As the school year nears an end, it’s time to seriously think about which university you’d like to attend next year. The course offers you receive will be based on the university preferences you submit, so it’s important to get this difficult decision right. Today, we’re looking at five factors you should consider when finalising those preferences.
Realistic ATAR Expectations
The first thing you’re going to need to do is to be realistic about your ATAR expectations. It’s been a tough year for everyone, and schooling has been majorly disrupted, so you may be looking at a lower projected score than you would have liked.
The best VCE tutors can help you study for your end of year exams and earn a better score. However, if you know you won’t be able to get your grades to where they need to be for the school you want, it may be time to reassess your preferences.
Diploma Programs
If your heart is set on completing a particular bachelor’s degree at a certain university but you feel as if you may not reach the required score, now is the time to look into a diploma program.
Entry requirements are generally less strict for diplomas than for the associated bachelors, but these qualifications can provide a pathway into the second year of your desired course. You just need to ensure your diploma is completed with a provider that’s affiliated with the university.
Diploma programs can also help increase employment opportunities as many fields allow diploma-qualified students to start working in their desired profession while completing their bachelor degree.
Future Employability
Speaking of employment opportunities, you will also want to consider your future employability when selecting your university preferences. While any form of tertiary education will certainly give you an edge over those who do not have formal qualifications, some universities are regarded more highly than others in certain fields.
If you haven’t already, do some research on which degrees and providers offer the best employment outcomes in your desired field and align your preferences accordingly.
The Location of Your Preferred University
You’ll also need to take the location of your preferred university into consideration. For example, if you’re going to have to move out of home in order to attend, this places a significant amount of extra financial stress on you during your degree. It may mean that you will need to sacrifice study time in order to work and stay afloat. If the housing market is particularly competitive around your preferred university, you may run into issues securing accommodation.
Lifestyle Expectations
Finally, it is important to factor in your lifestyle expectations. While some people may have dreamed their entire life of living on campus during their studies, others prefer shared housing or living alone. This is something you’ll need to consider when making a budget for the coming years as it will significantly impact your expenses.
You’ll also want to factor in things such as whether there is a branch of your preferred gym close by, what transport options are available, and whether you will have a suitable support network in the local area. While your preferences shouldn’t be based solely on these factors, they should certainly be a part of your decision-making process.
Choosing a university is a lot more complex than simply checking where your high school friends are going. Consider each point in this list, and seek professional guidance if you feel it might help. Good luck