Choosing the right course for you can be daunting as a leaving cert student. Who really knows what they want to be in four years time? With hundreds of courses to choose from, it can often be difficult to narrow down to only 10 choices on a CAO form.
I would encourage students to think about what are their interest and what are they passionate about? After all, if you are going to be studying a course for four years, having an interest in the subject will motivate you to engage in the content and do well on the course. Research is also a key element into understanding what course is right for you.
I would encourage students to attend open days and read each college prospectus for your courses of interest. Go onto university websites to find out more information about courses and potential career options after you finish. You need to think about what do you want out of your course? Some colleges may offer amazing opportunities, such as placement and Erasmus, which will give you work and life experiences which will stand to you after graduation.
From a young age, a career in Medicine had always been an interest of mine. Biology was one of my favourite subjects coupled with a love for helping others, so medicine was a natural choice for me. I researched into all the various medical courses available in Ireland, taking a particular interest in their entrance requirements, mode of delivery and course layout.
Medicine in Ireland requires an additional exam called the HPAT. When applying to courses in Northern Ireland or the UK there is a similar exam called the UCAT and you are required to write a personal statement, and provide potential grades and a reference from your school principal.
The HPAT and UCAT exams assess your problem solving, logic and interpersonal skills. This can be an added burden when studying for your Leaving Cert, as these exams are often held in February. It is important to have a good study plan and manage the stress, taking time for self care too.
I was successful in securing a place in medicine in Queens University Belfast. I chose this programme because their medical programme gives access to early clinical contact from first year, case-base learning that integrates clinical and self-directed learning, along with excellent opportunities for international opportunities.
My first semester has been a huge learning but rewarding experience. Moving away from home and navigating a new city has given me a new found independence and increased my confidence. I have found college is much different to secondary school. It is very much self-directed.
In order to get a sense of belonging in my new community, I joined a number of societies and clubs such as medical, art and dance. This has helped me make new friends, especially when many of my lectures are still online, so it is a great way to socialise.
In addition I know preparing for exams may look different to every individual person. However there are some key features to a beneficial and efficient study regime that are a necessity for success.
Utilise every resource. The internet contains a vast selection of study notes, materials and sample questions and answers, all valuable information readily available to students. Don’t be afraid to draw on every resource possible to ensure you are getting the best information that helps towards your studies.
The value of exam questions.
The only way to improve your grade in a subject is to answer exam questions. The more you understand the layout of the paper and how questions are phrased, the easier it will be to tailor your notes for that subject. Answering questions then correcting them is an invaluable mode of study that should be implemented into your study regime for optimal success. A particular website “Studyclix” is an easy location to find all exam questions, categorised by topics in each subject. Although it requires a subscription, I found it an invaluable resource during my studies and allowed more allocation of time to answering the questions, instead of trying to find the questions and marking schemes in exam papers.
Understanding feedback on exams or essays.
The most valuable asset is your teacher. They know exactly how answers should be phrased or expanded on. If you receive feedback on answers, don’t just take it at face value and hope you’ll improve in the next one. Actively seek out reasoning for the feedback and enquire how you can improve your work. Without fail, I would see improvements in my grades, linked to understanding my mistakes and acting on them.
Planning study ahead of time.
Don’t wait to decide what you are going to study five minutes before you sit down. Take the time every week to plan out what subjects your doing and what particular topics your going to cover. Be reasonable with your plan and know what works well for what day. Have a heavy load of homework one day? Just pick one or two subjects. Know you don’t have a lot of work, increase that to three or four. Find that balance that helps you work efficiently and effectively.
Finding the style of learning that suits you best.
Everyone is different and thus everyone learns things differently. Whether it is writing notes, making mind maps, doing flash cards, recording voice memos of each topic, try everything and discover what works for you. It may be different depending on each subject and I found adapting my learning style for each of my subjects increased concentration and also inserted variety into my study regime.
The importance of taking regular breaks. Inserting breaks into your study regime is extremely beneficial and aids concentration and prevents burnout. Whether it is a 10 minute tea break or a walk around the neighbourhood between study sessions, all contributes to a healthy study balance.
