What to do after Year 12 results are released

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: results. But like many things in life, it’s not the hand you’re dealt – it’s how you play it. So whether you did better than expected, or your ATAR has got you concerned, don’t worry. You’ve got options.

I did well: I’ll get my first preference

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and now you’re ready to take the next exciting step into university life. Make sure you have your application in, are across all the important dates, and keep an eye out for your offer.

Your offer is a written notice from the university letting you know that your application to a course was successful. You can choose to accept, decline or defer your offer by following the response procedure for your Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC, UAC and VTAC).

I’m worried: I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped

First off, don’t panic. Your ATAR does not define your future success, and you still have plenty of options.

Consider your adjustment factors

If your selection rank is close to the lowest selection rank that was made an offer in the previous year, you should consider holding your preference. Adjustment factors and education access schemes may come into play and make you eligible for the course.

Explore pathways

Getting the right selection rank isn’t the only way into university. A pathway course involves using another program as a stepping stone into your dream degree. They include associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, and can be completed through ACU, TAFE or other VET providers.

If you successfully complete a pathway program, you may be able to gain credit towards your ACU degree, and in some cases, go straight into the second year of the program.

For example, if you didn’t get the results you needed for an undergraduate education degree, you could apply for a pathway course such as the Bachelor of Educational Studies or the Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation). These courses have lower entry requirements, and if you complete one successfully, you can then apply to your desired teaching degree. Of course, they are still subject to meeting progression and non-academic requirements.

If you're unsure you'll get into your dream degree, but there is a pathway course available, one idea is to pop the pathway course lower down your preference list. This way if you don't get an offer to your preferred course, you may get one for your pathway course in the same offer round.

Pathway options vary between courses, institutions and even campuses, so do your research. You can also attend an information session to discuss your options with an expert.

Learn more about pathways.

Transfer between courses

You can apply to study a course with similar subjects, but a lower entry score or fewer prerequisites, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. This could be at the same or even a different university. And if you receive credit for completed units, it shouldn’t take you any longer to complete your degree.

For example, if you don’t think you’ll meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), the Bachelor of Educational Studies is an excellent alternative pathway.

Learn more about transfers.

Transfer between campuses

ACU has seven campuses around Australia, and entry scores can vary between locations. This means, if you’re set on a particular degree but don’t get the ATAR to study at your preferred campus, you may be able to enrol at a campus where it has a lower entry score, and then transfer to your preferred location later on.

Learn more about transferring course or campus at ACU.

Explore educational access schemes

These schemes are helpful if you have experienced educational disadvantage and been unable to reach your full potential, or you had restricted access to the courses of your choice due to life experiences such as financial hardship, personal illness, home environment and responsibilities, education disruption and English language difficulties.

Applications for the Educational Access Scheme (Qld and NSW) and Special Entry Access Scheme (Vic) must be made directly to your Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Learn more about Tertiary Admission Centre schemes.

I think I’ve changed my mind

If your ATAR has opened up new possibilities, take another look at your options and make sure you truly did list your top course choice as your first preference. However, don’t be tempted to change your preferences just for the sake of it – you should choose a course because you want to study it, not just because you can study it.

You can also attend one of our events for change of preference advice. Once you’ve decided, you can change your preferences through your local TAC (QTAC, UAC or VTAC). Just make sure you do so before the cut-off dates.

I’d like to talk to someone about my options

Sometimes there’s just no substitute for talking it over with an expert. We run information sessions throughout the year, which are designed to give you one-on-one advice about your university choices. It can be great to reassure yourself you’ve made the right decision, or to learn more about pathways and entry schemes.

Not keen on attending an event? Our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you. You can also book a campus tour to check out our facilities and discuss your study options at a time that suits you.

Want to discuss your options? Explore our events or contact AskACU.

Category Future student

Tags Applying Change of preference School leaver Pathways Student Study Tips Undergraduate Year 12

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Future student