Life after the Leaving: ‘Sometimes a year out is just what you need’

Megan Atkinson did her Leaving Cert in 2015; then completed the foundation studies course through the Trinity Access Programme. She wants to study Sociology and Social Policy in Trinity this September.

I attended Mercy Secondary School, Goldenbridge, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

I studied English, Irish, maths, geography, french, biology and home economics. Overall, I got 320 points. I was quite happy with my results. I realised it wasn’t the most spectacular Leaving Certificate in the world but I was happy.

After school I went on to the Trinity Access Programmes Foundation Studies for Higher Education; a unique opportunity which has allowed me to progress to third level.

The foundation course is for students who for social and economic reasons may not otherwise have the opportunity to progress to third-level studies. I was lucky to get such an opportunity. The subjects I studied included sociology, political science, psychology, economics, maths and statistics. Other modules included were educational guidance, academic writing and study skills. All of which has now made me well equipped to take on a bachelors degree.

If I were a current Leaving Cert student picking courses, I would definitely do a lot more research then I actually did. I would, where possible, meet students currently studying the course I’m interested in to get an idea first-hand of what the course is like in reality. Meeting students tends to give a lot more insight than any prospectus or handbook can.

I am now currently waiting for the CAO offers but I’m a little lesss anxious this time around. I am hoping to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social policy.

It was the Trinity Access Programmes that got me here. I graduated from the foundation course in June and got my certificate. It was so rewarding to know I had passed all my exams and Trinity is where I’ll be studying for the next four years.

If you are waiting on results, don’t panic. I know that’s easier said than done. There is so many options out there. Sometimes a year out is just what you need. College is very different from school, a year out will allow you to grow and mature. It will even make you more prepared for college. If you have the opportunity to do a PLC or even the foundation course like I did, then I’d say take it with both hands.

Results aren’t the be-all and end-all. I got 320 points. The course I wanted was political science and geography, which was 450 points. It is quite different from sociology and social policy but it was the year on the foundation course that allowed me to explore my interests. It sounds like a cliche but sometimes what is meant to be won’t pass you by, so if you don’t get what you want in that moment, there may be something better down the line.