Understanding the process of university admissions in Australia
Depending on the type of university you are hoping to gain admission to, you will be dealing extensively with the people of the university admissions office. Furthermore, having an understanding of the selection process may give you the edge you need to apply. It is very important that you pay close attention to detail during this process. Keep in mind that last minute entries are often sloppy, lacking, and unimpressive to the university. Following the 4 steps outlined below will aid you in being successful with the university admissions process.
Gathering information
The first steps to gaining entrance to the university of your choice are simple when you follow the correct process. You need to visit the university admissions website and make a list of all of the information you will need to in order to apply. This will include items like social security numbers, your parents and/or your financial information, school records, etc. You will need to make this list several months before you plan to apply, as it may take you some time to gather all the necessary information needed. While on the university admissions website, make a list of all of the important dates that pertain to you. Deadlines are taken very seriously at university, and failure to meet them will seriously impede the selection process. If you happen to miss a deadline, you may be allowed an extension, but please know that this looks bad when you are attempting to convince a school that you are a good candidate for their school.
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Leg work
The university admissions selection process can be very competitive for some schools; whereas, some schools don’t require a background that is too extensive. The selection committee of schools that require more from their applicants will be looking for a well-rounded individual who excels in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, and community service involvement. During the year (and ideally for three or four years leading up to actually applying), it is important to keep your nose clean and work really hard to impress the selection committee of these universities. Find new and interesting ways to be an asset to your current school and community (thereby showcasing the asset that you will be to a particular university if selected). Also, find ways to serve in leadership roles wherever possible, as being able to serve as a leader is a well sought-after characteristic in the eyes of those involved in the selection process. In the months leading up to filling out your admissions application, you will need to apply for federal financial aid and/or federal loans and research your scholarship and grant options. Doing all of this while maintaining your grades in high school probably won’t be easy, but it will be worth it when you are finally admitted to your chosen university.
Applying for an university adnission
Many websites have their application available for year-round viewing, but will only begin accepting them at a particular point in the school year; other schools accept them all year. You can download the application at any point (or sometimes fill it out electronically on their site) and review the university admissions requirements. Again, pay attention to the deadlines and fee requirements for all submitted material. While everybody hopes to gain admission into the school they long for most, it is a good idea to apply to your second and third choice as well (just to be safe). You will generally hear back from the school within 8 weeks of applying – sometimes sooner.
Student orientation
Most major universities require that you attend their student orientation. Failure to attend could mean a delay in your registration, meaning you will need to start at a later date. Most schools work really hard to make this a fun part of your admissions process, so rest assured that attending orientation is generally the least of a student’s worries.
The university admissions’ selection process can seem overwhelming at first, but when broken down into smaller and more attainable goals, you’ll soon realize that (as long as you allow yourself plenty of time) that it can be a very simple and rewarding process.
