How to make the most of your preferences

The way you preference your courses on UAC can have a big impact on how your application is assessed and deciding on the order of your courses can be overwhelming. So we have put together our top tips to help you master preferencing in your application. 

1. Put the course you most want to study, first. 

UAC uses a preferential system, which means that they will consider your first preference, first!  

Your chance of being selected for a course doesn’t increase or decrease based on the order of preferences in your application. You will be equally considered with other eligible applicants at each offer round.  

 So if you are eligible for your first preference, you'll get an offer and in that offer round you won't be considered for any of your other preferences. If you're not eligible for your first preference, they will continue down your list of preferences until you are eligible to receive an offer. 

2. Consider your options 

In your UAC application, you will have up to five preferences. When choosing your preferences, make sure you research your options and choose courses based on your interests and passions.  

 With every preference you put in your application, there is an opportunity for you to receive an offer. So although you don’t have to fill up all five preferences in your application, using all your preferences means you will have more chances to receive an offer in future rounds if you don’t get your first preference. 

 After you have selected your first preference, it’s a good idea to look for similar courses at UTS when choosing your remaining preferences. This means that if you don't get your first preference, once you're accepted into a degree at UTS, there are option to transfer internally to your dream course.  

If you would like to find out more about UTS courses, you can check out our course page, live chat with us or book a 1-1 consultation. 

3. Keep an eye out for key dates 

Once you submit your preferences, they're not set in stone. You can edit your preferences if you change your mind.  

Check the UAC key dates to find out when the course preference deadline for each offer round as you won't be able to change your preferences for a few days.  

4. Remember that your plans can change  

From the time you get your UAC log-in details, you can reshuffle and change your preferences minutes (or seconds) up to the change of preference deadline.

The same works for life after high school - if your ATAR surprises you, good or bad, it’s okay to change your course of study at any point, or work towards something that gets you there. You’re not locked in, and that’s the beauty of university and following your own path.  

5. Talk with an expert 

Join us at our upcoming Info Day! You will be able to ask questions about your course and career options as well as learn more about key admissions information, including preferencing, schemes and more!