It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife

April 20th, 2012
I've found it quite ironic over the past few weeks that I've ben so busy preparing for an interview for a photography degree course that I've barely had time to take any photos. (Hence the title)

For those who follow me and already know, i'm sorry for repeating myself. In November I applied to go back to university in September, I only applied for one course, photography, at one university which is in my hometown. I can't go anywhere else as it would mean uprooting my whole family.

I didn't hold out much hope as there are only 35 places on the course and last year there were over 500 applicants. However in January I was received a letter inviting me to interview, I'd passed the first hurdle and I was ecstatic.

2nd hurdle was preparing my portfolio and preparing for a 2 hour interview which includes a presentation.

The 3rd and final hurdle comes tomorrow afternoon, the date of the interview which will decide the course of my life over the next 3 years is here.

I apologise for not being around much lately but if anyof you have any spare luck/prayers/good thoughts (whatever you want to call them) please could you send them my way.

On a more practical note if you have any last minute tips please share them.
April 20th, 2012
Well, I can't help much with the knowledge side of things, but here are a few general interview tips:

Dress comfortably - this may sound silly, but if you're not the sort of person who wears and is comfortable in a suit, don't feel you have to wear one. A smart pair of trousers or a skirt and a smart top will do just as well, plus you'll be more comfortable and it'll show as you'll feel more confident.

Smile - Again, it'll make you seem more confident. Not in a cocky way, but you'll appear friendly and that's automatically more appealing to the interview panel.

Think of questions you'd like to ask - This may not happen, but when I went to my interviews for uni a few years ago, the last question they asked at each one was if there was anything I'd like to ask them. If you go prepared for this, then it'll show that you've done your research and been thinking about it seriously.

Read the prospectus - Chances are you'll get asked why that course, why that uni, etc.? It always looks good if you have an idea about what modules may be available, pick out something you're interested in. But be honest, tell them that actually you couldn't be moving to a different location cos of your family. The uni I'm at (Sheffield) asked me "why Sheffield?" in my interview. I told them that there wasn't anything to choose between the courses as they all offer the same thing and all have things that are best/newest, but the city felt friendlier than the others and I thought it would be a nice place to live, which they appeared to like and agree with. I got the place anyway.

Finally, just try to enjoy it. And good luck. :-)
April 20th, 2012
Great news! Fingers crossed! :)
April 20th, 2012
The title isnt ironic... Morisette has no idea what irony actually means!

Best of luck with your interview.. Smile and seem keen! Rachaels' tips are spot on and not much to add really. My photography uni interview lasted nearly 2 hours, and was more like a chat.. we chatted about everything, not just photography. The only thing that let me down was my lack of reading - there was quite a few stuffy photography books they would like me to have read. But as interviews go, it was very relaxed, a tad weird but was offfered a place at the end.

Fingers crossed for you!

April 20th, 2012
PEACE and prayers sent!
April 20th, 2012
@emmar84 Sending positive vibes your way!! Good luck!!!
April 20th, 2012
Best of luck! It sounds like an amazing opportunity.
April 20th, 2012
Good luck!
April 20th, 2012
Oh wow, how exciting!
The only other piece of advice I would add is just relax.
I can't tell you how many interviews I screwed up on because I got so nervous I just rambled and stuttered and could barely get through (but then again, I have social anxiety issues that don't help at all, haha). My best interviews are always the ones where I'm relaxed and thinking to myself "Yeah, got this, no problem."
I wish you the best of luck!
April 20th, 2012
Wishing you all the luck in the world Emma, try to relax and you will do just fine! How exciting too!
April 20th, 2012
congrats and good luck. yes, prepare some questions to ask THEM, educational people like talking about themselves and the curriculum they offer :)
April 20th, 2012
@emmar84 This is so wonderful Emma! I'm rooting for you, praying for you and sending good thoughts your way. All of the above. I hope you get in!! Please keep us updated!
April 20th, 2012
Fingers crossed for ya! Let us know how it goes :)
April 20th, 2012
Succes!!
April 20th, 2012
I was told to remember the three Cs,,,, I think they were calm, cheerful and confident. (I always joked and called them cadburys creamy chocolate which works for me!) In other words, take a deep breath, smile and believe in yourself!
Good luck! :)
April 20th, 2012
@emmar84 I am so excited for you. My prayers and thought will certainly be with you!! Break a leg!!
April 20th, 2012
Be confident in your own ability, stay calm and smile. I'm sure you'll be fine but I'm sending you positive vibes and a massive hug anyway. Thanks for letting us know how it's going and be sure to let us know how the interview goes. You have the whole of the 365 community supporting you xx
April 20th, 2012
Will keep everything crossed for you!
April 22nd, 2012
Thank you all for the good wishes.
The interview went well but unfortunately not well enough.
I was told I had a very strong portfolio and they thought I had taken part enthusiasticly during the group discussion and had a lot of passion.

What let me down is my skills base, they felt that the first year would be too steep a learning curve for me as I do not necessarily have the knowlege other candidates do coming from related college courses.

I won't lie and say I wasn't devestated. Yesterday was a day for tears and comfort but today I am picking myself up and movign forwards. I received a lot of positive feedback and the one thing it cemented in my mind was I really want to do this. I want to work with these tutors, I want to learn from them and make use of the opportunities the course provides.

So I am looking at part time/online courses which I can do to develop my skills and raise my knowledge level with the intention of reapplying for next year.

I might not be successful but at least I won't look back and regret not trying.
@rufus430 @psychographer @filsie65 @mastermek @kelsi87 @amyhughes @toast @zferrie @fig365 @rockinrobyn @egad @chauncygirl @httpgeffed @blightygal @janmaki @wormentude
April 22nd, 2012
I am sorry to hear that you didn't get in this time. Hopefully, you will keep with it, and you will be accepted next year. Maybe this will be wonderful motivation to help you acquire the skills they feel you need to be successful in the program. Best of luck in the future!
April 22nd, 2012
I'm sorry to hear that too, Emma, but I feel confident you will end up where you want to be because you have dedication! I had no idea that there were courses out there that were so selective in admissions. Not like law school where they would pretty much let anyone in so long as you signed over a lifetime of debt (student loans) to them. I know you're down now, but it will get brighter and better soon. Hugs.
April 22nd, 2012
@egad I will definitley keep going, the tutor yesterday said he hopes I don't give up, I told him there was no chance of that!

@rockinrobyn I knew it was always going to be difficult to get into, there are only about 30 spaces and there were more applicants than ever this year. Next year might have a different outcome :)
April 22nd, 2012
Oh, I'm sorry! But that's good that you're using all your opportunities and I'm sure things will get better soon. xoxo
April 22nd, 2012
@emmar84 you are so awesome. What a great attitude you have! I know you can work hard to improve your skills and do it next year!
April 22nd, 2012
Really, really sorry you didn't get it but I truly believe there is a reason for the way everything works out. You know you want to do this which is the best thing and you know enough to work on and get your skills to the level you need to to do this at a later date. Thanks so much for letting us know and big hugs. You ARE worth it and it WILL happen for you when the time is right xx
April 22nd, 2012
I'm really sorry to hear that, but at least they gave you some really constructive feedback so you know exactly why you didn't get in and what you have to do to get there next year. It's probably better that it worked like this than yuo getting in and finding it a major struggle.
April 22nd, 2012
That's unfortunate. :( At least you know why so you can work on it, and you can be better prepared for next time!
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