I recently participated in interviews to continue my degree at a university level and enter into my final year to complete it. I have been through the UCAS process three times now: my first experience, applying for English Literature, was a huge disaster. Going through changes in my life such as living away from home, moving schools and the addition of being a moody sixteen year old meant choosing the wrong A levels, rarely attending and being disrespectful towards myself, my teachers and my parents. My parents are supportive: there's no question about that, but when choosing my A Levels I was guided by many to steer away from the more artistic courses, though my sixth form didn't offer many. At the time I had decided I wanted to become a psychologist or teach English Literature, and therefore with a little push in the right (wrong) direction, my choices were made. Psychology, Chemistry, Biology and English. What I had failed to look into was the difference between my high school and sixth form: participating in MYP instead of GCSE meant I was far behind on two of the subjects, and had learnt a completely different curriculum to another. Choosing the wrong A levels meant I felt relatively stuck in terms of my choices for university, and I was unsure as to whether I even wanted to attend: I was miserable. After a long conversation with my parents and teachers, and a lot of debate and long nights I decided to defer my application for a year.
University had always been my dream: my dad was the only one in my family that had attended and recieved a degree, and I knew I wanted to follow his footsteps and make him proud. Taking a year out meant trying to get a job. When I eventually managed, it was a crazy concoction: working as a helper for costume characters, handing out flyers, working as a runner on fashion shoots and most importantly, working with a magazine. It was here I realised that what I had wanted to do all along was right in front of me: design. I rekindled my love for the creative process, and there lay my second UCAS application, to study a foundation degree in graphic design.
My experience with UCAS meant that my third application process was quick, easy, and almost effortless. On the other hand, I had only ever attended one course interview, for the foundation degree I am currently studying and therefore this element of the process was daunting.
My first interview was for a University which didn't offer a top up year. After emailing the course leaders and admissions guide, it was my understanding that the course allowed for entry into third year. After arriving at the interview and being issued a presentation on the course, it became apparent to me that this was not the case. The course differs quite vastly to the foundation degree I am undertaking: requiring you to choose a pathway in the beginning of your second year. This is the area of design you will study throughout the next two years. Within my interview my application for third year was almost immediately dismissed and I was told I could enter into second year only.
I began to consider this idea due to knowing which pathway I would choose: Editorial. This has always been the area I am most interested in. However, I do not want my portfolio to consist of one area of design and be limited for the industry.
I felt quite deflated after the interview and began to wonder if university was for me. Though I know I am not and do not feel ready to jump into the industry, the interviewers had been patronising and uninterested in my work and my plea, paying little attention to what I was saying about my work. When mentioning that I was currently creating my D&AD entry they explained my body of work was not at a standard they would expect of an entry. Whilst I understand it is important to be critical, the interviewers were quite dissuading and I was unsure as to whether I wanted to open myself to such again. After deliberation I decided to pick myself up from the experience which I can only describe as a complete disappointment, and continue on. As I mentioned earlier: coming out with a degree is important to me, and I know I am not ready for the industry just yet. Attending my next interview felt like the only option I had to progress: so biting the bullet, I attended.
This was in fact a completely different experience. After a brief presentation, we were guided around campus and handed leaflets about possible scholarships. I was then able to meet with the course leader, who explained the way their course worked and looked through my work. Though offering criticism, he described my work as raw and natural. I was made to feel comfortable, and during my interview the sole attention was on my work and how the university could benefit my style.
I understand that universities do need to be tough: with such a high amount of applications, the interview process is there to determine whether a person is suited to such a course. I do feel that an interview is also in place to allow the student to determine whether that university is where they should go. The education environment is competitive, and each course is fighting to fill their student spaces and hold a great reputation for not only the grades, but also the student life it provides. After speaking to a few students on different courses, though the university I interviewed for first had a better reputation than the latter, it's reputation for student life and treatment of those on the course was not good. Therefore, I believe that the course I have chosen was an easy choice to make: it will aid me to create a more diverse portfolio, and I also felt comfortable with the creatives I met, which I think is quite important when studying a creative course. I need to be able to place my trust in those teaching me: that they are trying to help me get to where I want to be, and also criticising me for the right reasons. With a lack of trust in those areas, I will not enjoy and be motivated during my final year.
The university process is difficult. Many of my classmates through A Levels dropped out within the first year: others came away from their degrees with low marks and little interest in pursuing. All aspects come in to play: choosing a subject at a young age to focus on for the next three years of your life, whilst going through huge changes in your personality and life. The course needs to be enjoyable and keep your interest and passion throughout, and those who are teaching you need to be trusted and hold confidence in themselves and you, whilst you hold confidence in them. With all that in mind, I am positive I have made the right choice continuing my degree and continuing it at my chosen university. I have never felt more motivated and excited for the future and all to come.
