FROM HEAD OF SENIOR STUDIES AND CAREERS, KATH KNOWLES
University of Sydney Year 10 Info Evenings
Join us on campus for a fun and informative evening where we will answer the important questions: How does scaling work? What should you consider when selecting your subjects for Year 11 and 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.
- Thursday 4 April 2019
- Tuesday 7 May 2019
- Thursday 16 May 2019
If you’re a Year 12 student in NSW, or an interstate student planning on applying in 2020 to a Uni in NSW through UAC, there’s some good news.
You can now start the undergraduate admissions process from 9am on 3 April 2019 (in previous years you had to wait until August). So if you know what you want to study and where, you could get your Uni applications done early in the Year, leaving more time to focus on study near to your exams.
Understanding University Early Entry
Early entry is a system that some universities or tertiary admissions centres (TAC) use to help them select students before the normal application process takes place. You apply through a special system and get an offer earlier than if you waited and used your ATAR to apply normally.
ACU – Community Achiever Program (CAP)
Move forward by giving back. Our Community Achiever Program (CAP) is open to people who volunteer for local community, social justice, sporting or cultural causes. In return, you’ll gain early entry and tap into leadership and development opportunities.
OPEN DATE May 2019
CUT OFF DATE End of July 2019
NOTIFICATION DATE End of August 2019
LOCATION
NSW, SA, VIC, QLD, ACT
VTAC fees may apply
ANU – Early Conditional Offers
ANU could make you an early or priority offer of admission based on your Selection Ranks, if you are a talented student, or have varied life experiences. Early offers are open to students from all backgrounds, from every town and city of Australia. All of them deserve the opportunity to access the life-changing benefits of a tertiary education.
OPEN DATE 4 March 2019
CUT OFF DATE 31 May 2019
NOTIFICATION DATE
August 2019 (Conditional Offer)
LOCATION
ACT (but open to all Australian Students)
Application Criteria
– Co-curricular or service requirement – Academic requirements
– Yr 11 results for conditional offer
– Yr 12 (ATAR/OP) results for final offer
– Pre-requisites or portfolios applicable to chosen course
University of Wollongong’s early offer program for Year 12 students.
The results you’ve got so far will be assessed and can reward you with an early offer for your chosen degree (or degrees) before you sit your first exam.
You’re eligible to apply if you are completing your final year at an Australian high school.
OPEN DATE 1 August 2019
CUT OFF DATE 30 August 2019
NOTIFICATION DATE Before your exams
LOCATION
New South Wales
Assessment Criteria
– Current academic performance
– Personal traits and skills
They have a list of the indicative criteria for entry into each degree on their site.
HSC True Reward is Western Sydney University’s early offer program.
Get an early offer into a University degree based on your HSC results and corresponding HSC subject band outcomes, not your overall ATAR.
Check their website regularly for the dates (they’re not out yet).
OPEN DATE TBC
CUT OFF DATE TBC
NOTIFICATION DATE
Before the ATAR release date
LOCATION
New South Wales
Global Leadership Entry Program (GELP)
For students who are kicking goals at school and making a positive change in your community through leadership and service.
Fill out an expression of interest form, and check the website as details are updated (early 2019) for 2020 applications
OPEN DATE TBC
CUT OFF DATE TBC
NOTIFICATION DATE TBC
LOCATION
New South Wales
Notre Dame’s Early Offer Program
Are you a high-achieving Year 12 student who wants to study at a leading Australian university? Do you want to get a head start on your future? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for The University of Notre Dame’s Early Offer Program.
This exclusive program is open to Year 12 students who have demonstrated academic excellence and/or are making a significant contribution to their school or community.
OPEN DATE
Once you’ve received your Semester 1 Year 12 results
CUT OFF DATE End of August 2019
NOTIFICATION DATE End of September 2019
LOCATION
New South Wales & Western Australia
Assessment Criteria
– An application form completed by yourself and your school – A personal statement of 300 words
– Your Year 11 school reports
– Your Year 12 Semester 1 reports
– Any other supporting documentation such as awards and certificates
It’s free to apply
UNE’s Early Entry recognises that your story is not best told by a number and ensures that you have the best opportunity to go to university.
OPEN DATE Open now
CUT OFF DATE
27 September 2019
NOTIFICATION DATE Early November 2019
LOCATION
New South Wales
Assessment Criteria
Early Entry relies on your school’s assessment of your attributes and abilities to determine your suitability for entry to University.
Application is free
The University of Newcastle’s Year 12 Subject Spotlight is where your ATAR doesn’t define who you are – it is your unique passions, abilities and ambitions that matter.
