Getting in to uni
Completing a university course is a good investment in your future.
University graduates have a higher employment rate than the rest
of the population. They can also expect to earn more.
Getting into university is a competitive process. When you’re
deciding on a course, make sure the cut-off score is within your
reach. There’s no harm in aiming high, but it’s important
to be realistic to avoid disappointment.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to a variety
of different universities. You may find that some have lower cut-off
scores than others. This is often true outside the major capitals.
Domestic full fee paying places also usually have lower cut-offs.
Before you decide on your preferences, get yourself a copy of The
Good Universities Guide. This valuable handbook ranks every
course and university in Australia. You’ll find copies
at bookshops and libraries.
All universities generally have an open day, so check out individual
websites to find out when they’re on. Going along will give
you a feel for uni life.
Don’t feel locked in by your choices. Many students change
degrees or even universities during their first year.
And if you find university just isn’t for you, you’re
in good company. Thousands of first year students drop out every
year.
What’s uni like?
Going to university can be overwhelming. Chances are you’ll
end up on a campus with thousands of other students. But the good
news is that it can be a lot of fun – you’ll join recreational
clubs, make friends, learn and of course, head to the pub!
Most degree courses take at least three years to complete. If you want to keep
your options open, opt to study a general degree such as arts, commerce, science
or law.
Later on you’ll find that many graduate recruitment programs don’t
mind what you’ve studied as long as you do well.
On average, university graduates can expect a starting salary of $40,800.
If you complete a post-graduate degree, you can add another $5-10,000 to that.
For more info go to www.graduatecareers.com.au
Teaching Scholarships
If you’ve always dreamed of teaching your own class, in NSW
there are 230 scholarships on offer each year to students interested
in teaching maths, science, English or technology.
At the end of your course, you’ll be guaranteed a permanent
position in Sydney’s western or south western suburbs or
in a rural area of New South Wales. Visit www.teach.nsw.edu.au for
further information.
Important uni dates
To apply to any university in NSW go to the University Admissions
Centre website www.uac.edu.au or
phone on (02) 9752 0200.
● The closing date for applications for courses starting
in early 2009, is Tuesday, September 30, 2008.
● Late applications will be accepted up until Thursday, February 5, 2009.
● HSC students will receive two letters: their HSC results and the UAI
on Friday, December 19, 2008.
● Main round offers of university places will be e-released at
9pm on Wednesday January 21, 2009.
TAFE
If the hands-on approach suits is your favourite way of learning,
TAFE is a great pathway to a trade or profession. TAFE has strong
links to industry and is focused on helping students become ready
for work.
In NSW, TAFE offers more than 1,200 courses – from horticulture and bricklaying
to IT and business. There are130 TAFE campuses across NSW, but you don’t
always have to study in a classroom. You can also choose to have your course
delivered flexibly at home or online. You can also study part-time, full-time
or by distance.
Some courses have entry requirements, so find out now, in case you need to change
your year 11 and 12 subjects. You may also be able to receive credit for some
HSC subjects and VET courses towards your TAFE course.
Check out all the TAFE options at www.tafensw.edu.au/schooltotafe/ or
drop into your local TAFE campus to see what’s on offer.
Learn on the job
If you want to get paid while you learn, an apprenticeship or traineeship
will be a good choice for you. While you won’t be earning
big bucks until you’re fully qualified, you will probably
be better off than your friends at uni and TAFE.
Traineeships are quicker than apprenticeships. They generally
last two years and are offered in hundreds of different areas from
hospitality and agriculture to radio and funeral work.
Apprenticeships last between 3-4 years and are offered in more
traditional trade areas, like mechanics, engineering and cooking.
Check out more options at http://apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au/
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