be paid to do, get on the job training and be away from home so that she gained independence.

Good luck

[Solarjunkie]

Another way to expeience the independant life would be to go on a residential volunteer placement with Community Service Volunteers, CSV.
http://www.csv.org.uk/
Look into it, it's a wonderful way for ayoung person to grow!

[rs6quattro]

Can I go out on a limb here? Im a 23 yr old guy, and even though lm not old, lve learned a lot from experience about how my life should be going with regards to uni, work etc. Be careful and dont rush into doing uni. Ive got good and various qualifications, but have tried uni twice and really found it wasnt me. I had some personal problems, and everyones not the same but I found they really got in the way of my concentration and trying to find out who I really was/am. I stuck it out in the working world plainly as a receptionist in a hotel when really my whole background is engineering, and two years later (now) Im an assistant manager in a great city centre hotel. Uni isnt the be all and end all of everything. Maybe travel would be good, or even moving a little bit away to really discover herself, develop and maintain her independence. If she really does want science, media etc, sometimes a good way to start is a job in the industry, even if it starts bottom rung. Just a thought! Its amazing where you can take yourself ;)