The uni that values your strengths, not your score

Enrolling in uni can be quite daunting.

Western Sydney Uni

Enrolling in uni can be quite daunting.

With so many options, courses and classes to choose from, future students might feel overwhelmed by the influx of info that gets shared with them post-school (or pre-enrolment). This, of course, is all while waiting for their ATAR- a number which, they’ve been told, will change their lives forever. Quite a bit of pressure when you think about it, right? Lucky for future students, Western Sydney University’s early offer program is back on the table. A unique program for the uni, WSU HSC True Rewards, makes early offers into a University degree based on corresponding HSC subject band outcomes, not your ATAR. WSU recognises how important it is to play to your strengths, because ultimately, your strengths will determine your future and therefore reward students for high achievement in the HSC subjects that correspond to their chosen degree.

Emmalee, 18, is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the Bankstown Campus, and found out about WSU HSC True Reward while seeking alternative entries for uni. “The ATAR for my course seemed out of reach for me,” Emmalee says. “Even though I did very well in all my assessments in school, the course I wanted was one of those where you needed to be doing extremely well to get in based off just your ATAR.”

In playing to her passion, and without the pressure of her ATAR, Emmalee believes the wait was less panicked. “I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Emmalee adds. “I still had to work hard to get through, which allowed me to feel just as accomplished as I would have if I had gotten in the standard way.”

Now, one year into her degree, she credits uni for its support – from both tutors and fellow students. “The tutors are always willing to answer any questions you have and guide you on the right path,” Emmalee says. “The facilities are also a highlight, including the sporting grounds, the gym, the cafes and library in particular, which are well catered for students."

Emmalee speaks highly of her campus, which is important when choosing your future uni. Open Days are a great way to explore the grounds, meet future mentors, get informed on a wide range of courses and meet and mingle with fellow, future students (feeling much the same as you are).

WSU’s Open Day on 19 August, is the biggest event of the year, giving future students the chance to find out about Western’s courses, explore their interactive displays and experience student life. Talk one-on-one with lecturers and academics, who can help you plan your study program, check out one of the 100 presentations running throughout the day, discussing everything from Paramedicine to Industrial Design, or be part of the action by shaking hands with a robot or checking out the music students performing live on stage. It’s also the perfect place to ask all those niggling questions you’ve had, with Admissions team present on the day.

To register for Western Sydney Universities Open Day, click here

Originally published as The uni that values your strengths, not your score