Don't Panic If You Didn't Get the ATAR You Wanted—You Can Still Study Business

You've got this.

This article is presented in partnership with Monash Business School.

You've finished your exams and like many other Year 12s, you've worked incredibly hard throughout the year. You're eagerly awaiting your ATAR result and want the best result possible. It's important to remember that you're not alone - many other Year 12s are in the same boat as you, and may do better or worse than they expected.

So what happens if things don't go to plan?

Take a breather—you’ve got so many options and support channels to get to where you wanna be! 

Your course preferences aren't set in stone.

Don’t stress about the admin side of things.

Your uni and course preferences aren't part of a big scary contract you can't get out of.

Far from it - you’ll have plenty of time to adjust your preferences after receiving your ATAR! And if you’re stressed and confused about it, you’ve got several options to find support.

Monash University is holding a Change of Preference expo, where you can find out how to change your VTAC course preferences and explore study options based on your ATAR score. If you're interested in studying business, Monash Business School course advisors will be there for you to chat too.

If you can't make it, you can speak to a Monash Business School course advisor in a 1:1 course chat.

The Bachelor of Business Administration is an exciting option for you!

Let’s say you didn’t get the ATAR to get into the Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce at Monash Business School. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn the same skills and build the foundations with another business course!

The Bachelor of Business Administration is a great option, and will get you job ready and upskilled in many business subjects. Much like a business or commerce degree, there are a number of specialisations you can choose from, including accounting, business administration, economics, finance, management and marketing.

You just need English and Year 11 maths or equivalent. It’s a great option to consider if you want to choose from a range of majors and get a taste of different study areas! It also offers you a range of outside-the-classroom opportunities including industry experience, international study programs, graduate development initiatives and more.

There are alternative entry pathways into business, education, and nursing.

You can also go straight into Monash University and complete the equivalent to the first year of a university undergraduate course with The Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS).

When you apply for DoTS, you’ll select a preferred stream—either business, education, or nursing. Depending on your minimum weighted average mark by the end of first year, you can become eligible to complete credit in certain courses at Monash. Plus, you’ll have a team of lecturers and tutors working alongside you and providing support.

Getting an ATAR you didn’t expect doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You might even find that an alternative pathway offers you opportunities you never would’ve had otherwise...