From the Head of Senior Studies and Careers, Kath Knowles
University Info Days
Find out what your options are after you get your results
If you’ve applied for university for 2018, you might be a bit nervous right now. Getting your results and making your final course decision can be tough.
Once upon a time, students had to wait weeks or months between receiving their results and being offered a place, but now the ‘Powers That Be’ have made some changes to dates and everything happens much quicker than it used to.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re finishing Year 12 in 2017 and have applied for university, it means that you’ll only have a little while to change your preferences once you’ve received your marks before the main round of offers.
This year, results are released on December 15, and the option to change your preferences for the main round is December 17.
There are still ways to change your mind later on (and a number of uni students change degree paths during their degree – it’s not unusual and you’re never ‘locked-in’ to finishing anything) but it’s a good idea to change your preferences as soon as you know what your results look like.
Why would you change your preferences?
- You got a better mark than you expected, and want to apply for a more competitive course
- Or, you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped to, and want to change to a more realistic course
- Perhaps you’ve changed your mind in the time between applying and getting your results, and want to go down a different path
- A new (and more appealing) course has just become available. Or you recently found out about a course you didn’t know existed
- Sometimes universities choose to cancel a course, and you may want to replace it
It’s a big decision, but now you have more information (i.e. your results) it’s wise to rethink your options.
To help you make the best choice, many universities hold special ‘Change of Preference’ sessions (sometimes they’re called ‘Info Days’) where you can get one-on-one advice and find out about your options.
You’ll also find lots of information about university preparation courses, extracurricular activities, accommodation services and alternative entry pathways.
Below is a list of all the upcoming Change of Preference Sessions, so you can pop them in your diary today –
Australian Catholic University – Know Your Options Sessions
Sydney – Friday 15 December
Macquarie University
Saturday 16 December
https://www.mq.edu.au/about/events/view/info-day-2017/
University of Notre Dame – Course Advice Sessions
Run until 29 December – book a session online
https://www.nd.edu.au/events/2017/course-advice-sydney
University of Sydney
Saturday 16 December
https://infoday.sydney.edu.au/
UNSW – Info Day
Saturday 16 December
https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/info-day
UTS
Saturday 16 December 9am-2pm
ADFA Applications Open Now
Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can take up to 12 months. It’s preferable you apply in Year 11, but you can still apply in Year 12.
Applications for 2018 Year 12 Students (for 2019 entry) close at the end of February 2018.
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/australian-defence-force-academy/how-to-apply
Honeywell Summer School
Sunday 10 – Friday 15 December in Sydney
Run by the Institution of Engineers Australia. Honeywell Engineering Summer School (HESS) aims to give NSW and ACT high school students a better understanding of what engineering is and how it works in everyday life.
Over the week, students will attend lectures and demonstrations at five prestigious NSW universities. They will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with professional engineers employed by government, private companies, researchers and academics in a wide range of engineering disciplines. Visits with industry provide a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the role of professional engineers in a wide range of activities including the management of major projects.
Applicants must be entering year 12 in a government or non-government high school in 2018. They must be studying two or more units of mathematics and a form of science, and will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from Sydney.
Registration Closes 3 December at 9am.
Find out more and apply – https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/honeywell-engineering-summer-school
Mastering the HSC with TSFX
Sunday 12 November – University of Sydney
Saturday 18 November – University of NSW
“Mastering the HSC” is a fundraising event designed to provide students with the skills and information they need to maximise HSC marks, while also raising much needed funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation.
In just one day, you will learn how average students achieve 90+ ATAR scores, and how you can use the same strategies to reach your full potential in Year 11 and 12.
https://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=mastering-the-hsc-2
What to do if you don’t get into your first preference
You might be a bit worried about getting a lower ATAR than you hoped. It certainly won’t be the end of the world – read these two articles for some tips of what to do next.
https://theconversation.com/so-you-didnt-get-a-great-atar-its-not-the-end-of-the-world-35361
Workshops, Gap Years & Camps
NIDA Young Actors Studio Program – Auditions
Collaborate with other young artists in an ensemble to develop skills for stage and screen. Work with the support and direction from core tutors and gain inspiration from industry professionals.
6-hour workshop each Sunday during term time for 2018.
Auditions:
Sydney
Sun 10 Dec, 2017 10am
Sun 14 Jan, 2018 10am OR 2pm
You need to enrol for the auditions.
https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OSYASAU
AIT Info Nights
Wednesday, 22nd November, 6-8pm
During the Info Night, you’ll learn about careers and study options in film production, 3D animation, digital media, game design, mobile apps and IT, take a campus tour, and learn about our $8,000 Scholarship for domestic students.
