UCAT 2020
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by many universities in Australia and New Zealand in their selection process for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes. The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. The UCAT is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas locations.
Registration for the UCAT opened on Monday 2 March and closes on Monday 11 May. The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test consisting of five separately timed subtests, each of which contains a number of questions in a multiple-choice format. The test sittings are held between 1 and 31 July. For a listing of universities requiring the UCAT, go to https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/universities/. For more details of the UCAT, go to https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/.
Australian National University (ANU) application and selection processes
ANU has changed the application requirements and will now make offers based on Year 11 results while also successfully completing Year 12. Applications close on Monday 25 May. Details of the new requirements can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/domestic-applications-anu-undergraduate. Offers will be made on Monday10 August. International applicants have a different process and have a closing date of Monday18 May. Please see https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/international-applications-undergraduate-and-postgraduate for more details.
Tertiary and presentation changes due to the pandemic
The pandemic has severely restricted the outreach of prospective students staff of universities, TAFE and residential colleges. These institutions have made alternative virtual and online alternatives to the visits have been put in place, and these have been listed on the careers wiki in Keystone and has a learning resource ID of J8GJY2. These online support and advice sites include how to make enquiries, access to publications and bookings for 1 to 1 online sessions. Year 12s have been strongly encouraged to view this site.
UNSW Virtual School Presentation
Delivered by two Student Ambassadors, this 30-minute presentation is designed to give students an overview of everything on offer at UNSW. The presentation covers the UNSW degrees, student life, exchange, scholarships and admissions information, including Guaranteed Entry, adjustment factors and alternative admissions pathways. It can be viewed at https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/unsw-virtual-school-presentation
UniSA
UniSA will be exhibiting at two upcoming virtual career expos. Students who register will be able to visit virtual information booths, download study and career guides and speak to our team via Live Chat. Details are:
Higher Education Virtual Careers Expo, Thursday 7 May – Friday 8 May: www.torrens.edu.au/about/virtual-careers-expo and Year 13 Careers Expo, Monday 18 May – Friday 22 May: www.year13.com.au/expo
In addition, UniSA is offering alternative options to continue engaging with students, including 1:1 appointments. There is an online booking form for Year 12 students and parents to book a phone appointment with a Student Liaison Officer. These are 15 minute appointments aimed to answer any questions you may have around degree information, entry requirements, pathways and the application process. This is a great opportunity for students. The link to book an appointment is: www.unisa.edu.au/schools/appointments
Residential Colleges – University of Melbourne
Considering applying for tertiary courses in Melbourne and may need accommodation? Please check the following opportunities.
St Hilda’s College: St Hilda’s College is a popular residential college located on the grounds of the University of Melbourne. St Hilda’s will be conducting a webinar presentation with St Peter’s College at lunchtime on Tuesday 12 May. Students interested in participating are asked to email Mr Colsey so that he can register the participants. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about college life, ask questions and the application processes required.
Ormond College: Ormond is a large and popular residential college. Ormond is offering to run a webinar for students considering residential colleges in Melbourne. If interested, students are asked to email Mr Colsey so that he can formalise some arrangements with Ormond.
Courseseeker.edu.au
Course Seeker is a new Australian Government initiative that aims to help students gain Australian tertiary information to assist them to make informed decisions about future study options. The website provides access to information on ATARs, prerequisites and enrolment policies. Information has been sourced from across Australia and presented in a nationally consistent and comparable format to improve the transparency across the higher education sector. Courseseeker can be accessed at: https://www.courseseeker.edu.au/
Summer programs at overseas universities
A number of northern hemisphere universities offer short term academic programs during their summer vacations. The timing of these programs can sometimes align with the School’s three week vacation in July. The nature and structure of these programs can vary. Some programs are conducted by university academic staff, and others by teachers from other schools. The programs that the School is aware of are:
St Andrews University International Summer Program: The program offers students aged 16 to 18 from around the world the unique opportunity to experience courses taught in the Scottish academic tradition by current academic staff. Established in 1413, St Andrews has a high academic reputation and this Summer Program offers students an opportunity to explore this environment which may assist in planning their post school study plans. For more details of the Program, go to https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/non-degree-courses/summer-schools/summer-courses/, or email summerstudy@st-andrews.ac.uk .
Immerse Education: Immerse will be running academic programmes for 13-15 year old and 16-18 year old students. These two-week residential programmes take place in University of Cambridge colleges during July and August. Enrolment for Immerse Programmes are now open and details can be found at https://www.immerse.education/enrol/.
Oxford Summer School: These programs are held in one of a number of institutions across the UK and USA. For more details, go to https://www.oxford-royale.com.
Boston University Summer Term: There are five high school summer programs to choose from which could lead to the student earning college credit while also discovering and exploring new subject area. For details, go to http://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/
Mark Colsey
Careers Counsellor