14 Dec 2020

What if my ATAR score isn't what I wanted? What if my ATAR is just short of what I need to get me into my dream course? Was the ATAR calculator accurate? Do I need an ATAR for uni? What if I’ve ruined my whole life because I put too much pressure on myself and procastinated and now I’ll never get into uni and I’m a total failure?!?!

It's a year that's been wrought with stress and anxiety, and it's a razor scooter to the ankle to be denied getting the ATAR you want and deserve. But it's time for a reality check. 

C'mon, you've heard it before: your ATAR isn't the be-all and end-all. Heaps of people have gone on to do some epic things without sky-high ATAR results! 

 

Be flexible

My first hot tip for you, is to be flexible. 

When it comes to deciding on your future career, you have Plan A. That one dream course at that one dream uni. But your tunnel vision can make it nearly impossible to see any other options. So when your ATAR falls a bit short for Plan A, it's normal to feel like it's the end of the freaking world!

But, you should also have a Plan B. Maybe even a C and D too. Because, there's actually so many options and pathways to get you where you wanna go in life. Some you may not even know of!

If you're still set on that one, sparkly uni. Why not consider starting a broader degree or one with a lower ATAR requirement and then transferring within the uni at a later date? Badabing Badaboom!

You might have to change your plan around, but who knows, you might even find a new passion that you never considered before.

You never know, you might start a degree just because it was the only one you got into, and then realise that you actually love it. Dare I say, it could've even been a blessing in disguise!?

Uni's outside of major cities often have lower ATAR requirements. And some of these regional uni's can be among the top ranked for particular degrees. Not only this, but you can start fresh and gain some new found independance while still studying your dream degree. It's a win, win really!

Some careers don't even need a pesky ATAR, or even a uni degree! Before you do ANYTHING ELSE, you've gotta suss out our Post-School Planner. It'll ask you some q's about your skills, interests and personality and then let you explore thousands of careers that are best suited to you. You may discover you don't need an ATAR at all, or you may discover some other course options you didn't even think were possible!

Like how about TAFE or VET courses? Not only are a lot of em short and sweet (and don't require an ATAR), but they can also give you a leg up when starting a uni degree. Finding a TAFE course that relates to your desired uni degree could shorten your undergraduate course, some TAFEs even have connections with certain universities. How romantic is that?! 😏

Keep perspective

My second hot tip, is to keep perspective.

You survived 13 years of school. That is a reason in itself to celebrate! Don't let a number poop on your party. 

There are waaaay more important things than a mark, especially your mental health.

Take a gap year if you want. Travel by yourself or with your mates. Go on road trips. Sleep in. Take a bubble bath. Pick up some new hobbies. Read books and listen to podcasts. Suss out all of your options. De-stress and be cool as a cucumber. It'll all work out!