Year 10 Guide to Early University Preparation

Having a goal in the early years of high school can allow for sufficient preparation. Although it’s difficult to choose a career path from so early on, understanding your inclinations, talents and interests can significantly improve your chances of choosing a pathway that will be fulfilling and rewarding. Year 10 is crucial, as students start to understand whether they’re interested in finishing their higher school education and moving on to tertiary study, or whether they prefer to follow options such as TAFE. 

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How to Prepare for University in Year 10

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These are some steps that you can follow to start preparing for Uni in Year 10: 

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1. Choose subjects that align with the course you want to study 

• This presupposes that you have some courses in mind 
• Eg. Choosing subjects such as Business or Economics when you’re considering a Business degree can significantly help your preparation for university. By choosing such subjects, you may also realise that they don’t meet your expectations and that you’d be more interested in something else instead

2. Uni prerequisites 

• Researching the university prerequisites is an important step in one’s preparation for uni 
• Eg. Courses such as Engineering, require students to have studied at least 2 Units of Advanced Mathematics 

3. Open Days 

• Most if not all universities plan open days, where students can visit the campus and inquire about the degrees, courses and activities offered 
• This is also a good opportunity to inquire about potential scholarships and their requirements, so you can start preparing

4. Work Experience  

• Work experience in Year 10 is a great way of figuring out what career path suits you best 
• Utilise this opportunity to your advantage by seeking out job placements that align with your dream career 
• Don’t be afraid to ask your ‘coworkers’ about their university education and experience to gain more insight 

5. Careers Advisor 

• In Year 10, you may also want to visit a careers advisor, who will aid in finding a career which suits your personality, skills set and interests 

6. Acceleration Programs 

• Many schools offer students the opportunity to accelerate in subjects that they excel in. That means that they can start preparing for their HSC earlier on and they can sit their exams in Year 11, thus reducing the amount of subjects studied in Year 12 and minimising stress and anxiety factors

7. Early Entry 

• Researching early entry programs and preparing for your application in Year 10 is important, as it will give you sufficient time to not only perfect your marks and academic performance, but also enrich your personal profile by engaging in extracurriculars
• Additionally, you won’t have to stress about meeting the deadlines or choosing your UAC preferences 

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Understanding Early Entry Pathways:

Early entries offer students an opportunity to secure a spot at a university based on their academic performance and other achievements before undertaking the HSC exams. These pathways aim to recognise students' potential beyond their HSC results and provide them with a sense of certainty regarding their future academic endeavours.

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How Universities Choose Applicants:

Although universities have their own criteria when choosing applicants, they typically consider the student’s:

1. Academic performance
2. Extracurricular activities
3. Personal statements
4. Letters of recommendation 
5. Interviews (not all universities conduct them)‍

Due Dates and Application Periods:

NSW Universities have varying deadlines for their early entry applications. Here are some important dates to note:

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1. University of Sydney: Applications open in June of Year 11, with due dates typically falling in August/September.
2. University of New South Wales (UNSW): Applications for early entries open in July of Year 11, with deadlines usually in September/October.
3. Macquarie University: Early entry applications typically open in August of Year 11, with deadlines ranging from September-November.
4. University of Technology Sydney (UTS): UTS offers various early entry pathways with application periods starting from July of Year 11 and deadlines varying depending on the specific program.
5. Western Sydney University (WSU): WSU offers early entry through various schemes, with application periods starting in June or July of Year 11 and deadlines in September/October.

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The Benefits of Early Entry:

Early entry pathways offer several benefits for students, including:

1. Reduced Stress and Pressure 
2. Competitive Advantage
3. Opportunities for Personal Growth
4. Access to Support Services

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How to preference UAC courses: 

If you’re considering early entry, it is vital to sort out your UAC preferences. You will be given 5 preferences to decide upon when registering for UAC. Here is a brief guide on how to choose your top courses: 

• First Choice (Most Desired Course): Your first preference should be reserved for your absolute dream course—the one you're most passionate about and genuinely excited to pursue. When listing your top choice, consider factors such as subjects, university reputation, career prospects, and personal goals. 
• Second and Third Choice (Next Favorite Courses): Your second preference should be a strong contender—a course you're highly interested in and would be happy to study if your first choice isn't available. While not your top choice, your second and third preferences should still be courses that you feel genuinely excited about and confident in pursuing.
• Fourth and Fifth Choice (Alternative Options): Regarding your fourth and fifth options, they should be viable alternatives that you're still interested in and willing to pursue if necessary. These may include similar courses in different universities, or courses which will lead to similar career opportunities. If you’re interested in multiple career options, your alternatives can be placed here. 

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Is Year 11 Much Harder than Year 10? 

A common misbelief is that Year 11 is much more difficult than Year 10. Although Year 11 gives you a sneak peak into what Year 12 is like, it shouldn’t scare you to any extent. Year 11 is a stepping stone that you can prepare for in Year 10 by refining your skills in the compulsory subject of English and by revising notes in subjects that you’ll pursue further in your senior years. For most students, Year 11 is an exciting year, as they are able to study subjects that they’re interested in, rather than ones which are mandatory. 

In conclusion, an early preparation for university from Year 10 can be very beneficial in ensuring the student’s success and minimising their stress for their future and their impending senior years. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help your child prepare for the HSC and university, don’t hesitate to contact Concept and discover more about our incredible tutoring team! 

Want to discuss the next step? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or email us at coordinator@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to help!

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