The Year 12 Subject Spotlight program rewards you with an early offer for your hard work and strong results in one or more subjects related to your degree. So, you can take some of the stress out of your final school exams, knowing your ATAR isn’t all that matters. There is no separate application for the program – simply apply through UAC and have UON listed as your first preference to qualify.
OPEN DATE 9am on 3 April 2019 (UAC admissions open)
CUT OFF DATE TBC (as per UAC schedule)
NOTIFICATION DATE TBC (as per UAC schedule)
LOCATION
New South Wales
Assessment Criteria
Year 12 Subject Spotlight program rewards you with an early offer for your hard work and strong results in one or more subjects related to your degree
See the marks you’ll require for your chosen degree at the link –
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.
The UCAT ANZ test will replace the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) from 2019 (for university entry in 2020).
The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.
It is also an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate aptitude for a demanding programme of study.
The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas locations.
Please note that some pathways to medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences will not require the UCAT. For some applicants a different test may be required. For details candidates should refer to the websites of the universities to which they intend to apply.
Find the dates for 2019 here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
UCAT has now replaced UMAT as the admissions test for entry into medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes in Australia and New Zealand.
The UCAT is a 2 hour computer-based test that will run throughout July 2019. You can download a brochure here – UCAT Handbook
We also have UCAT guides and a free full-length UCAT practice exam available for download on our website: www.matrix.edu.au/beginners-guide-to-ucat/part-8-ucat-practice-paper/
Find out about the UCAT Masterclass here – https://www.matrix.edu.au/ucat-courses/
Candidates taking the UCAT in 2019 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2020 should note these key dates:
| Registration and booking opens | 1 March 2019 |
| Registration closes | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Final booking deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Cancellation deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Testing begins | 1 July 2019 |
| Last testing date | 31 July 2019 |
| Results delivered to universities | Early September 2019 |
Find out more here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
Workshops & Courses
A Day in the Life of a Surgeon
9 March | UTS Sydney
MedView’s “A Day in the Life of a Surgeon” will cut through the fat and give you a gross-anatomical view of what it’s like to be a surgeon, and how to excise the relevant information to become one.
Understand the complex pathway on training to be a doctor, and ultimately a surgeon (including UCAT, Medical School and specialty training)
Learn basic Surgical and Suturing Techniques
Understand the human body with an Anatomy Masterclass
Hear from an inspiring Surgeon , and junior doctors from Queensland’s best hospitals.
Find out more – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-surgeon-sydney-tickets-54791981291
Sydney to Silicon Valley & Beyond | Where Will Your ATAR Take You
27 March | 6pm | Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Join a growing number of Sydney students studying at the world’s top universities!
If you want to know what life might be like as a freshman at a US college or as a first year student in the UK, then this event is for you.
If you want to find the university that is perfectly suited to you – with the most inspiring professors, cutting edge facilities and global opportunities at your feet, then this event is for you!
US & UK University Experts from Crimson Education will cover:
- How to manage your application in Year 11 or 12
- How to develop your profile from Year 9 and 10
- The academic benchmarks – how to apply with your ATAR or IB score
- The student experience – developing global networks, independence and soft skills
- Overseas study from a parents’ perspective – safety, costs and communication
- How to effectively research overseas universities
- Employment prospects with a top US or UK uni degree
- Case studies – Australians studying overseas
This event is for students in Year 9 and up (yes, forward planning helps when applying overseas!). Parents are encouraged to attend and can register for free.
Book now and use code STUDYWORKGROW for $10 off – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sydney-to-silicon-valley-beyond-where-will-your-atar-take-you-tickets-56078126185
A Gap Year in the Australian Defence Force
Get the opportunity to experience what a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force could be like.
Have a year full of adventure, make new friends, gain new skills, leadership, and travel.
An ADF Gap Year is a truly unique opportunity for you to grow and figure out what next step you’ll take in life.
Find out more or sign up for information about 2020 places here.
Cadetship opportunities in business, engineering and technology
A cadetship is an effective way of launching your career from the start of university rather than after you graduate. For twelve years, Professional Cadetships Australia (PCA) has provided opportunities for Year 12 students to apply for a cadetship and during that time, 185 cadets have been placed under our programs.
There are two programs: Business Cadetships and Engineering & Technology Cadetships (ETCAD).
By studying and working at a leading company from the start of university, cadets earn a competitive advantage over students who delay work until after they have graduated. Compare the outcomes for a university student and a cadet in the table below:
Year 12 students apply online to Professional Cadetships Australia. We run the application process and conduct first-round interviews in order to determine which candidates will be referred to participating companies.
