So, You Have Completed Your Year 12 Exams: What Now?
With your Year 12 exams now behind you, the next big step is waiting for your ATAR results. The SACE board releases ATAR scores for South Australian students (released Monday, 16 December 2024). An ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a key metric used by universities to determine eligibility for various courses, with each university setting its own minimum entry rank for degrees.
So, what happens next? Whether you’ve exceeded your expectations or didn’t quite get the results you wanted, here’s a guide to navigating the next steps.
ATAR Above Entry Rank
Congratulations! If your ATAR meets or exceeds the entry rank for your preferred course, you’re already on the right track.
If you’ve registered with SATAC and set your preferences, SATAC will automatically begin applying to the universities and courses you’ve listed. As long as you meet the entry requirements, you’ll start receiving offers once the official offer rounds begin in January. You can find important SATAC dates here.
If you’re interested in studying a degree supported by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, you can apply directly to one of our partner universities with our help. Our Centre Managers are here to guide you through the process, making it easy to apply as soon as you receive your ATAR.
When to Apply?
For those studying with Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s partner universities, you can apply before receiving your ATAR, but you won’t receive an official offer until the university has your results. Remember, some degrees may fill up quickly, so it’s wise to come and speak with us during our ‘ATAR Week’ (16 to 20 December) to explore your options and ensure you’re ready before Christmas.
If you’re applying through SATAC for another university, rest assured that SATAC will manage your application once your ATAR is available.
ATAR Below Entry Rank
“What happens if I don’t achieve the ATAR I need to get into my university course?” is a common concern among students anxiously awaiting their ATAR results after final exams.
It’s important to remember that even if your results aren’t what you hoped for, it’s not the end of the world. It might feel overwhelming at first, and that’s completely normal, but once you’ve moved past that initial stress, you’ll see that there’s still hope.
Keep in mind that your ATAR is just the beginning. Even with a low ATAR, you can still pave your path to success. The key is to decide on your next steps, and Uni Hub Spencer Gulf is here to help.
So, what should you do if you don’t get the ATAR you need?
You have options!
- Your First Preference Isn’t Off the Table Yet
A lower ATAR doesn’t always mean you have to give up on your first preference. Many courses offer multiple rounds of offers, so you might receive an offer in the second or third round.
- Start with a Different Undergraduate Degree
Some courses are available as postgraduate options. You can start with a different undergraduate degree, keep your grades high, and then transition into the postgraduate version of your preferred course. For example, if you don’t get into undergraduate Medicine, you could study Biomedicine, Science, or a similar field, and then apply for Medicine as a postgraduate student.
- Transferring Into Your First Preference
Another option is to start a different course and then transfer into your desired course after a semester or two at university, commonly known as a GPA Credit Entry. For example, if your ATAR is below entry for the Bachelor of Allied Health, you could study a Bachelor of Health Sciences, and after the first year if your GPA is over 5 you could switch over to the Bachelor of Allied Health.
- Bridging Courses
Many universities offer free bridging courses, designed to help students meet the entry requirements for a university degree or prepare for university-level study. These courses are often taken by students who may not have achieved the necessary grades, ATAR, or prerequisites for their desired course or by those returning to study after a long break.
Bridging courses typically cover fundamental subjects, such as mathematics, science, or language skills, that are essential for success in a particular degree program. Upon successful completion, students may gain direct entry into their chosen course. Bridging courses can also boost a student’s confidence and readiness for university study.
- Explore a Different Course
If one door closes, another opens. This experience might lead you to a course that better matches your interests, skills, lifestyle, and the future you envision for yourself.
Uni Hub Spencer Gulf Can Help!
Have questions about your ATAR results? Come in or call us during the Uni Hub’s ATAR Week during 16-20 December. Our team is ready with guidance, resources and advice to help you through this important moment in your academic journey.
Click HERE to find your closest Uni Hub.
