Tertiary institutions provide a range of seminars, workshops and hotlines to assist applicants with changing their preferences.
You can change your course preferences between offer rounds as many times as you choose. Before adding a preference, always check the selection criteria to ensure you have met all course requirements. For more information see Change your course preferences.
If you received an offer in one round and wish to also be considered for courses lower on your preference list in future rounds, you can change your preferences by moving the course that you have been offered below any courses you would still like to be considered for by the relevant change of preference date. Note: Please only move the offered course to below courses you would genuinely consider (not to the lowest preference place).
Remember, the ATAR is only a tool used for tertiary selection, it does not define you as a person, nor does it determine your capabilities.
If your ATAR isn't high enough to get you into your dream course, it's worthwhile contacting the institution to discuss alternative pathways. More often than not, there will be another pathway into the course you want to study. You do have options.
Change of preference (CoP) will remain open for a time after the results release, so you will have time to make calls, do your research and add in any ‘pathway courses' in time for offers.
Don't panic. The ATAR published for a course is last years "clearly in ". The ATAR may be lower for entry this year, although they don't tend to change too much.
If you have applied for SEAS, you will be eligible for selection adjustments. See if the University who has your preferred course has an ATAR calculator and you can check what adjustments you may get.
Check what subject adjustments you may be eligible for on Course Search. If you have done really well in some subjects, you may get enough adjustments to make you eligible for an offer.
If you still think you are a long way off meeting the required ATAR for your preferred course:
Transfer between campuses - Start your course at a campus with a lower ATAR requirement, then apply to transfer to your desired campus after completing the specified number of units.
Transfer between courses - Apply to study a course with similar subjects or major sequences, but a lower ATAR, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. If you do well in your first year of study and get the required Grade Point Average (GPA) or Weighted Average Mark (WAM), you can apply to transfer into your preferred degree. Remember there are no guarantees.
Associate Degrees - Associate Degrees are usually two-year tertiary qualifications that will prepare you for a career as a paraprofessional or highly skilled worker, or for further study in your field. Associate Degrees focus on preparing you for work with hands-on and practical learning. When you study an associate degree, you’ll be in a small class, which means you’ll get more support from your lecturers and tutors.
Then, when you successfully complete your associate degree, you’ll be able to apply for entry into a bachelor version of your course and you may receive academic credit.
Contact the relevant University and plead you case!
Research other courses with lower pre-requisite study scores - Apply to study a course with similar subjects or major sequences, but a lower study score requirement, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. Many Bachelor of Arts, Business and Science courses have a lower English study score requirement.
Apply for an Associate Degree (see above)
Apply for a Diploma at University - Many Universities have Diplomas available for students to pathway into their preferred degree. Successful completion can often lead to a guaranteed offer into a degree.
Start at TAFE and transfer - Use TAFE study as a stepping stone into university. Related diplomas or advanced diplomas you've completed can count as credit towards your entry into university.