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Applying to university after 6 years of poker Applying to university after 6 years of poker

10-09-2014 , 07:36 AM
I want to apply to UK University psychology studies, problem is it’s been 6 years since I finished high school and I have been playing poker for a living since then. Because of poker I found passion for psychology and I think it gave me a lot of valuable skills, but I think it is time to move on and put poker on a side. I want to get a degree while it’s not too late and do something more meaningful with my life, like helping others.

So my question is should I mention that I played poker for a living in my personal statement? On the one hand it led me to understand what I really would like to do in life, and gave psychological knowledge, but on the other I am risking as being seen as a degenerate gambler who maybe wants help so applies for psychology studies.

If I am not going to mention poker, then what should I say? I have no job experience (besides summer job while at school) though I doubt that they would check anything since I am not UK citizen.

PS. I am not applying to top unis because of my grades, but to average ones in Scotland.
10-09-2014 , 06:40 PM
Honestly? None russell group uni's aren't really that bothered about your personal statement so i wouldn't lose sleep over it. butttttt.... You still have to write something.

If that's what you did for 6 years, you kind of have to mention it. I think that it would be a huge mistake to solely discuss your results, obviously mention them (not sure how your results are but I presume they're good). Put a positive spin on things. Don't just wack out 'I'm a 4bb/100 at $1/$2 and have a 20% Roi at $20 MTT's.' Instead: 'I have managed to be successful enough in poker to allow me to do...' Then obviously mention the cool **** you've done over thr past few years.

Hope it helps and GL for uni
10-16-2014 , 04:05 AM
ok thanks for advice, I will mention it
10-16-2014 , 06:01 PM
Unless you pretend you were in a coma for those 6 years, I don't see how it wouldn't come up. So in my mind, you want to get to explain it before they start thinking the worst.
10-16-2014 , 06:03 PM
Poker isn't your problem here. It's choosing to waste your time studying a subject like psychology. Pick something that will actually not leave you unemployed upon graduation. Something like statistics or another quant related field is a much more wiser choice of your time and you can make that connection to poker still.
10-16-2014 , 08:51 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAAASH
Poker isn't your problem here. It's choosing to waste your time studying a subject like psychology. Pick something that will actually not leave you unemployed upon graduation. Something like statistics or another quant related field is a much more wiser choice of your time and you can make that connection to poker still.
This is always a very touchy subject but I generally agree. Unless OP is wealthy of course, then feel free to major in theoretical bra and other undergarments design in East Asia at fulfillyourdreams.com online university if that floats your boat.
12-02-2014 , 09:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAAASH
Poker isn't your problem here. It's choosing to waste your time studying a subject like psychology. Pick something that will actually not leave you unemployed upon graduation. Something like statistics or another quant related field is a much more wiser choice of your time and you can make that connection to poker still.
What is your source? The Western-world is doing pretty bad, our society keeps on making people feel worse years after years, this alone would indicate that psychologists are more and more needed. On the other hand, there are people doing ok-ish that want to feel better, it's not a niche by any means and the specializations are endless. I just did some research and found some links:

http://careers.theguardian.com/caree...-be-unemployed

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagou...ollege-majors/

So why did you say it would leave people unemployed? Just something you assumed or you have data to back this up?
12-25-2014 , 03:34 PM
I'm in the same boat. 26, no work experience.. I want to secure my future, and do something more meaningful - although I'm not looking forward to spending 4-5 years in school.

The problem is I have no idea what to study. It's nice that you found something you're passionate about, that's all you need, ignore these noobs saying you'll be left unemployed.

After being away from school for so long, do you think you'll be able to keep up with the young guys fresh out of school? Especially with the homework, writing papers etc.. I'm planning on starting my studies in College, then moving into Uni / transfering my credits. In Canada, College is a lower form of Uni, it's easier.

