Course and Career Chat

What happens if you don't get the ATAR you were hoping for? If you're in Year 12, it's important to think about this before results day, rather than trying to work out your options when your ATAR arrives. In this episode, I explain how to prepare your VTAC preferences so that you have options if your ATAR is higher or lower than expected. We look at VTAC change of preference, how to structure your preference list, and how to prepare alternative courses before results day. What we're talking about: What if I don't get the ATAR I need for my first preference? You don't necessarily have to give up on the career or course you want. There may be other ways to get there. I explain why it's a good idea to have a range of options researched before you receive your ATAR, including: Similar courses at other universities Courses with lower entry requirements Pathway programs TAFE and diploma pathways Starting in a related course Transferring to another course or university later We also look at how to use VTAC change of preference after you receive your results. How should I structure my VTAC preferences? Your preferences should be listed in the order you'd most like to study them. You shouldn't put a course lower simply because you think you won't get the ATAR required. But it's also important to make sure you have alternatives that you would genuinely be happy to study. One approach is to have a range of courses with different entry requirements in your preference list. Another is to have a separate list of alternative courses ready to consider if your ATAR isn't what you were hoping for. That way, you're not starting your research from scratch on results day. What if I want to add a course after I get my ATAR? VTAC has change-of-preference periods after applications are submitted, including a period after ATAR results are released. However, some courses have earlier closing dates because they require additional selection processes such as auditions, interviews or other tasks. This can be particularly important for courses such as Medicine and courses that require auditions or other additional selection requirements. So if there's a course you might want to apply for, check its individual VTAC closing date rather than assuming you'll be able to add it later. Does a lower ATAR mean I can't pursue the career I want? Not necessarily. Your ATAR can affect which courses you can receive an offer for at a particular point in time, but it isn't a prediction of your future career success. There may be different pathways into the same career, including studying a similar course, starting at another institution, completing a diploma or TAFE course, or transferring later. The important thing is to understand your options and have a plan. The big takeaway Don't wait until ATAR results day to think about what you'll do if your result isn't what you expected. Research your alternatives now. Know which courses you'd be happy to study, understand the pathways available to you, and check whether any courses you're interested in have early closing dates. Your ATAR might change your options — but it doesn't have to determine your future.

Does the university you attend actually make a difference when you're looking for a job? Is a degree from one university more valuable to employers than the same or a similar degree from another university? And when you're comparing courses, is the course name really enough to tell you what you'll be studying and where it could lead? In this Q&A episode, I look at what you should actually be comparing when you're choosing between university courses — and why the university's name is only one part of the picture. I also answer the question that many parents are wondering: "But surely Melbourne/Monash is better?" The answer depends on what you're studying, what you want to do after university, and what the different courses actually offer. What we're talking about: What should I look at beyond the course name? When you're comparing university courses, it's easy to look at the title and assume that two courses with similar names will give you a similar experience. But that's not necessarily the case. Two degrees can have almost identical names while being quite different when you look at the details. When researching a course, look at: the subjects you'll actually study majors and minors electives specialisations placements and internships industry projects work-integrated learning professional accreditation honours opportunities overseas study opportunities facilities class sizes teaching format graduate outcomes The course title is a starting point — not the whole story. What will I actually study? One of the most important things you can do when comparing courses is to look at the course structure and subjects. What are you going to be learning in first year? What subjects will you study in later years? Are there areas you can specialise in? Can you choose electives that interest you? And does the content actually match what you want to learn? A course that sounds perfect because of its name might turn out to have very little of the content you're interested in — while another course with a less appealing title might be a much better fit. What practical experience will I get? It's also worth looking at what opportunities you'll have to apply your knowledge outside the classroom. Depending on the career you're considering, this might include: work placements internships industry projects clinical experience work-integrated learning opportunities to work with real clients professional experience as part of your degree These opportunities can be particularly important in courses that lead to professions where practical experience, registration or accreditation is required. Does accreditation matter? For some careers, professional accreditation can be much more important than the perceived prestige of the university. If the course leads to a regulated profession or a career with specific professional requirements, find out whether the course is accredited and what that accreditation means for your future career. This is another reason why choosing a university based purely on reputation can miss some very important information. And if both courses are accredited? Ask yourself, how are they different? Look at the electives, the industry connections, and how the course is delivered so you can work out which one will suit you best. What about university reputation? This brings us to the question: "Does the university I go to actually matter for getting a job?" University reputation can matter in some circumstances, but it isn't the only thing employers can consider. Depending on the career, other factors may include: your skills your knowledge practical experience placements and internships industry experience professional accreditation your ability to demonstrate what you can do networks and professional connections the particular course you've completed And the relative importance of these things can vary considerably between careers. For some professions, the specific university may be less important than whether you've completed the appropriate accredited course. For other careers, the university environment, research opportunities, industry connections or particular course offerings may be more relevant. So rather than asking: "Which university has the best reputation?" ask: "What does this particular course offer me, and what will it help me do?" But surely Melbourne or Monash is better? This is a question I hear a lot from parents. It can be tempting to assume that if a university has a strong overall reputation, its course must automatically be the better choice. But universities don't offer identical experiences across every discipline. A university might have a particularly strong reputation in one area, while another university may offer a course with the subjects, practical opportunities, industry connections or specialisations that are more relevant to a particular student. That's why it's important to compare courses, not just universities. So, what should you compare? When you're deciding between university courses, I'd encourage you to look at the whole picture. Ask: What will I study? What opportunities will I have to gain practical experience? Is the course accredited if accreditation is relevant to my career? What specialisations, electives or majors are available? What connections does the university have with industry? What facilities and learning environments will I have access to? What do graduates go on to do? And, finally: Does this course actually move me towards the career or future I want? The university's name is one piece of information. It shouldn't replace researching the course itself. The big takeaway When you're choosing a university course, don't stop at the course title — and don't choose based only on the university's reputation. Look underneath the label. Find out what you'll actually study, what experiences you'll have, what opportunities are available and what the course can lead to. Because when you're deciding between two courses, the most important difference might not be which university is offering it. It might be what you're actually going to do while you're there.