Applications for the Business Cadetships Program open on 4 March and close on 15 May 2019.
Applications for the ETCAD Program open on 29 April and close on 21 June 2019.
Only current Year 12 students can apply for our cadetship programs. It is not possible to apply once you are attending university. So, if you would like to take advantage of these opportunities, make sure you apply by the due deadlines.
Find out more – www.professionalcadets.com.au
The New HSC Syllabus Explained & How to Ace It!
11 February I Sydney
With the New HSC Syllabus starting for the HSC 2019, Year 12 students will be the first students to sit this new syllabus for their HSC!
To help you get your head around all the changes + ace your HSC, in this 1.5 hour workshop led by CEO of Art of Smart Education you’ll learn what you need to know about the new HSC syllabus.
In February and March we have weekend introductory courses in Directing , Screenwriting , Documentary and Producing which will give you insight into key career paths in the screen industry and are open to students 16+. We also have skills-based two-day courses in Premiere Pro , Budgeting and Camera and Sound and Online courses in Radio and Podcasting . Also just scheduled for April is John Collee’s one-day Writing for Hollywood , a great insight for all aspiring feature film writers.
Find out more here or here – https://www.aftrs.edu.au/courses/
How to register for the SAT internationally
Test dates for 2019 are coming up in March and May. You can sit it multiple times but you need to register!
Learn how to put your name down for the exam in this comprehensive article
University of Sydney – Year 10 Subject Selection Guide
To get into some of our courses, you’ll need to choose certain elective subjects in Years 11 and 12. That’s why it’s important for you to start preparing in advance. This guide will help you prepare and provide you with
some key things you should know about studying at uni.
Read Guide – https://sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/resources-for-career-advisers/UniSyd-Year-10-Guide.pdf
CASPer Test – New Requirement for Teacher Entry in 2019
If you want to study education at uni next year then you’ll possibly need to sit the CASPer test. It’s a test designed to assess traits like professionalism, empathy, communication and ethics. Find out more about it here.
ACU is using CASPer results for 2019
Find out more and take the test here – https://takecasper.com/
Community service as important as ATAR for Year 12s in ANU overhaul
In a new scheme designed to diversify the university’s ranks, school leavers will be asked to meet a minimum threshold of community service and extra-curricular activity such as working part-time, playing sport or volunteering, on top of achieving the right score for their degree.
ANU vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said students were more than “just a score” and had unique skills on offer from time spent volunteering, working part-time, excelling in sports or performance or participating in student leadership.
You can find out if you meet the tests here – http://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/new-admissions-for-2020/co-curricular-or-service-requirement
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.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
There are 3 ways to study at UNSW Canberra (ADFA)
- ADFA Trainee Officers study Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, or Technology degrees (while receiving military training and subsidised accommodation and living costs)
- Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship students study Computing and Cyber Security or specialist Engineering degrees in Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical (with full tuition fee scholarships and stipends)
- Non-Defence Undergraduate students study specialist Engineering degrees in Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical or Engineering / Science double degrees (with paid work experience opportunities).
Our students are provided with a unique study experience, access to custom-built facilities and resources, outstanding industry networks, and graduate with a degree from one of the top universities in the world.
Find out more – http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/study
Five tips to help year 12 students set better goals in the final year of school
A great article for Year 12’s, with useful advice about how to avoid anxiety and perform your best in the year ahead. Read it here.
Breaking bad study habits
Start the new school year off right with these great tips for staying focused while studying.
Check them out – http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/breaking-bad-study-habits-16-effective-habits-for-success/
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.
http://beyou.think.edu.au/surviving-year-12
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.
http://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
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.
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
My Future – Supporting your Child’s Career Development
Support from family and key people in their life is important in helping young people through the process of thinking about and planning for their career.
As a parent or carer, four areas where you can provide practical support are self-awareness, opportunity awareness, decision making and transition support.
Read more at – https://myfuture.edu.au/career-insight/details?id=supporting-your-child-s-career-development – /
Find out which occupations have skills shortages
Choosing a job in an industry where they need more workers is usually a smart decision. Right now, most professions are adequately supplied with large numbers of qualified candidates competing for vacancies. There are shortages for architects, surveyors, sonographers, audiologists and veterinarians, and many trades need more qualified people.
Find out where more people are needed here – https://www.employment.gov.au/occupational-skill-shortages-information
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.
http://www.sportspeople.com.au/
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: http://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
