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Year 12 – Choosing Your University: Tips and Advice for Open Days

University open days are great fun. They give you a window into what your life could be like when you leave school

Take your time. Spend 3-4 hours to get the feel of the campus.

Get a Feel of the university

University open days give you an opportunity to experience the campus and the university environment. You can get a sense of the university’s atmosphere, the types of students who attend, and what it might be like to study and live there.

Gather Information

Attending an open day offers an opportunity to ask questions to academic and support staff members, and also to current students. Students can ask about the courses they’re interested in, entry requirements, career prospects, financial support, and other relevant topics.

Building Confidence

 Attending open days can help you to build confidence in your decision-making process. By gathering information and asking questions, you can feel more confident in making informed decisions about your future.

Compare Universities 

 By attending multiple university open days, students can compare different universities and courses, and weigh up the pros and cons of each. This can help them make a more informed decision when it comes to applying for university.

Going to Uni in WA 2024            

Going to Uni in WA 2024  is an essential resource for students and parents navigating the complex process of getting to university in Western Australia. It collates information from universities, government bodies, and educational organizations to provide a comprehensive guide for Year 12 students in Western Australia.

Pick the Best Bits Before You Get There

  • As the day draws closer, each university will finalise its schedule of events, campus tour, displays and classes. 
  • Check the Open Day Program and plan your day.

On the Day

 Don’t rush. Plan to spend 3 – 4 hours at the Open Day.

  • Book a campus tour.
  • If there are overarching welcome events, make sure you go to those. 
  • Go to course information sessions.
  • Go to subject taster sessions

 Pick Me! Faculty Stands

Every faculty wants you to enrol in one of their courses.

Some questions you could ask:

University lecturers are the experts at the faculty stands who you need to approach with questions like:

  • Why do you love working in this field?
  • What are the career opportunities in this field?
  • What are the entry requirements and pathways available?
  • How long will it take to get the degree as a full time student?
  • What subjects can you choose from?
  • What support is available to students.
  • If you qualify within any support group ask about financial and other support that the university provides.

If you do not have course prerequisites or think you may not achieve the required ATAR, ask about alternative pathways.

Find Current Students at the Stands

There will be current students at most stands. Ask them what course they are doing and what they love and hate about it.

Optometry pathway for WA students - Optometry Australia
Curtin University Optometry Pathway

Ask a student ambassador if they are willing to have a coffee with you.

  • Ask why they are doing the course and if they are going to achieve the outcome they hoped for.
  • Find what extracurricular activities there are. Are there any clubs or teams that you can join now?
  • What can the union offer to students?
  • Find out what they have done about fees, financial support and scholarships.

Early Offers

You may be invited to enrol on the spot. Don’t do this.

Don’t make your career decision based on a brochure and 30-second discussion. If there is a crowd at the stand when you visit, ask for an appointment.

Don’t sign up at an Open Day. 

Accommodation

If you plan to stay in university accommodation:

  • Tour at least one of the accommodation colleges
  • Ask where you can find accommodation scholarships and financial support.
  • Watch In Focus Careers News for information about scholarships.

Book an appointment with a career counsellor

Even if you are one of the few who knows exactly what course you want to take, book a free appointment with a career counsellor at the university. They may know of:

  • different subjects that you might love
  • support services that you can tap into
  • sports and clubs you can join now
  • financial systems that are available. 

Get:  Going to Uni in WA 2024

Going to University in Western Australia: A Comprehensive Guide” is an essential resource for students and parents navigating the complex process of getting to university in Western Australia. It collates information from universities, government bodies, and educational organizations to provide a comprehensive guide for Year 12 students in Western Australia.

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