If you're trying to choose a university, you might find yourself with a problem: you like more than one! Maybe you've listened to my university series and now you're considering Monash, RMIT, La Trobe, Swinburne, ACU or the University of Melbourne — but you're not sure how to actually decide between them. Or perhaps you're wondering whether you've got the whole process backwards. Should you choose the university first, or should you choose your course and career first? In this Q&A episode, I answer these questions and explain the different things you can consider when comparing universities and courses before you make your VTAC preferences. What we're talking about: How do I choose between universities if I like more than one? If you like several universities, the first step isn't necessarily to work out which one is "best". Instead, think about what you want from your university experience. We look at some of the factors you might want to consider, including: the course content and subjects you'll actually study campus location and size your commute student culture industry connections work-integrated learning and practical experience student support services entry requirements and pathways The important thing is to work out which factors matter most to you. A university that suits one student extremely well might not be the right fit for another student. Should I choose the university first, or the course first? There are two ways you can approach this decision. If you have a career you're interested in, you can work backwards: Career → Course → University This means starting with the type of work you might want to do, finding courses that could lead you there, and then comparing the universities offering those courses. But there are also students who have a particular reason for wanting to attend a university. Maybe they like the location, campus, student culture, support services or size. In that situation, you could start with: University → Course options → Best fit We look at when each approach can make sense. What is each university known for? University reputation can be useful information when you're researching your options, but it's worth looking more closely at what each university actually offers in the area you're interested in. For example, we discuss some areas in which particular universities have strong associations, including engineering at RMIT and Monash, research and academia at the University of Melbourne, health sciences at La Trobe, and psychology and criminology at Deakin. But don't choose a university based only on what you've heard about its reputation. Look at the actual course and what you'll be doing as a student. Which university has the course or combination of courses I want? If you want to combine areas of study, or you're looking for a particular major, specialisation or course structure, this can be a really useful way to narrow down your options. Two universities might offer courses in the same broad area but have very different subjects, structures and opportunities. What if I don't meet the entry requirements? Entry requirements are another factor to consider when comparing universities. As well as looking at the selection rank or ATAR for a course, investigate whether there are alternative pathways into the course or university. Universities including RMIT and Swinburne have pathway options that can provide alternative ways of progressing into further study. So don't just ask: "What ATAR do I need?" Also ask: "What pathways are available if I don't get the ATAR I need?" How important are industry connections and practical experience? For some courses and careers, opportunities to apply what you're learning can be particularly important. When you're comparing courses, look for opportunities such as: placements internships industry projects work-integrated learning clinical experience on-campus or on-site clinics professional accreditation connections with employers and professional organisations For example, some health courses offer opportunities to gain practical experience through clinics, while Law courses may provide opportunities to work with real clients through legal clinics. The course that looks most appealing on paper isn't necessarily the one that will give you the type of experience you're looking for, so it's worth investigating the details. The big question to ask Rather than asking: "What's the best university?" try asking: "What do I want to prioritise, and which university offers that?" Your university decision is about more than the university's name. Think about the course, the experience you'll have while you're there, the opportunities available to you and how the course fits into your future career plans. And if you're making your VTAC preferences, remember that you don't need to find one university that is perfect at everything. You need to understand what matters to you and then use that information to make an informed choice. Links mentioned: University Series Listen to the university episodes covering: La Trobe University Monash University The University of Melbourne RMIT University Australian Catholic University (ACU) Swinburne University of Technology  

