how many students do we have here?

[Bailos]

I'm currently in the last week of my Undergraduate degree, majoring in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Ancient Studies, and nearly negative job aspects.

Haha, oh how sad I am. I just see an endless sea of IT jobs and I'm sitting here hoping to tell someone about small tribes in Java and material culture. But things are looking up, I've applied to a museum technician position that's a federal job and the concept of me making $33k a year honestly makes me aroused. For most of my time in school I've been unemployed, but last March I started freelance writing to work around my changing class schedule, and I'm set to make $800 or so this month. Not quite enough to actually live on, but hey, it's something.

 

[FPLOON]

I'm just a dude in a community college in the SoCal area, hoping to finally transfer over to a private christian college so that I can get my (English) BD in Creative Writing...

So far, all I'm doing is retaking classes not only because of increasing my transfer GPA, but also because I don't have any other classes I need to take before applying to transfer to said private christian college...

 

[Eamar]

I'd like to get into Uni, and (preferrably) do Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics(it doesn't require an A level in Philosophy, there's just a "logical reasoning" entrance test, requirements, A*AA), if my predicted grades won't be all that great, then I will do English Literature and Language(requirements AAA).

I know you're aiming for Oxford, and I'm going to roll my reply to your message into this post in case anyone else finds it useful.

Above all else: if (as your post implies) you're planning on changing the course you apply for just because you're worried you might not get the grades for Oxford for your preferred one... DO. NOT. DO. IT. Seriously. I did, and it was the single biggest mistake of my life. Oxford is nice, but it's not worth giving up the course you really want to study. The workload is insane, much more so than at other universities that are, frankly, just as good like UCL (where my sister is doing a very similar course to me, so yes I do have grounds to make that comparison). At other universities you'll have a few essays a term. At Oxford you will have one or two every week, and the reading lists will be just as long as elsewhere. Terms are ludicrously short, so weekends don't exist here, and it's normal to work late into the night most days (in Finals year, most of my friends are consistently working until 10-11pm). And the pressure is immense - it truly is a hothouse. Honestly, if you don't love your course and are not fully committed to it, you are not going to have a good time and will probably become bitter and resentful. I speak from experience. Add to all that the fact that the institution is woefully stuck in the past (the mental health policies at some colleges are literally Victorian), and the attrition rate is high, despite what the heavily doctored drop-out statistics may tell you.

I'm not trying to scare you off exactly, but I do feel very strongly that applicants deserve a more honest portrayal than they normally get. There are good points, I've had some great experiences as well as the bad, and some people do take to it like a duck to water, but a lot don't. Other institutions are rapidly catching up (if not surpassing us in some areas) in terms of academic excellence, and they're doing it without being as punishing as Oxford. Above all though, ALWAYS put the course before the institution. Oxbridge is not the be all and end all. I know it can seem that way when you're applying, but honestly, if I'd known then what I know now I would have stuck to my guns and done the course I really wanted to do somewhere else.

(To answer your question about grades, I got A*A*AA, and unless you're from a very underprivileged background you really do need to meet the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.)

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

I'd like to get into Uni, and (preferrably) do Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics(it doesn't require an A level in Philosophy, there's just a "logical reasoning" entrance test, requirements, A*AA), if my predicted grades won't be all that great, then I will do English Literature and Language(requirements AAA).

I know you're aiming for Oxford, and I'm going to roll my reply to your message into this post in case anyone else finds it useful.

