April 9, 2020

UOW Early Admission gives Year 12 students certainty as they face challenging times

Students to receive assistance as they prepare for university in 2021

The University of Wollongong (UOW) recognises the challenges faced by students in Years 12 and 11 due to COVID-19. In these uncertain times, UOW is well prepared to assist students who are in their final years of school and preparing to make a transition to university.

UOW’s unique Early Admission program, which has been offered by the University for over 20 years, provides a holistic approach to admission for school leavers. The program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in their desired course early before they sit their final exams.

Year 12 students and others aspiring to further study are strongly encouraged to remain committed to completing the HSC in 2020. Students need to complete Year 12 in order to take up their Early Admission offer.

While assessing the applications, the Early Admission program does not exclusively focus on the applicant’s ATAR to determine the eligibility for admission; instead, students are asked to respond to UOW’s four key indicators for success in tertiary education.

The four key indicators are Academic Readiness, Communication and Collaboration, Planning and Persistence and Motivation and Passion.

Academic readiness is also assessed on the results from the student’s Year 11 Record of School Achievement (ROSA).This allows the University to assess each applicant as an individual, not just a rank they achieve at the end of Year 12.

After applications close, the University will look at written responses and academic performance relevant to the UOW degrees the applicant has chosen. Based upon this assessment, applicants will be invited to attend an on-campus event (or events) or interview, depending on their preferences and application.

In the current circumstances, the University is also preparing to host this activity in a virtual environment should circumstances require it.

KEY DATES: Early Admission applications for study in 2021 open at 9am on Monday 20 July and close on Friday 14 August.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE said the University has always taken a different approach while assessing students’ applications for admissions and assured students that the disruptions to Year 12 studies in 2020 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will not prevent or inhibit a student’s Early Admission application to UOW.

“The challenging times that we are facing should not affect the quality of education our students deserve. By offering unique entry programs, UOW has long been in a position to maintain the quality of education by putting the interests of our students first,” Professor Wellings said.

Additionally, to support students preparing for HSC exams, UOW is providing a free ‘HSC Subject Support Series’, designed to help students improve their knowledge and understanding of key subject content. The series also aims to help students discover what HSC exam markers and assessors are looking for. 

The University is working closely with schools to ensure students can take advantage of the resources and assistance available to them. when they need them the most.

“To help students complete their final year of schooling and transition to tertiary study, UOW is committed to providing HSC students with additional resources, support and assistance when they need them the most.

“We look forward to welcoming Year 12 graduates to our campus with a bright smile on their faces in 2021,” Professor Wellings said.