Missed out on your dream ATAR? Explore these 5 options

The ATAR – it's a big focus in high school. But despite all the hard work and planning, sometimes things don’t go as expected and your score might not be what you hoped for. The good news? Your ATAR doesn’t have to be a barrier to achieving your dreams of a specific course, university or career.

We spoke with Dr Amanda White OAM, Associate Professor in Accounting at the University of Technology Sydney, and former UTS College student Ramya Raparthi who found her own pathway to UTS. Here are some valuable tips for making a Plan B that works for you.

1. Don’t stress … do your research

Your parents, older siblings and even your next-door neighbour have probably told you that your ATAR doesn’t define you. But when you're in the final years of high school, it can certainly feel like it does.

While it might seem like everything hinges on your ATAR, it’s just one of many pathways into university.

Ramya had dreamed of a career in medicine since she was four years old. When her marks fell short, she was understandably disappointed. But after taking time to process it, she shifted her focus to exploring alternative pathways. Through her research on UAC, she discovered several options to keep her goals within reach.

Though medicine remained her first choice, Ramya realised that advanced science could be a strong second option that would keep her moving along the same path. With UTS as her top choice, she found a science diploma at UTS College that would align to her degree.

“Many other universities have similar setups with colleges,” she explains.

“Some universities even consider letters that discuss your goals and plans and extracurricular activities, like volunteering, which can help you earn extra ATAR points. Those extra points might just open more doors for you.

“The first thing you need to do is take a step back, see all your options and ask yourself, ‘How do I approach this differently?’. Because there are always possibilities,” she shares.

Dr Amanda White, who works with many first-year university students, echoes this sentiment.  

“No one asks about your ATAR at uni. Once you’re here, it’s all about the work you do and how dedicated you are to your learning,” she says.

2. Consider transferring

One option is to start in a different UTS undergraduate degree with a lower entry requirement or enrol in a similar course at another university. After you have completed a year of full-time study, you can reapply to UTS via UAC. UTS will then consider your first-year university results or Year 12 marks – whichever is higher.

Amanda offers this advice: “Aim high, the ranking of your application for a transfer into UTS is based on your academic results at your other institution, so make sure you’re doing all you can to achieve great grades.”

Additionally, you might qualify for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This means the subjects you’ve already completed could count towards your new degree, helping you save time and stay on track.

3. Explore UTS College

UTS College offers one-year diplomas that align with the subjects and outcomes of select first-year UTS degrees. These programs provide a solid foundation and the support you need to transition smoothly into university life.

Diplomas are available in fields such as engineering, business, IT, science, design and architecture, and more. Depending on your course and grade point average, your diploma can lead directly into the second year of uni — keeping you on track to graduate on time while earning both a diploma and a degree.

Having a diploma up your sleeve can also help you gain entry-level work experience in your field while continuing your studies.

For Ramya, a Diploma of Science (Life Sciences) at UTS College turned out to be the ideal starting point. Initially hesitant, she now considers it her best decision. Had she gone straight into a science degree and later wanted to change her field, switching would have been much more challenging. The diploma kept her doors open, allowing her to choose from various options for her second year of university, including Advanced Science, Biomedical Physics, Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, Forensic Science and Marine Biology.

"UTS College was a great first step to prepare for university life," Ramya shares.  

"I learned important skills like time management and independent learning."  

She also appreciated the smaller class sizes, which made it easier to adjust to university learning.  

"It’s like a bridge that helps you build confidence and skills while working towards your goals."

Now at the end of her second year at UTS, Ramya is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Pre-Medicine). Through the diploma, she completed nine subjects over three trimesters, earning recognition of prior learning for her first year and credit for two third-year subjects. This means she only needs to complete six subjects in her final year of university.

“I’d definitely recommend it,” Ramya says.  

“The program is well-structured, with timetables that allow you to complete subjects over just two days, leaving time for study, work or other commitments.

“The support is outstanding too. Studiosity is available 24/7, so you can get learning support and quick feedback on your work or assessments anytime of the day or night. You meet others going through the same transition, so you’re never alone. You make friends who will be there with you along the way."

Inspired by the support she received from UTS College and UTS, Ramya hopes to one day teach at UTS, applying her knowledge and experience, before continuing her journey towards her dream of studying medicine.

4. Try TAFE or a private college

You can also consider TAFE and private colleges offering Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diplomas. These programs can boost your chances when reapplying to UTS and if you opt for a graded diploma, it will make your application even more competitive.

Foundation programs and Tertiary Preparation Certificates (TPC) at TAFE are also excellent ways to prepare for university and strengthen your application.

“Choose a TAFE diploma that aligns with your future study goals,” Amanda recommends.  

“It might mean you can get some recognition of prior learning, helping you reduce the time you’ll need to complete your university degree.”

5. Take a gap year

Taking a year off can be a great way to learn more about yourself, explore new interests and clarify what you really want to pursue. If you’re still set on your original path, use this time to research alternative entry routes – you’ll likely discover one that suits you.  

Remember, your ATAR isn’t everything, and there are many paths to achieving your university and career goals.

For guidance on your pathway options, chat with our future students team or join us at our Info Day on December 18. Speak with UTS staff, meet Ramya at the UTS College hub to hear more about her story, attend an info session or take a campus tour to explore your options at UTS.

Want to learn more about getting started at university? Check out our Curiosities series on YouTube.

