Still a wealth of uni options

YEAR 12 graduates are being reminded that their ATAR scores do not define them, as tertiary institutions extend support hours to accommodate the incoming cohort.

A record 50,944 students graduated with their VCE this year, and a further 13,091 students will graduate with VCAL.

Education Minister James Merlino congratulated the students, and said: “It’s important to recognise that VCE is only one step in your life journey.

“There have never been more opportunities and pathways available to year 12 graduates, including university, TAFE, traineeships and work,” Mr Merlino said.

Deakin University is extending its support hours for the next week as part of the Change of Preference Support Week for Year 12 students who have received their VCE results.

Deakin Student Recruitment Pathways manager Janine Kuster said the university was committed to helping students find a pathway to their dream career.

“No matter your ATAR result or your education history, we’re here to help you find a pathway into university,” Ms Kuster said.

“Deakin will have staff available all weekend to talk with students about their results, with hotline and online chat support as well as in-person information sessions at our Burwood and Waterfront campuses, and Walk and Talk tours of our Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses.”

Ms Kuster said students considering a change of preferences should aim for the course that truly excited them.

“You should list the courses in the order you want to study them, and not just order courses by how you think you’ll get in,” she said.

“For those students who got the ATAR they expected, congratulations. It’s now just a matter of waiting for your round one offer on 16 January, though you can still add, remove or re-order courses on your preference list through VTAC.

“For those who didn’t get the result they were hoping for, there are plenty of other pathways into Deakin — including studying an associate degree, starting your course at a different Deakin campus with the intention to transfer, looking at similar courses with a lower ATAR then transferring later with credit, studying at Deakin College or completing a TAFE course then transferring, usually with credit.”

Students can call Deakin on 1800 693 888 or visit deakin.edu.au/choose for support.