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In a few months, you’ll be throwing your graduation cap in the air with a big smile on your face. Although your high school days have come to a close, a new chapter in your life has begun.
During your time in university, you’ll get to learn more about what interests you and join student-led organisations to have your voice heard and take part in hobbies with like-minded individuals. You’ll also be making core memories with your newfound friends. The knowledge that you have accumulated will equip you with the necessary skills to make a difference in your lives and in those of others.
If you’re about to take part in higher education, read on to know how you can prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Join open-day events
Deciding which higher educational institution to attend is a big decision that can make a massive impact on the course of your life, so it is important to choose wisely. Participating in plenty of open-day events can help you determine which option is the best fit for you. To keep track of all the open-days you plan to attend, use a 2025 planner to write down dates and times.
Think of going to open-day events as conducting field research to gather data. Browsing through various booths, collecting brochures and speaking to experts in the field will give you tons of information you might not find online.
While you’re on campus, don’t forget to explore the buildings and libraries. It helps with decision-making if you can visualise yourself walking down those lawns and studying for your exams in the local library.
Understand application processes
Applying for university can be stressful, especially when application deadlines coincide with your final exams in high school. Preparing early will help you a lot. Start by taking a look at the university’s admissions page to have a general idea of what you need to submit. Requirements will likely include academic transcripts, teacher references and a personal essay.
Remember to ask your teachers for recommendations early on because they’re busy with teaching and grading papers, and might not be able to write your recommendation on time. You should also start on your personal essay a long time before the deadline. Remember that the goal is to stand out from all the other students trying to gain admission.
Students can either apply directly to the university or through Tertiary Admission Centres. These centres make applying easier because instead of applying to every university individually, you only need to send out your application once. Keep in mind which state you want to study in because different states have different university admission centres.
Always keep updated with announcements from universities because you never know when they’re going to launch new initiatives to help applicants. An example is the Schools Recommendation Programs from the University of Tasmania, which allows Year 12 students to apply and secure their spot as early as July.
Prepare academically
Getting into the university of your dreams is getting harder and harder given the competition, so getting a high ATAR is vital. However, you shouldn’t let this discourage you. Staying focused and studying smarter can give you the best possible shot at securing a place at the university of your dreams.
Here’s how you can boost your grades:
- Practise good time management to ensure you always have adequate time to complete all of your assignments and revise effectively for exams.
- Take advantage of the various learning resources available to students in Tasmania.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers for help – not only are there no stupid questions, but your teachers will appreciate your taking the initiative to learn more and be more than happy to help.
- Study together with your peers to motivate you, network, and ensure you always have company through all the ups and downs of our course.
- Take down notes during class to ensure you’ll have all the critical information you need for assignments and exams at your fingertips, along with your own insights and analysis.
Take care of the financial aspect
Higher education is an investment that will pay off in the long run. But like most investments, you’ll need to pay an initial cost. Luckily, with a HECS loan, there’s no need for you to pay your tuition fees upfront.
An abbreviation of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, HECS is a type of loan that covers tuition so university students don’t have to worry about money for the moment and can just focus on their studies. You also don’t need to worry about paying back the loan until you’ve secured employment. Once you’ve hit a certain income bracket, your employer will withhold a small portion of your pay specifically for your HECS loan.
Another option is to apply for scholarships and grants from the university. If you’ve shown that you’re excelling academically or in sports, or can demonstrate a need for financial aid, the university and the government will be glad to help. In Tasmania, the Labor Party provided scholarships to up to 500 students. So keep your ears open for news and apply for financial help if you qualify.
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Moving from high school to university is a big transition. The process can be daunting because you’ll be stepping away from what is familiar, but you should embrace this change with open arms.
Using the tips we’ve provided in this article, take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for this exciting new journey.
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