Wondering how to get into uni if you didn’t get the ATAR you need? Don’t worry – there are more options than you think.
After completing Year 12 and receiving your ATAR or high school results, you might find that they are not what you were hoping for to gain entry into university. Maybe life just happened, and despite putting all your efforts into studying, the outcomes were impacted.
In truth, there is an abundance of options for high school leavers, or those who did not receive an ATAR. Find out how you can gain a pathway into UOW.
The perfect pathway
If you didn’t apply for early entry and ended up with a lower ATAR than you expected, it may seem that you’ve missed the boat on going to university. But really, it could mean that you’ve landed in exactly the position that is right for you. Use this time to reassess your plans and explore options that may pertain better to your situation.
UOW College is a guaranteed pathway into university that is flexible, supportive, and accessible.
If you experienced personal difficulties during high school, it may be the ideal option. This was certainly the case for John, who graduated with distinction from a Bachelor of Computer Science after completing his Diploma of Information Technology at UOW College.
“College was like a transitional path – halfway between university and high school,” he says.
“It had smaller classes, support, and I knew I could go to lecturers and tutors with any problems I may have had."
“I felt I was especially supported because I had, at the time, undiagnosed ADHD and Aspergers. The College made sure I had points of contact with someone all the way through.”
UOW College benefits
As a UOW College student, you’ll have all the same access and experiences as a first year UOW student, with smaller class sizes and added support for your learning.
Accommodation, entertainment, printing and other library facilities, as well as clubs and societies are all available to you – you won’t miss out on a thing. With access to CSP funding, and even some fee-free courses, you’re gaining even more.
UOW College offers guaranteed entry for many undergraduate courses, most even going straight into second year. This means you’ll be entering UOW with the knowledge and skills required for your desired course, and you won’t be losing any time in completing your degree. You’ll also have the added advantage of starting your bachelor with the support of UOW College’s trained staff and peer leaders.
Options for when your ATAR isn’t what you hoped for
At UOW College, admission is a case-by-case process. UOW College won’t always turn you away just because of your ATAR score; we’ll consider your personal history, marks from earlier high school years, vocational training, work experience, and so on – even years after high school. Whatever your desired degree or career path, UOW College will find a way to accommodate you.
Take Sofia, for example. After a long battle with an aggressive form of cancer, Sofia was still determined to pursue her dream, and UOW College was able to aid her on her path.
“I really wanted to do the Bachelor of Medical and Health Science because of all the time I had spent in hospital. I knew there were gaps in the healthcare system for young people, and I wanted to work in the field,” she says.
For Sofia, entry straight into uni was not ideal. She was willing to explore other options first.
“There is such a big gap between what happens at university and what happens at school. As an 18-year-old, I wasn’t really ready to be in that world, which is why the College was so beneficial for me.”
When you first leave high school, the real world can seem intimidating; you have so many expectations, which are typically based around traditional ideas of what life looks like after secondary education. But the truth is, you’re now free to explore the world like you never have before. There is no right path, and no rules. You’ve graduated into life, and it’s time to seek out your own vision of success.
So, if you’re keen on getting into university but didn’t get the ATAR to get direct entry, don’t feel like you must jump through hoops to prove it.
Find out more about our courses and pathways here or email us at uowca-future@uow.edu.au to connect with our friendly staff.