CONGRATULATIONS! Lovely news :-)

Hi Iain,

I'm not in a position to advise you in that I'm in a similar boat: I've just submitted my MA application for a programme that isn't directly related to my undergrad studies, so I can identify with your troubles writing the PS. So, bearing that in mind, I think a fleshed-out version of what you've written here will be fine for your PS. Have you explained why you want to do the course? Related it to any aspect of your previous studies and/or work or personal experience? Have you identified any aspects of the course that particularly interest you? Have you said what you can bring to the course on the back of your undergrad studies? Have you talked about your career aspirations? Those are the sorts of things that need to be covered in the PS, so if you've done that I'm sure you'll be fine. Regarding length, I've been told that it's best to keep it to one page or thereabouts. My PS is around the 650 word mark or just over one side of A4. We don't want the admissions people to lose the will to live after all ;-)

Good luck with your application (robin)

If you go by tube you need to take either the Circle or Hammersmith and City Line from Kings X to Baker Street, then change to the Jubilee Line to Neasden and walk (or bus) from there.

Or try using the journey planner on the TFL website here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

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I tend to agree with Matilda: I would gloss over the gaps in the initial application stage for fear of my application being binned for exactly the reasons you state.

But really I want to take my hat off to you. You've really been through the mill, and as a single parent and carer for your elderly parent (sorry for your loss, by the way :() you have most certainly been working a damn sight harder than many people in regular paid employment. It makes me mad that the work you have been doing is undervalued (and of course unpaid).

I too have some big holes in my employment history and time off for mental ill health for similar reasons to yours. I've never disclosed the mental health stuff when applying for jobs because I strongly suspect that prejudice is alive and well, even among 'enlightened' employers. Focus on the positives in your application. You have managed to study to a high level, work as a parent and carer, AND you've had periods of paid employment in teaching. Juggling all that is a major achievement, even without taking the traumatic events you've been through into account (and even more impressive in light of those events). I would (and have!) include those caring responsiblities in the employment section of my application and that way 'gaps' are covered. Prospective employers will then be able to see what you've been doing and appreciate your hard work in continuing your studies while doing both paid and unpaid work.

Finally, the very best of luck to you: you deserve every success :-)

I'd assume they're super busy (or super sluggish) at the start of term and give them another couple of weeks to respond before chasing up.

Don't worry - can you look up directions to the venue on google maps? Similarly can you print off your receipt so that you can sort out the payment issue when you register?

I'm sure you'll feel much better once you've found the venue, registered and got chatting with some of the other attendees (I'm sure you're not the only one feeling the way you do). Good luck :-)

Delurking to wish you all good luck and commiserations to those who have had bad news

Hmm, trouble with the ipad is that it's backlit so presumably (?) no easier on the eye than reading on the laptop, whereas the Kindle (and other ebook readers) use e-ink technology with no backlighting.

Totally agree with you Joyce: I wouldn't choose to buy an ebook unless it was a LOT cheaper than a real book. As it is the saving is too small (maybe 10%?) to make it an option. I bought my reader specifically for reading PDFs (because reading them on my laptop does my eyes in).

Which make/model have you got Joyce?

I'd be interested to know how the new Kindle handles PDFs. Earlier this year I got a Sony ebook reader because the Kindle had no zoom facility for PDFs: pretty useless if you want to use it for journal articles unless you have Superman vision!

"Adopting its name from a contraction of the term research and development, the newly formed entity was dedicated to furthering and promoting scientific, educational, and charitable purposes for the public welfare and security of the United States."

http://www.rand.org/about/history/

:p