Stressed About Your ATAR? Uni of Newcastle Is Here To Help

Let’s face it - after spending a whole year toiling away, it’s natural to feel disappointed when your final marks aren’t where you want them to be.

If you’ve just gotten your ATAR and are taking another look at your plans, here are a few of the ways that the University of Newcastle can help you get where you want to be in your educational journey. 🎓

PS: Before we get started, don’t forget to check out the Uni’s Info Day on January 20th 2022 for a full rundown on the stuff we talk about down below!

COVID Adjustment Points

Given that the pandemic has affected just about every aspect of our lives, it should come as no surprise that it’s probably had a bit of an impact on your academic performance this year. The University of Newcastle has taken that on board and then some, awarding 2021 HSC applicants* with 5 adjustment points.

In other words, they’ll boost your selection rank up by 5 - no application needed 👏🏼. Just keep in mind that while you can use this in conjunction with other adjustment point schemes, you can only be eligible for a maximum of 12.

*(The COVID-19 adjustment points aren’t available for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

You Can Use Your TAFE Qualifications To Enter An Undergraduate Program

Don’t think that just because you weren’t able to use your ATAR to get into the undergraduate degree of your choice that the journey has to end there.

There are a couple of ways that you can use TAFE qualifications to gain entry into an undergraduate program:

The first is that if you’ve already completed a TAFE certification through your senior studies or a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program, you could be eligible for entry into one of the University’s TAFE Guaranteed programs. That’s right - if you’ve completed a Cert IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, you have guaranteed entry into a massive range of degree programs.

Alternatively, did you know you can actually do a Diploma at the University of Newcastle? You can enjoy the benefits of the university learning environment, plus get credits that you can put towards a related undergraduate degree you take on afterwards, cutting down on that study time! 

Your Subject Choice Can Help You Out Too

The University recognises that it’s not just about the destination, it’s the journey as well. That’s why they have an entry program designed to reward you for your unique talents, passions and interests in subjects that are relevant to your degree of choice.

You’ll need to get a Band 4 in English or English Advanced, as well as appropriate marks in any one other approved HSC subject (based on which degree you’re after). Take a look over here for the full deets on that one!

At the end of the day, your ATAR is a super-small part in a big story all about your education and your career after high school. If you’ve got the will, there will always be a way - and the University of Newcastle is here to give you some more options to add to your journey. 🤩

Make sure you check out their full list of undergraduate entry schemes over here, plus their info day over here!