Above all else: if (as your post implies) you're planning on changing the course you apply for just because you're worried you might not get the grades for Oxford for your preferred one... DO. NOT. DO. IT. Seriously. I did, and it was the single biggest mistake of my life. Oxford is nice, but it's not worth giving up the course you really want to study. The workload is insane, much more so than at other universities that are, frankly, just as good like UCL (where my sister is doing a very similar course to me, so yes I do have grounds to make that comparison). At other universities you'll have a few essays a term. At Oxford you will have one or two every week, and the reading lists will be just as long as elsewhere. Terms are ludicrously short, so weekends don't exist here, and it's normal to work late into the night most days (in Finals year, most of my friends are consistently working until 10-11pm). And the pressure is immense - it truly is a hothouse. Honestly, if you don't love your course and are not fully committed to it, you are not going to have a good time and will probably become bitter and resentful. I speak from experience. Add to all that the fact that the institution is woefully stuck in the past (the mental health policies at some colleges are literally Victorian), and the attrition rate is high, despite what the heavily doctored drop-out statistics may tell you.

I'm not trying to scare you off exactly, but I do feel very strongly that applicants deserve a more honest portrayal than they normally get. There are good points, I've had some great experiences as well as the bad, and some people do take to it like a duck to water, but a lot don't. Other institutions are rapidly catching up (if not surpassing us in some areas) in terms of academic excellence, and they're doing it without being as punishing as Oxford. Above all though, ALWAYS put the course before the institution. Oxbridge is not the be all and end all. I know it can seem that way when you're applying, but honestly, if I'd known then what I know now I would have stuck to my guns and done the course I really wanted to do somewhere else.

(To answer your question about grades, I got A*A*AA, and unless you're from a very underprivileged background you really do need to meet the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.)

Thank you for your response!

I will see what happens with my exam results, I probably won't change it because doing A2 Physics is just diametrically opposed to what I'd like to do in life, and I do feel that I'd be able to plow through whatever it takes for Eng Lit and Psychology at least: they are two subjects that I never tire of. I am sure that I can get A*s for both of them, however, less so for French, which is what bugs me.

French is more of a utility imho, but I have a good enough teacher that it isn't painful to learn, however, I feel very doubtful of the prospect of getting more than a B, so my predicted grade for that might remain a B into A2, which would assassinate my application.

Still, high hopes, chin up and whatnot.

One more question: for the grades, those are the predicted grades you get after AS, right? Or is there something I'm missing?

 

[The Squid King]

I'm not far from completing my BMus majoring in composition. Intellectually very demanding and it probably wont get me a job but it was enjoyable to do. Just have to finish this year.

 

[SaberXIII]

Yeah, I'm a student, too. 20 years old, just coming to the end of my second year of my English degree (and at this very moment procrastinating over an essay on BioShock, of all things). In two years I've realised that I simply can't stand reading books, but I am a big fan of critical analyse, so it could be worse. I'm currently taking every opportunity to get some foreign teaching experience, as I am looking to become a teacher of English in Japan once I'm finished. I've been a manga artist for about five years, now, and my end goal is to earn a living teaching whilst I improve my skill in an attempt to get a series.

 

[Eamar]

One more question: for the grades, those are the predicted grades you get after AS, right? Or is there something I'm missing?

They're the actual A Level grades you need to get in. They'll work from your post-AS predicted grades when deciding who to interview, but obviously you do need to actually achieve them to get in (I'm sure you knew that, but just to be clear).

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

One more question: for the grades, those are the predicted grades you get after AS, right? Or is there something I'm missing?

They're the actual A Level grades you need to get in. They'll work from your post-AS predicted grades when deciding who to interview, but obviously you do need to actually achieve them to get in (I'm sure you knew that, but just to be clear).

Oh okay, once again, thanks for the help!

It really put my mind at ease, or at the least, gave me a sense of certainty about things.

 

[Eamar]

Oops, never actually made an OT post (though my previous ones sum up how I feel about the whole situation):

Until a few weeks ago I was in my final year of my BA Ancient and Modern History, but I'm now having to take some time out for health reasons. I'll be returning in January to write my thesis and sit my exams. As per my previous post, I hate my degree and should have stuck with what I always planned and done Biology or Zoology.

Once this degree's out of the way, I'll be doing a second degree in Biology through the Open University. For non-Brits, it's distance-learning based and designed so that you can study alongside having a normal adult life (work, family, etc). Takes longer than conventional university, but it's more accessible and affordable, and its degrees are respected by traditional institutions. After that I'll go back into full-time education for postgraduate study, and ultimately I want to be a cetologist (scientist studying whales).

