go back to school

I picked up an application yesterday and tomorrow I speak with an
adviser. Hopefully I’ll be attending classes in the Spring semester.

Yesterday I took a test that was compulsory for becoming an eligible candidate to one of the universities I’m applying to. Not going to say more about that, I’m just glad it’s over!

I got my second offer today, this conditional offer came from Exeter. Similar requirements to Reading, and the IELTS test score should be very much achievable (at least I hope so).

I’m not completely sure how I feel about Exeter. The course I applied to is Philosophy and Political Economy, and what I’ve read of the programme structure it sounds promising. Plus Exeter has risen in the league tables in recent years. I would be lying if I said rankings didn’t matter – if I’m going to do my undergraduate (and masters) in a country where tuition fees are 3000+ pounds per year, I want to be sure I’m not taking a huge loan for nothing, you know?

Luckily I don’t need to make any decisions yet, three more universities to go!

I suppose now would be the time to catch up on this goal, for a lot has happened that I did not want to talk about too early on. Now that things seem to be rolling, though, I thought I could raise the curtain of mystery just a little.

I’ve been struggling with educational possibilities that Finland has to offer ever since I graduated from high school (gymnasium? lyceum? secondary school?), because nothing seems to be interesting enough. When I was still at school, I had plans on continuing my studies abroad, Ireland was my first option back then. That idea was pushed aside (but not completely forgotten) for a couple of years, and although this sounds rushed, meeting A got me thinking about the possibility of going to university in some other country.

As it is, A will be tied to his PhD for the next four years and that is an awfully long time to not be together, and so I started researching what it’d take to go to uni in England. I know this looks like I’m considering going to the UK just because of A but it’s not like that. Sure he is a factor I need to consider in my plans but the real motivator is studying something inspiring and getting on a course that truly fascinates me. Finnish universities don’t offer such courses, less resources and so on – understandable – so why not go abroad if possible?

Long story short, I sent out my UCAS application couple of weeks ago, and ever since I’ve been waiting for the status quo to change – meaning some decisions from the universities as to whether or not they offer me a place. I know it’s early but universities may offer some candidates a place even before the deadline (which is, by the way, on Jan 15th). I could list the 5 universities I chose but I’m a little too superstitious concerning one of my choices, I don’t want to jinx it by mentioning it too early on, so here’s what I’ll do: I’ll reveal my choices as the status of my application changes.

I’ve actually gotten one conditional offer already, from Reading which happens to be the uni where A is doing his PhD. To be honest, I picked this university sort of as a backup choice as it has somewhat lower entry requirements than my other options, and the course I applied there isn’t quite the one I’m most interested in but very close anyway. And to be fair, studying in Reading would diminish the distance between us massively. As for the conditions of the offer, part of it I’ve already achieved, so now it’s all about the IELTS score, I’m planning on taking the test early next year.

As for the course? It’s somewhat a surprise to myself as well, but I found a course that seems to correspond with my interests so well! Philosophy, Politics and Economics, shortly PPE, it is, and although it might not seem like it’s really my thing, what I’ve read about the course, it really seems stimulating and challenging, and since it combines three different subjects, it also offers a variety of possibilities, which is always a good thing. Not too many universities offer PPE but there are variations, such as Philosophy and Political Economy.

Now there isn’t much else to do than wait, late next month I should get some information from one university but other than that, I might have to wait till next year before anything changing.

Going back to school seems to tie in with my need to quit my job. I’m working in software design right now, but in the wrong industry. I’m trying to lean more towards game design, not scrap management solutions (UGH… it bores me to death). It either means I need a MSc in game design, so that I can also get an internship, or I need to just get lucky and somehow land a job in the industry. School may be the answer, but for now, I won’t put a date on this one.

Working on obtaining a dependancy override, once that happens I’ll be set to register for classes next semester.

So far I need to

1. Get transcripts
2. Fill out and mail paperwork sent with Unoffical Awards Letter, and a copy of 2008 signed/dated Federal Tax Return
3. Get letter from a professional and friend/family member
4. Write personal letter

I got crushed last time I went to school. Man was I overwellmed by deadlines, work, baby, and family, not to mention training. I had a lot on my plate when I first signed up for school. And too tell you the truth. I got the same thing going on now. With the exception of the job. Its a full plate but what I did in the past is past. I’m looking foward to the future. And in the future I see myself being very successful. Struggle builds strength my friends. Struggle builds strength. I look foward to the challenge. Because mothafucka’s saying you can’t. And I’m going to prove them wrong.

I went by the school today and turned in the remainin items needed to the Admissions, Financial Aid, and Testing Offices. It took me 2 trips to each office…back and forth and back and forth and back and forth…but it’s done. And, I’m signed up for my placement test! Woo hoo! I’m a little nervous about the placement test. I haven’t really had to use any brain cells in YEARS. The first part of the test is an essay. The computer gives you a random subject and you have 80 minutes to write about it. What the heck am I supposed to write for 80 minutes?? That’s all for today…............

Do I really want to do this? Am I perhaps (probably… almost certainly) doing this for lack of any better idea and a lackluster impression of the real world?

I have applied for financial aid, I had my transcripts sent, I went to see an advisor, and am filling out the application for admission. I have decided on being a teacher. Now, I just have to decide between Elementary or Secondary Education. I have my first 2 years of school to decide that. Whew! So, now I just need to turn in my application for admission, and take my entrance exam. Wish me luck!!!!

I wish tuition was cheap. Then I would just go back for – taking classes that interest me, with no particular end in sight. But it’s so expensive to just do for fun. There used to be a great adult ed program where I lived where you could take interesting classes, not for college credit, at great low prices. Then I moved. No such luck here. I’ll be paying real college tuition. Photography, art, writing, and comparative religion come to mind first. Followed by Chinese history, theory of government, database management & landscaping.

Funny, when I actually was going to college I was so focused on graduating, that I wasn’t interested in any of it. Or not funny – really really sad. Really.