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College Interviews

IrkaBlue

I have a BA in Politics & Sociology (ordinary). I left during my honours year (this year). I did so because of mental health issues that have been recurrent since high school. I have since also been put on the waiting list for an adult autism assessment.  

Should I be quite honest about why I left my degree? Why I applied for the lowest certification of Accountancy? When I would qualify for the HNC? 

I've never had an interview before. My university degree didn't require one. And I've only had a few unsuccessful work interviews. I mean disclosing I had mental health issues is honest and it has genuinely impacted my achievement in education. It might sound arrogant to say that I could've easily had a First Honours degree if not for the brain fog and depression. Even at my worst I still managed straight B's. And I was fighting through this swamp choking me up for years.

If prompted? Should I be honest and explain that I feel there have been mitigating circumstances. My GP has been encouraging me to openly disclose stuff. I get that there is a high possibility I will be assessed before commencing the course - or shortly after. Through knowing the min-average waiting times of my area.

I don't really know how to approach this, as although I just know (have almost always known) my brain wasn't typical in how it worked... I don't think it is appropriate to share this beyond with close family/friends who know what has being going on with me - I do not have a diagnosis as of yet, and it seems like I'm trying to get sympathy or make excuses?  I know I'm likely overthinking this and none of this will be relevant to the interview. But I always spend days/weeks running through all contingencies.

And tomorrow afternoon is the day.  I'm terrified and want to curl up under my covers and forget about it. Yet... I honestly really want to do this course. But I don't interview well, making eye contact hurts, and I can mumble... arghh.

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  • Thank you for your response. It really was appreciated and you are right - I do have strengths in that my thought process does tend to skew to unusual angles. I achieved a degree with very bad depression & anxiety! I did a lot when I was barely functional. And now with support and antidepressants - I feel like I can do this life thing. I can achieve a lot on my own, and now that I've found my voice a little, I don't need to do it all by myself. 

    I thought I'd let you know how I got on :)

    The interview went well. I disclosed it and made clear that I am only in the process of being assessed, and that my past problems are related to depression & anxiety which may be the consequence of being autistic.  But he was very kind and understanding. He told me that it doesn't matter about a bit of paper, and fired off an email to the 'Disability/Learning Support services'  of the college, to get me in touch with a point of contact. 

    He wanted to offer me an unconditional for the higher level of study, but accepted my explanation that I wanted a firm foundation to rebuild my academic confidence. He didn't make me feel awkward, which was a first. He was very kind and went through everything with me - as well as, reassuring me that I'd have a heads up on much of the course.

    I believe that I was successful from the way he went into detail on what support was available. He wasn't permitted to actually say so - but he did make appear quite clear to me that he was going to offer me an unconditional place. Of course, I don't want to fully relax until I get the full confirmation. 

Reply

  • Thank you for your response. It really was appreciated and you are right - I do have strengths in that my thought process does tend to skew to unusual angles. I achieved a degree with very bad depression & anxiety! I did a lot when I was barely functional. And now with support and antidepressants - I feel like I can do this life thing. I can achieve a lot on my own, and now that I've found my voice a little, I don't need to do it all by myself. 

    I thought I'd let you know how I got on :)

    The interview went well. I disclosed it and made clear that I am only in the process of being assessed, and that my past problems are related to depression & anxiety which may be the consequence of being autistic.  But he was very kind and understanding. He told me that it doesn't matter about a bit of paper, and fired off an email to the 'Disability/Learning Support services'  of the college, to get me in touch with a point of contact. 

    He wanted to offer me an unconditional for the higher level of study, but accepted my explanation that I wanted a firm foundation to rebuild my academic confidence. He didn't make me feel awkward, which was a first. He was very kind and went through everything with me - as well as, reassuring me that I'd have a heads up on much of the course.

    I believe that I was successful from the way he went into detail on what support was available. He wasn't permitted to actually say so - but he did make appear quite clear to me that he was going to offer me an unconditional place. Of course, I don't want to fully relax until I get the full confirmation. 

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