Register here – https://www.ait.edu.au/information-night
Australian Government Cadetships, Scholarships and Work Experience Opportunities
The Australian government has a number of cadetship, scholarship, and work experience opportunities within Australian Government departments and agencies. To view these opportunities, visit:
JMC: How to break into the arts and entertainment industries
This article from JMC Academy provides some great tips on how to break into these industries and others like them.
https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news/how-to-break-into-the-arts-and-entertainment-industry
Sydney Design School Info Sessions & Open Day
Wednesday 15 November 2017, 6pm
Friday 24 November 2017, 1pm
Find out more – https://sydneydesignschool.com.au/info-sessions/
Myfuture 2017 Updates
Myfuture has made updates to its website for 2017. These include my career profile. The account registration for users has also been simplified as well as a simplification of the course search to make finding a course or career path easier. For any other feedback or suggestions for the service contact, careers@esa.edu.au
Good Universities Guide Website Update
The Good Universities Guide has been revamped and they are seeking feedback on the site from students and careers advisers: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3321734/GUG-Website-Survey
https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/
STEM Subjects – Why are they in Demand?
https://www.skillsroad.com.au/parents/career-planning/stemsubjects
6 things to consider when picking a degree
https://thefootnotes.com.au/5-things-you-need-to-consider-when-picking-a-degree/
EducationUSA
This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre.
https://www.educationusa.info/australia
Changes to Police Officer Recruitment Process
The main changes to the recruitment process include no minimum academic requirement, introduction of a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials, the entrance exam is now known as the Police Entrance Exam, copies of transcripts and other mandatory documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace, online application via JobsNSW and a case office will contact applicants once applications are received.
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
ADFA
Australian Defence Force Academy applications are now open for 2018. While this may seem like a long way away, the application process can take 3–12 months depending on your circumstances. To avoid having to do the application when you are busy with year 12 exams, think about starting your application soon!
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/how-to-apply/
Good Careers Guide
A resource that provides students and career advisers access to the relevant tools to explore career, education and employment options.
The 400+ job descriptions covered by the guide include information about personal requirements, education and training, employment opportunities and related jobs.
https://goodeducationbookshop.com/products/the-good-careers-guide
ATO Tax File Number Applications
A tax file number is a unique nine-digit number issued to individuals and organisations to help administer tax and other Australian Government systems. Students need a TFN before they can start any type of paid work.
For information on how to apply visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/
Charles Sturt University HSC Guide For Students
CSU have put together a comprehensive free website to help NSW senior students with their HSC. It includes lots of study guides, resources, and tips, as well as specific subject study information across English, Maths, Science, HSIE, PDHPE, Creative Arts, Technology and Languages (click here).
https://libguides.csu.edu.au/HSC/home
Smartphone Apps to Help with Studying
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Think Education Surviving Year 12 eBook
Think Education have produced a free eBook with tips on how to master your final year of school.
https://beyou.think.edu.au/surviving-year-12
TSFX Exam/Study Tip 3 & 4
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips
TSFX Edge Online
Edge Online is an online resource portal that provides exclusive resources designed to provide students with the best opportunities to optimise their Year 11 and 12 scores.
Edge Online members receive over $300 worth of resources at no charge.
https://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
TSFX: HSC Study Tips – Top Tips from Past Year 12 Students
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HSC-2016-Study-Tip-1.pdf
Tips for note-taking
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/students-take-note-and-ace-your-exams
Staying calm under pressure
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/the-secret-to-staying-calm-under-pressure
or dentists in hospital for 1 – 8 weeks.
Tips for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give to your community, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It can also be a great way to get some experience on your resume before you get a job. Youth Central have some tips on finding a volunteering position and making sure you’re not being exploited in the role.
https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
Christmas Jobs
If you are thinking of earning some cash over the Christmas period many organisations are conducting recruitment drives now. For example, Bonds stores are conducting interviews this month! Take a look at:
https://au.indeed.com/Christmas-Casual-jobs
Hot Courses Abroad
If you’re considering studying overseas, you can explore your options on this website.
https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/
Careers in Sport
This website is for anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness. There is information about recommended qualifications and pathways, along with a list of available positions and courses.
https://www.sportspeople.com.au/
Where could STEM take you?
https://www.mskills.org.au/media-centre/news#NewsHint=14168
https://upto.com/embedded/detail/5HQ1O?pt=a1SO
TSFX Free HSC Survival Guide
The School for Excellence (TSFX) have put together a 36 page guide to help year 12 students achieve the best possible marks in end of school exams. The guide has advice about goal setting, managing stress and procrastination, time management skills, effective learning techniques, planning study timetables and more.
Download it here: https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
Good Universities Guide Resources
This page has electronic resources on a number of topics, including comparing universities by state or by degree. The information is all sourced from The Good Universities Guide 2018.
https://australiancareersservice.com.au/resources/ – good-university-guide-downloadables
How to focus on wellbeing in times of stress
https://www.utas.edu.au/news/2017/10/6/422-how-to-focus-on-wellbeing-during-times-of-stress/
