01 Sep 2024 | 4 mins
Overview
  • Does early entry mean you don't have to try in your HSC?
  • We've got all your early entry questions covered.

You’ve probably heard about Early Entry programs before, but based on what we’ve heard, there’s a lot of muddled info out there. So, we thought we’d break down some of the biggest myths surrounding how you can take the stress out of your studies and lock in a place at a great uni! 

Just a heads up, we’ll be using the University of New England (UNE) as an example here, and not all universities have the same early entry policies, so make sure you check up on all the different policies of any unis you’re applying to. 

Myth 1: If I’m planning on using an early entry scheme, I don’t have to worry about my marks in Year 11 or Year 12 

Obviously the biggest benefit of the early entry scheme is that universities look at more than your ATAR when they decide to send you an offer. If you’re finding Year 12 extra challenging, or you’d just prefer some peace of mind knowing that you’ll have a pathway into uni once you graduate high school, checking out early entry can be a great move. 

That all being said, universities will typically still need some kind of evidence that you’re ready to take your studies to the next level. For example, at UNE you’ll be asked to provide a list of the subjects you’re taking in year 12, which your school will then fill out with their rating of your performance. In some cases, schools might also add details like your year 11 marks, a letter of recommendation from your principal, and/or your Educational Access scheme application if you have one. 

So, you’re not gonna be able to spend your whole Year 11 and 12 playing FIFA or rewatching Heartbreak High.  

The good news is that through UNE you are guaranteed an offer to study with them based on your school’s recommendation. If you aren’t eligible for your preferences, you’ll receive an offer for an alternative course. That’s because they understand that an ATAR score isn’t the only way to measure if someone’s uni-ready, and they believe that everyone should be future-fit.  

BTW: If you’re studying to sit the HSC at TAFE, you’re still eligible for early entry! 

 

Myth 2: Getting an Early Entry offer means I can’t apply for other courses later 

Your place being secured with an early entry offer doesn’t mean you’re locked into that course. That’s great news for a few reasons. For example, you might want to lock in a place for a course you like, and then take advantage of being less stressed about uni offers to focus on your studies and aim for a degree that isn’t eligible for early entry. Or, you might discover a new passion after doing some work experience or some research and want to switch things up. It’s up to you! 
 

Also, don’t stress out if your plans change and you realise you need to take a year or two off before getting back into uni. At UNE, you can defer most early entry offers for up to two years (excluding the Bachelor of Nursing). So, if you’re tossing up whether to go to uni via an early offer program or doing a gap year, don’t stress. 

 

Myth 3: You can apply for any course you want via the Early Entry Program 

The Early Entry program is pretty amazing, but like everything in this world, it has its limits. If you’re planning on being a doctor for example, you’re going to need an ATAR (not to mention pass the UCAT, but that’s a different chat for another time). 

That being said, the University of New England is offering over 54 courses in their Early Entry program, across areas like agriculture, business, education, law, computer science, media, and more. No matter what your interests are, or what you’re planning for your future career, you’ll find something you can apply for. Plus, you could always apply for early entry to one of these courses, and transfer into a different degree program that’s more closely aligned with your plans after a trimester or so. 

So, if you’re thinking about applying for an early entry program, why not take a look at the University of New England? Whether or not you’re expecting to receive an ATAR, you’ll have a guaranteed offer from a uni that boasts a 5-star rating for overall experience 18 years in a row*. Plus, early entry offers also come with a reserved place at one of their many colleges across their massive lush Armidale campus. It only takes about 10 minutes to get your application started, so why not head over to UNE’s Early Entry site to learn more about how it all works? 

* (The Good Universities Guide, 2024)