UCAS Applications
So this is the second time I am going through the UCAS process. The first time was back in 2005 when I was a student at secondary school and was applying to The University of Cambridge. This felt like a massive overreach and I was 100% sure there was no chance of be getting a place.
My sister was studying Education with Drama and English at Cambridge at the time, and both of my parents had completed a Masters in Education there. So there had been a lot of pressure for me to follow in their footsteps, and being 18, I had no idea what I wanted my life to be, or what career I wanted.
When applying to Oxbridge (Cambridge and Oxford) or for most medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/science courses the deadline for UCAS is October 15, so when I returned for my A-Level year, there was a lot of pressure. I had to start on my personal statement, and get the separate Cambridge application from our head of sixth form. It was all very intimidating, and walking into the office of our head of sixth form, she started quizzing me about why I thought I could apply to Cambridge. When I mentioned it was for an education course, she suddenly became more friendly and gave me the form. But the feeling of inadequacy I had every time I told people where I was applying never went away.
For that first personal statement, I completed so many drafts, I really had no clue what I was doing, and my dyslexia made me very self conscious about my writing abilities.
I found my first personal statement the other day, and I’m shocked I submitted it, let alone got an interview! I wrote about my passions for learning and educating, how my A-levels fit perfectly with the course, how I was a well rounded young lady, volunteering for a local sports charity for children with special needs, as well as preforming in local musical theatre productions. I remember at the time, trying to fit in, any and all experience I had (which wasn’t a lot). But this time round, 15 years later, life experience is not something I am short on.
It is so wonderful to look back at that young person, and actively have the time to reflect on all the changes that have occurred over the past 15 years, and how differently I viewed the application this time; and education in general. The first time going to university, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, I was going because this was where a series of paths had lead me, and I needed that transition phase between child and adult.
This time however, I know who I am a lot more, and I know what I want. This isn't the natural next step for anyone my age, this is an active choice I am making, and I am filled with excitement, not only for becoming a midwife and having the pleasure to assist women bringing life into the world, but also to go back into education and learn again. I think for a lot of people going straight to university from secondary school, that passion for learning may be guttering. At least I know that was the case for me, 14 years of non stop education, it was hard to feel that desire to learn. But now, out of education for 15 years, I can not wait to get back and start learning again. And this time as an adult, with all the confidence of someone more comfortable in their own skin.
This time round, writing my personal statement was a pleasure. It flowed so easily, and the time and effort I spent editing, and perfecting it, brought joy. I was writing again. This was something I hadn't done in any formal sense for years. It is part of the reason I started this blog, the enjoyment I got from writing had been rekindled.
It is so interesting to reflect of the differences in me as a person, my abilities, my confidence, my passions between that first application and this one. But wherever you are in life I think it is so important to believe in yourself and know what you bring to the table.
The first go round I was terrified about applying to university, I felt completely out of my depth and so lucky to get a space on any course, let alone one at Cambridge. But this time round, I believe in my abilities and know I will do the best I can, if I can just get that interview that is…
I have made another YouTube video about the UCAS application processes. If you are an aspiring midwife, or about to apply for universities go check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkL-uAP77vs