I'm 22, for the record.

Oh okay, once again, thanks for the help!

It really put my mind at ease, or at the least, gave me a sense of certainty about things.

No worries. Good luck!

 

[rosac]

I'm a final year, I finish in 2 weeks, didn't get onto my post graduate course and failed to get a job with the students union yayyyyyyyyyy

 

[Sonicron]

I want to be a teacher (English/geography), so I'm shooting for the Master of Education degree. I'm still a student, but I'll be done soon. ... Hell, I'm basically done already, I'm just waiting for my profs to get a move on and slap a grade on my Master's thesis, so that I may finally get my diploma.

 

[Aarun]

Currently about to finish the first year of my undergraduate degree in History (although honestly, my module choices and preferences have gone more towards Archaeology and Ancient History this year) and I'm averaging around the level of a first, which hopefully I'll be able to maintain in the coming two years.

As for the future, I have no plans, no goals, nothing. My only "plan" is to wing it.

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

I'm 3rd year Uni in Australia studying software engineering. Changed from mechatronic engineering after finding out there was so much maths involved and that I really liked programming, spent the intervening time finding out that three quarters of the course is still maths. There's a certain naive irony to doing work you hate for years in the hope of getting a job doing work you love.

 

[m1garand23]

I'm a 1st year, Joint Honours student studying Archaeology and Medieval history in a little university in wales called lampeter. Got my fist exams coming up in a few days, but all my essays have been submitted, so just the exams and then a 2 week dig at a medieval monastery, Its going to be good. And then on to the final two years. After that i'm kind of unsure. but i'll reach that point when i get there.

 

[thedoclc]

I originally completed a BA in Psychology and Political Science, then military, then nearly finished a BS in Biology and Chemistry (as separate majors, not Biochem), and am currently three days from finishing medical school.

 

[Folksoul]

2nd year university, looking at Political Science as my major in September. 3-4 courses at a time to keep tuition bills low-ish and not cause total essay overload. Working 30+ hour s a week too. I'm trying to get through this without a loan if possible. Federal/Provincial education subsidies keep it relativity affordable, about $4000 CAD a year rounding up.

 

[L. Declis]

Yeah, I'm a student, too. 20 years old, just coming to the end of my second year of my English degree (and at this very moment procrastinating over an essay on BioShock, of all things). In two years I've realised that I simply can't stand reading books, but I am a big fan of critical analyse, so it could be worse. I'm currently taking every opportunity to get some foreign teaching experience, as I am looking to become a teacher of English in Japan once I'm finished. I've been a manga artist for about five years, now, and my end goal is to earn a living teaching whilst I improve my skill in an attempt to get a series.

*Analysis*

Can I be a little bit harsh here?

If you do not want to be an English teacher for the sake of being an English teacher, don't become one. It's not an easy job. You are not paid huge amounts. You will not get respect, people will look down on you. If you are a foreign English teacher, they are going to assume you're a "back home loser". Trust me; you're doing it for the love, or you won't last.

I have worked in scanlation groups for a few years. I know a few people who have the same dream as you. Which leads me to...

Secondly, you're not going to become a manga artist. Sorry, but let's be realistic. Do you know how many people are trying to be manga artists? Do you know how many succeed? Don't let the anime's about mangaka fool you; it's not easy to get, it's about luck as much as work, and there is a real chance you may not be able to write what the Japanese want. Is it racist? Yes. Welcome to Asia.

Do you already have a drawing portfolio? No, not a DeviantArt account. Do you have an online manga? Because I know several Chinese and Koreans who have already begun drawing and putting their work onto manga sites. If you're not already doing it, you're probably not ever going to start. It's like when people say they're writers, but don't spend every day writing.

You want to get into animation or comics or whatever? Move to California. That's where the animation studios are. Work there. Get contacts. Get a reputation. Get a background.

