Now you know your ATAR – here’s how to choose your uni courses

WHEN ATARs are released on Friday 14 December, many HSC students will think seriously about their chances of getting into university. UAC expects about 20,000 students to change their course preferences when they receive their ATAR and have a more realistic idea of the courses they can get into.

ADVICE ON CHANGING PREFERENCES

Check last year’s selection ranks (previously known as cut-offs) on UAC’s website, the My UAC app, or in the UAC Guide 2018–19 to see if you have a realistic chance of gaining entry with your ATAR, but remember that selection ranks include adjustment factors (previously known as bonus points). The selection rank is not necessarily the ATAR you need to get an offer.

Don’t be put off by a course that had a selection rank last year that is higher than your ATAR. Remember that selection ranks include adjustment factors and selection ranks change from year to year. Put your ‘wish list’ courses at the top of your list and work your way down. Your list of preferences should include courses with a range of different selection ranks.

You can change your preferences until midnight on Sunday 16 December 2018 for December Round 2 offers – don’t leave changing your preferences to the last minute.

You need your UAC application number and UAC PIN to change your preferences.

You can have up to five preferences including any combination of courses.

You can rearrange the order of your courses, add new courses or delete courses as many times as you like.

You should list your preferences in the order you want them to be considered. Put the course you most want to do first, then the course you would next prefer to do, and so on. If you are not made an offer for your first preference, you will be considered for your second preference, and so on until you are made an offer or until there are no further preferences.

Make sure the courses you add don’t have early closing dates or prerequisites you cannot meet.

If your ATAR isn’t as high as you expected, you may need to think about pathways to further study. There are plenty of courses that don’t require an ATAR for entry. Talk to the institutions – most have hotlines and special advisory days.

And finally, choose courses that you really want to do.

If you have any questions, UAC’s customer service centre will be open over the weekend as follows:

• Saturday 15 December, 8.30am–4.30pm
• Sunday 16 December, 8.30am–4.30pm.

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For further information (media only) email media@uac.edu.au or contact:
Diane Jardine, Communications Officer, UAC on 9752 0775
Kim Paino, General Manager, Marketing and Engagement, UAC on (02) 9752 0760 or 0409 155 112.