Mature Applicants
Mature Students
A mature student is someone who is aged 23 or older on January 1st of the calendar year of application to third level education.
Applying to Institute of Technology Sligo as a Mature Student
Mature students, must apply to the Central Application Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglington Street, Galway on or before 1st February. Application forms can be obtained from the CAO or online at www.cao.ie. Applicants are subsequently interviewed by IT Sligo in April. The CAO also accepts ‘late applications’ before a May 1st closing date. A second round of interviews takes place in late summer in IT Sligo and late applicants are called for interview. Late mature student applicants are advised to contact the Admissions Office on 071-9155379 with their CAO Number to ensure they are invited to the first round of mature student interviews.
Making the Transition to a full-time mature student at Institute of Technology Sligo
Returning to full-time studies can be a daunting task for many people as it may involve sacrifices in income and leisure time. Mature students are also more likely to have other responsibilities and commitments.
Experience in Institute of Technology Sligo has been that mature students are highly focused and motivated in relation to their chosen course of study. They also have invaluable practical and life experience. Mature students as a group perform well in their studies and many achieve top of their class.
Mature Student Summer School – “A good start is half the work”
In order to allay some of the fears and anxieties experienced by many mature students, mature applicants who have been away from formal education for long periods are offered an opportunity to participate in the Mature Student Summer School. This free two week Summer School is offered as a support to the applicant rather than as a condition of offer and runs for the two weeks immediately prior to registration as a first year student in Institute of Technology Sligo. It includes tuition in Mathematics, Communications, Computers and workshops related to the transition to full-time third level studies.
From August 2011, a free two day summer school is also being offered to mature students who have completed the Leaving Certificate or a FETAC level 5 or similar since September 2010. These students should already be familiar with full-time education, study skills, exam techniques and the learning environment. This two day programme will help prepare students who are entering third level education. Workshops will include Communication Skills, Financial Management and other topics relevant for making this transition.
Students in previous years have found the summer school provided them with opportunities to confront any anxieties about returning to full-time education. They can also build up friendships and feel more confident joining classes at the beginning of term.
Contact:
Catherine McNelis, Access Officer, Institute of Technology, Ash Lane, Sligo
071-9155381 or email access@itsligo.ie