Transcript

Curiosities  

Uni Curious Episode 8 

Study Support with Associate Professor Amanda White OAM 

6 minutes 

00:00:00:00 - 00:00:12:19 

Hi curious people. I'm Dr Amanda White, Associate Professor in accounting at UTS and I'm here to answer your curious questions about studying at university. This is Uni Curious. 

00:00:22:11 - 00:00:27:12 

I've got a bunch of questions from our UTS community about studying at university. 

00:00:27:17 - 00:00:28:20 

Let's dive in. 

00:00:28:20 - 00:00:32:20 

What are the deadlines for accepting an offer or applying for a course? 

00:00:32:20 - 00:00:51:13 

This is a really complicated question and so when it comes to applying for a course, make sure that you look at the UAC guide. If you're an undergraduate student, all the university website for the deadlines around applying for the course that you're interested in when it comes to accepting an offer, firstly, congratulations. 

00:00:51:15 - 00:01:00:16 

Secondly, make sure you read the offer information really carefully because that will have all the information you need about deadlines for acceptance. 

00:01:00:16 - 00:01:04:14 

Is it possible to study a course online or part time? 

00:01:04:14 - 00:01:14:06 

Most of our courses at UTS are designed to be on campus experiences, and they have very limited online classes. However, we do have some 

00:01:14:06 - 00:01:23:18 

ability to study part time, and for postgraduate programs, you might want to check out specific courses to see if they're slightly more flexible. In terms of online offerings. 

00:01:23:18 - 00:01:27:01 

Can I get feedback on my application or portfolio? 

00:01:27:01 - 00:01:46:17 

Unfortunately, we don't provide feedback on individual applications or portfolios. Instead, look to your peers, friends and family to get feedback on your application. Just be sure to make sure you remember the application criteria that the university has set to make sure that you're answering all the questions that they ask 

00:01:46:17 - 00:01:49:04 

Can I defer my offer or course? 

00:01:49:04 - 00:02:02:03 

Absolutely. When you receive an offer you can choose to accept your offer or defer for a period of 12 months. Unfortunately you can't defer a degree for only six months. It has to be 12. 

00:02:02:03 - 00:02:05:05 

Can I transfer courses or universities? 

00:02:05:05 - 00:02:12:23

Transferring courses within UTS or from another institution will generally require you to apply through UAC. 

00:02:12:23 - 00:02:16:01 

Can I change my major or add a second major? 

00:02:16:01 - 00:02:16:16 

Yes. 

00:02:16:16 - 00:02:37:05

It's always possible to make a change to your study plan. The key is to talk to the university. You can do so by going to the university in person, to a student centre, or by sending an E request. If you're looking to add another major, it will depend on the  size and the duration of your degree and how many credit points you've already completed. 

00:02:37:07 - 00:02:42:13 

The best thing to do is to go to a student centre to get advice from one of our student advisors. 

00:02:42:20 - 00:02:48:16 

If you pick a second major, does it mean that your course is extended from 3 to 5 years? 

00:02:48:16 - 00:03:06:03 

Courses that allow a second major will have that built into their structure. So you need to make sure that you check your course handbook for the exact information about the structure of your particular course. It will say whether you get to choose one major, two majors, sub-majors or electives. 

00:03:06:03 - 00:03:25:08 

And if you're confused, you can always pop in to a student centre to make sure that you get the right advice. But the handbook is your best bet for questions related to changing your major or the structure of your major, you can't simply add another major and extend your time in a course. It has a very specific set number of credit points that you're going to need to study. 

00:03:25:08 - 00:03:30:06 

Can I take accounting electives? If I'm studying engineering? 

00:03:30:06 - 00:04:01:04 

I love this question because I teach introductory accounting, and I love having students from all across the university. If your program does allow electives and those electives can be sourced from across the entirety of UTS, then you certainly can come and study an accounting elective. If you're an engineering student, this might also be the case if you're studying science, if you're into health, design, any way that you have a free elective that can be studied from across the university, you can pick something from any other faculty. 

00:04:01:04 - 00:04:04:04 

Do you have any advice for internships? 

00:04:04:04 - 00:04:13:11 

I highly recommend internships. They're a great way to get experience and to figure out if something that you're interested in is a possible future career path. 

00:04:13:13 - 00:04:32:15 

And conversely, it's a great way to know that something definitely isn't for you. And when it comes to university, make sure that you connect with your university career service because they'll have lots of advice on how to get internships, where to look for them, how to develop your résumé and your LinkedIn profile to give you the best chance. 

00:04:32:17 - 00:04:55:21 

Also, make sure you connect with the clubs and societies on campus because often information about internships, finding out and hearing from other students about their experiences can often happen through different clubs and society events as well. But I'd highly recommend everyone do at least one internship during their university studies, and you can find out lots more from your university career service. 

00:04:55:21 - 00:05:00:09 

What are the career pathways available after you study an accounting degree? 

00:05:00:09 - 00:05:45:18 

The traditional view is that if you studied an accounting degree, you'd go off and become an accountant. And there are lots of different accounting pathways auditing, tax, working with private clients, working in commercial organisations, any industry that you can think of, they definitely need accountants, but you can take accounting information and your accounting degree, which is the foundation of business all around the world, and use that in software development and consulting in a creative business, our accounting graduates end up in all sorts of different places, from being CEOs of publicly listed companies to TikTok superstars, there's no limit to what an accounting degree can do for you. 

00:05:45:18 - 00:05:54:05 

So that was all the questions for today. I hope that you learned something new from our conversation. Until next time, stay curious.