But if you are just another foreigner who comes to Japan with a Naruto headband and a pen who wants to just turn up and draw, you're going to be leaving Japan in a year considering it a waste.

 

[Zeke17]

I just finished my Associates of Science in Nursing degree this week. I can now work as an RN while I continue my education by earning my Masters of Science in Nursing and then hopefully my PHD in research. My ultimate goal is to work in pharmaceutical research.

 

[SaberXIII]

Yeah, I'm a student, too. 20 years old, just coming to the end of my second year of my English degree (and at this very moment procrastinating over an essay on BioShock, of all things). In two years I've realised that I simply can't stand reading books, but I am a big fan of critical analyse, so it could be worse. I'm currently taking every opportunity to get some foreign teaching experience, as I am looking to become a teacher of English in Japan once I'm finished. I've been a manga artist for about five years, now, and my end goal is to earn a living teaching whilst I improve my skill in an attempt to get a series.

*Analysis*

Can I be a little bit harsh here?

If you do not want to be an English teacher for the sake of being an English teacher, don't become one. It's not an easy job. You are not paid huge amounts. You will not get respect, people will look down on you. If you are a foreign English teacher, they are going to assume you're a "back home loser". Trust me; you're doing it for the love, or you won't last.

I have worked in scanlation groups for a few years. I know a few people who have the same dream as you. Which leads me to...

Secondly, you're not going to become a manga artist. Sorry, but let's be realistic. Do you know how many people are trying to be manga artists? Do you know how many succeed? Don't let the anime's about mangaka fool you; it's not easy to get, it's about luck as much as work, and there is a real chance you may not be able to write what the Japanese want. Is it racist? Yes. Welcome to Asia.

Do you already have a drawing portfolio? No, not a DeviantArt account. Do you have an online manga? Because I know several Chinese and Koreans who have already begun drawing and putting their work onto manga sites. If you're not already doing it, you're probably not ever going to start. It's like when people say they're writers, but don't spend every day writing.

You want to get into animation or comics or whatever? Move to California. That's where the animation studios are. Work there. Get contacts. Get a reputation. Get a background.

But if you are just another foreigner who comes to Japan with a Naruto headband and a pen who wants to just turn up and draw, you're going to be leaving Japan in a year considering it a waste.

Don't worry, I know all of that, I've been told time and time again and, to be honest, I don't expect I can just rock up and succeed. Hell, I just finished my first manga and it really wasn't up to much. But, hey, we all need a dream, right? I'm interested in teaching English as a foreign language anyway, so I'm happy to be stuck doing that, but regardless of what happens I'd much rather be able to look back on my life and think about what I failed to do than think about what I never even tried. Plus, if it doesn't work out, I can always go into something else. You seem like you're a genuine kind of guy, so I really do appreciate the concern.

 

[L. Declis]

*Captain Snip Fon Snip of Dalmasca*

Don't worry, I know all of that, I've been told time and time again and, to be honest, I don't expect I can just rock up and succeed. Hell, I just finished my first manga and it really wasn't up to much. But, hey, we all need a dream, right? I'm interested in teaching English as a foreign language anyway, so I'm happy to be stuck doing that, but regardless of what happens I'd much rather be able to look back on my life and think about what I failed to do than think about what I never even tried. Plus, if it doesn't work out, I can always go into something else. You seem like you're a genuine kind of guy, so I really do appreciate the concern.

Well, good luck. If you've stuck your manga online, throw a link at me and I'll give it a read and some feedback. Otherwise, I can only wish you luck.

My other advice is this; In most foreign countries, people don't speak English. If you want to have a chance to really enjoy yourself, I'd suggest heavily working up some Japanese lessons. Many Japanese students will be happy to do an online exchange (You teach them English, they teach you Japanese) for a few hours per week, and you get some teaching experience to stick on a CV as well as a reference. Something to consider, as a fellow emigrant.