Last edited by sacha.d; 12-25-2014 at 03:46 PM.
12-26-2014 , 09:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by sacha.d
The problem is I have no idea what to study.
You shouldn't go to school just for the sake of it. If you haven't even worked out what to study yet, what are you hoping to achieve by going?
12-26-2014 , 10:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by sacha.d
I'm in the same boat. 26, no work experience.. I want to secure my future, and do something more meaningful - although I'm not looking forward to spending 4-5 years in school.

The problem is I have no idea what to study. It's nice that you found something you're passionate about, that's all you need, ignore these noobs saying you'll be left unemployed.

After being away from school for so long, do you think you'll be able to keep up with the young guys fresh out of school? Especially with the homework, writing papers etc.. I'm planning on starting my studies in College, then moving into Uni / transfering my credits. In Canada, College is a lower form of Uni, it's easier.
lol. Alright then. Ignore real advice and just "chase those liberal arts interests!" Just let us know how it works out in about four years.
12-26-2014 , 10:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by SwishFTW
What is your source? The Western-world is doing pretty bad, our society keeps on making people feel worse years after years, this alone would indicate that psychologists are more and more needed. On the other hand, there are people doing ok-ish that want to feel better, it's not a niche by any means and the specializations are endless. I just did some research and found some links:

http://careers.theguardian.com/caree...-be-unemployed

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagou...ollege-majors/

So why did you say it would leave people unemployed? Just something you assumed or you have data to back this up?
Aren't these links countering your argument?
12-27-2014 , 02:01 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAAASH
lol. Alright then. Ignore real advice and just "chase those liberal arts interests!" Just let us know how it works out in about four years.
lol? no work experience because I work from home playing a game I love. for years, is laughable?
It wouldn't surprise me if the haters are the type of people who chase money, and up being self loathing, bitter prick who stomp on other peoples dreams because he never had the courage to chase his own passion.
12-27-2014 , 02:50 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ganstaman
You shouldn't go to school just for the sake of it. If you haven't even worked out what to study yet, what are you hoping to achieve by going?
I plan on figuring it out before I start my studies. I'm leaning towards programming, because I feel that a lot of the logic, problem solving skills can translate well into that field. I can also learn learn how to code on my own, before, and during College.

After being independent for so long, it drives me crazy that I have to spend 4 years in school for a degree. It doesn't even guarantee a career! Committing 4+ years in school, and putting yourself in 50k+ debt. People think grinding poker is risky and foolish?! Look at all these people with degrees who work as dishwashers, cashiers, waiters. Our educational system is so ****ed up.

I don't know what to do. The haters make a good point, but wtf is someone like OP suppose to do if not follow his passion? Too many people end up grinding engineering degrees, and end up unhappy, or even dropping out before completing their studies.

4 years High School -> 4-8 years College -> 2+ years Entry level job (with the possibility of finding no work) -> Career until retirement. What the ****. What a miserable grind if you're not following your passion.

Last edited by sacha.d; 12-27-2014 at 03:10 AM.
12-27-2014 , 03:14 AM
After researching degrees, careers, career requirements. I feel like saying GG life, and becoming a monk.
12-28-2014 , 05:53 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAAASH
Aren't these links countering your argument?
Quote:
By contrast, geography and psychology graduates had a better than average chance of getting work - some 7.4% and 8.3% were out of a job respectively. We asked our experts why they thought graduates of these subjects were found to be least likely to be unemployed.
Forbes link talks about the top 10 worst majors and psychology isn't in it. It just says that going for a graduate degree is a lot better than undergraduate. I don't see this as a problem as OP would study psychology because he likes it.
01-08-2015 , 08:02 AM
Of course you should mention it! Its not something that people really understand so this is where your writing skills become important.

You should first state that it was indeed poker that ignited your interest in psychology and then explain what relevance it has to the game and how you have already been studying psychology because of poker.

The ideal thing to do is to research into what the course teaches (even if you can find just the title of each module) at each university and then draw a link between what you have studied due to poker, and what you now wish to study as part of university.

And don't forget the mention the mathematics! As that will make you sound pretty damn smart as well.

      
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