Are you ready to look at your ATAR results? We know – it’s a BIG deal. But, fear not. If you miss out on your first preference this week, it’s not (and we repeat NOT) the end of the world. In the 21st century (that’s right now) there are other ways to get there – so read on to find out how!
Let’s step back a bit first.
Congratulations – way to go! All your hard work is about to show for itself – you’ve survived the slog of Year 12 exams and the anticipated wait for your SACE and ATAR results are over. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for both students and their parents. Maybe you remember a similar feeling when you were younger, jumping from primary school to the big scary world of high school – except this time it’s a little more pivotal. Completing your SACE should bring you an incredible sense of achievement (and a significant certificate to represent 13 years of schooling). This fact alone should be celebrated regardless of your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) result.
The release of ATAR results is of course an important occasion for school leavers across the country. It’s used by tertiary education providers to determine the admission of prospective students ranked by the culmination of their completed Year 12 subject marks.
Lucky for you though – a lot of people’s university journeys don’t start with winning their first preference. Many start in a totally different direction – but all with one thing in common – hard work and commitment will allow you to get there – the journey might just look a little different to what you first thought.
So, if you’re one of the many students who didn’t initially meet entry requirements for preference numero uno, consider these options:
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS:
Students aren’t always aware of how many options they have. There isn’t one pathway that fits all – each student’s journey is completely individualised depending on their background and what they’re applying for, but don’t let that scare you – think of the big picture outcomes.
If you didn’t quite get the ATAR results required for entry into your first preference course, these alternative options can be stepping stones to gain entry into your dream degree:
- a TAFE course, there are many courses in fields such as business, education, and hospitality available on your doorstep. Plus, TAFE SA qualifications are recognised as a credit to gain entry to SA uni courses, so you can begin your studies doing a TAFE course in your field then use your credentials to transfer into the uni course equivalent;
- significant and relevant workplace industry experience, use the affordance of your regional connections within the Murraylands and Riverland to gain access to local work experience;
- applying for a bridging degree. You can apply for a related degree with a lower entry requirement, then use your academic transcript (grades) to internally transfer into your initial choice;
- a dedicated foundation course (then transfer into your dream degree). One of the most popular alternative pathways into a Flinders degree is their Flinders Foundation Studies This 4-month preparation course is at no cost to students and helps you gain eligibility to more undergraduate courses!
Get in contact with one of our student advisors who can workshop the options with you to help you choose the best move to get closer towards your ideal career.
The brutal truth is not everyone is automatically eligible for entry into their dream degree. BUT – if this applies to you, you shouldn’t let it stop you from trying to achieve your end goal. The Murray River Study Hub is here to help you begin your journey and get you from where you are now to your ideal career location – just get in touch with one of our student advisors and we’ll start you down that path.
End your year knowing you have opportunities just around the corner – and get excited to start your pathway to your dream degree.
Our enrolments are open – click here to check out our selection of courses provided by our education partners, Flinders University, CQUniversity Australia and TAFE SA.