Considering La Trobe University? In this episode, I look at some of the things that make La Trobe different from other Melbourne universities, including its flexible degree structure, strong health science courses and beautiful Bundoora campus. We look at: La Trobe's flexible degrees and the Open Access majors and minors that allow you to explore different interests alongside your main area of study. La Trobe's reputation in health sciences, including nursing, dentistry, occupational therapy and speech pathology. La Trobe's Wildlife Sanctuary at the Bundoora campus and why this could be particularly interesting if you're considering wildlife and conservation. The Bundoora campus environment and why the natural setting of a university can be an important consideration when choosing where to study. How your university environment might contribute to your wellbeing and student experience. If you're comparing La Trobe with other Melbourne universities, this episode will help you understand some of La Trobe's key course options and what makes its university experience distinctive. If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering Monash University? In this episode, I look at what makes Monash different from the University of Melbourne and other Melbourne universities, including its wide range of courses and double degrees, flexible study options, pathways and entry schemes. We look at: How Monash compares with the University of Melbourne Monash's wide range of courses and double degree combinations Double majors and electives Mid-year entry and transferring between courses The Monash Guarantee and who it can help The Monash Global Immersion Guarantee and opportunities to study overseas If you're considering Monash University, this episode will help you understand the range of courses, pathways and opportunities available and what to look for when you attend Open Day. f you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering Swinburne University of Technology? In this episode, I look at some of the things that make Swinburne different from other Melbourne universities, including its smaller size, practical approach to education, industry connections and flexible study pathways. We look at: The benefits of studying at a smaller university and why the size and feel of a campus can be an important consideration when choosing where to study. Swinburne's practical, industry-focused courses and how its industry connections can help students develop practical skills and prepare for their future careers. Swinburne as a dual-sector university, offering both vocational education and training (VET) and higher education. Swinburne's pathway options for students who don't meet the direct entry requirements for a higher education course, as well as options for students who want to complete vocational training and enter the workforce more quickly. Swinburne's creative courses, including its Bachelor of Film and Television, Animation and Games courses. If you're comparing Swinburne with other Melbourne universities, this episode will help you understand its practical and industry-focused approach, pathway options and creative courses. If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide here: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering Deakin University? In this episode, I look at some of the areas Deakin is particularly well known for, including sport science, health sciences, psychology, criminology and forensic science. We look at: Deakin's reputation for sport science and why it could be worth considering if you're interested in a career in sport, exercise, human movement or the broader sports industry. Other areas Deakin is known for, including forensic science, criminology, psychology, nursing and health sciences. Deakin's business courses and opportunities to combine business with areas such as psychology, marketing and human resource management. Marine science at Deakin and the opportunities available for students interested in marine and environmental science. Nursing and midwifery at Deakin – I also mention my previous conversation with Lauren, Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning at Deakin's School of Midwifery and Nursing. If you're comparing Deakin with other Victorian universities, this episode will help you explore Deakin's course options, areas of strength and the types of careers and interests its courses can support. You can also listen to my previous episode about nursing and midwifery at Deakin University here: www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/32 If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering Victoria University (VU)? In this episode, I look at some of the common perceptions about VU and the things students should actually consider when researching the university and its courses. We look at: Common misconceptions about Victoria University, where some of these perceptions came from, and why it's important to look beyond a university's reputation. Student perspectives and subject rankings that can provide a different picture of the university and its courses. What Victoria University is known for, including areas such as sport science, health science, nursing, engineering, information technology and education. VU's industry connections and how working with industry can help students develop practical skills and experience relevant to their future careers. If you're comparing Victoria University with other Melbourne universities, this episode will help you look beyond common perceptions and explore VU's courses, industry connections and student experience. If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering the University of Melbourne? In this episode, I look at the Melbourne Model, how University of Melbourne degrees are structured, and some of the factors you should consider when deciding whether it could be the right university for you. We look at: What is the Melbourne Model? I explain how the University of Melbourne's undergraduate degree structure works and how it differs from more specialised degrees at other universities. Majors in degrees such as Arts and Science and the wide range of subjects students can choose from. Breadth subjects and how they allow students to explore interests outside their main area of study. The Melbourne Model compared with double degrees, including why time and cost are important considerations, particularly for students looking at areas such as Law and Engineering. Graduate entry packages and how they can provide a pathway from an undergraduate degree into a graduate professional degree. The University of Melbourne's research focus and why this may be an important consideration for students interested in research. If you're comparing the University of Melbourne with Monash or other Melbourne universities, this episode will help you understand the Melbourne Model and the different course structures and pathways available. If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

Considering Australian Catholic University (ACU)? In this episode, I look at what makes ACU different from other Melbourne universities, including its smaller campus environment, strong health and education courses, connection to Rome and alternative entry pathways. We look at: Do you have to be Catholic to study at ACU? No. I explain why you don't need to be Catholic to attend ACU and whether you'll need to study religion as part of your course. What is it like to study at a smaller university? I look at ACU's smaller campus environment and why this could be a positive or negative depending on the type of university experience you want. What is ACU known for? I look at areas including education and teaching, nursing, psychology, social work and other health and social science courses. What is ACU's connection to Rome? I explain the opportunities associated with ACU's connection to Rome, Italy. Can you study at ACU without completing Year 12? I discuss alternative entry and pathway options for students who haven't completed a traditional Year 12 qualification. If you're comparing ACU with other Melbourne universities, this episode will help you understand ACU's courses, campus environment, entry pathways and some of the features that make the university distinctive. If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days