Applying to Uni: it’s EASY if you know what to do…

What’s ahead? 1. it’s about responsibility 2. a quick overview of the ATAR 3. steps in Applying through UAC

So you want to go to uni?  It’s a big decision! You’ve decided you want to go to uni … - take your application seriously - read and follow instructions - be responsible for your decisions and your application.

What is the ATAR?  It’s all about POSITION – it’s a NUMBER that shows your position relative to other students  For example, if your overall academic performance gives you an ATAR of 85, this places you in the top 15% of your age group.

Maximising your ATAR  The only way you can maximise your ATAR is by working to your potential.  It is NOT TRUE that your ATAR is influenced by: - the subjects you choose or - the school you attend THESE ARE MYTHS! →

What is scaling?  Courses don’t scale UP or DOWN, they just scale.  Scaling is the first step in positioning you.  You’ll get a scaled mark for each of your units and the best 10 scaled marks are added to form your aggregate (out of 500).  Aggregates are then mapped to percentiles and ATARs.

Fred and Laura CourseHSC markPercentileHSC markPercentile Biology Business Studies English Advanced Mathematics Modern History Visual Arts ATAR Your ATAR won’t look like your HSC marks. 2. Just a few extra marks can make a BIG difference!

Steps to applying 1. Prepare 2. Apply 3. Manage 4. Accept offers

Step 1 PREPARE

Prepare  PINs – HSC and UAC  Name – legal name  Tax File Number – HECS-HELP  Prerequisites and selection criteria  UAC Guide  UAC’s online course search

Step 2 APPLY

Apply  Uni  Scholarships  Educational Access Schemes  Schools Recommendation Schemes

Apply to UNI  APPLY online at - applications open 5 August; on-time closing 30 September  LIST 1 to 9 courses in your order of preference  PAY processing charge PRINT confirmation and payment  CHANGE course preferences up to 30 November (SRS) & 6 January 2016 (Main Round) BUT check early closing dates

Step 3 MANAGE

Manage  UNDERSTAND selection rank  RESEARCH bonus points  CHECK additional selection criteria UMAT Personal statement Interview Portfolio Audition  USE Check & Change

Selection rank  For most HSC students, your selection rank = ATAR  Bonus points and EAS points can change your selection rank for a particular course - they do not change your ATAR  Some courses have additional selection criteria SELECTION RANK = ATAR + BONUS POINTS

Bonus points & cut-offs Example – Bachelor of Sandology 6 applicants for 3 places : ( ATAR of 89) ( ATAR of 83+5 bonus points ) ( ATAR of 85+2 bonus points ) ( ATAR of 86) ( ATAR of 76+9 bonus points ) ( ATAR of 84) XX = selection rank ( Course cut - off = 87) Bonus points DO NOT change your ATAR

Check & Change  Check/change - contact details - course preferences - UAC PIN  View/print - confirmation of application - correspondence from UAC - tax invoice  Add or modify qualifications - eg STAT & UMAT

Step 4 CHECK & ACCEPT OFFERS

Check and accept offers  An offer is a guaranteed place – ACCEPT it Thursday 3 December 2015 (SRS) Wednesday 5 January 2016 (SRS) Wednesday 20 January 2016 (Main Round) Most offers are made in the Main Round Follow institution instructions carefully  Change preferences to keep options open

Deferring  Institution policies differ – follow instructions  Deferred place is guaranteed  Uni will contact you (probably in August) to re- offer the place  If you’ve changed your mind you need to apply again through UAC as a non-school leaver.

Summary 1. Prepare 2. Apply 3. Manage 4. Accept offers