UWA Will Accept Your Predicted ATAR from Year 11, So You Can Finally Sleep Tonight

Finally, some solid info for those seeking entry to uni.

This post is presented in partnership with The University of Western Australia.

If you’ve felt like your learning has been left in limbo ever since the world started self-isolating as a result of coronavirus, we don’t blame you.

In Australia, we’ve seen restaurants and cinemas shuttered, social distancing put in place (meaning no more in-person catch-ups with all your mates) and schools facing confusing circumstances.

Read More:

What It’s Like Being in Year 12 During the Coronavirus Pandemic

With the news changing almost every day, it’s been especially difficult for Year 12 students, who have nonetheless been assured by the federal government they will receive an ATAR in 2020 and won’t have to repeat their final school year in 2021. However, the way students will receive an ATAR remains uncertain. Will final exams go ahead? Will the score be based on the work completed throughout the year? No one really knows yet, and it’s likely there will be different answers in each state.

Hence: the freaking out.

There remains a lot of uncertainty on how Year 12s can apply for and get into their dream university next year. You are not alone in worrying that the events of this year will negatively affect your final ATAR score.

Thankfully, those looking to study at The University of Western Australia (UWA) next year have at least been given some clarity, thanks to new entry pathways just introduced by the uni.

UWA has announced it will offer three different ways for current Year 12 school leavers in Australia to apply for entry 2021.

Though the standard ATAR-based entry pathway will still be offered, those applying to UWA for 2021 will be able to use their predicted ATAR from the end of Year 11.

If applicants get a higher ATAR at the end of 2020 than their predicted ATAR, they can update their application (to apply for another course if need be).

Some students may need to attend an interview so the school can identify any additional support they may need, like bridging units, once they arrive at UWA.

Also, students applying for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Podiatry won’t be able to use their predicted ATAR for entry, but are encouraged to speak to one of the university's Future Students Advisers.

UWA will also now let 18 and 19-year-old students who are taking insufficient ATAR-based subjects or not taking ATAR at all to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions STAT test and an interview for potential uni entry. (Be advised though: the STAT test pathway is not available for any direct pathways or the Bachelor of Philosophy.)

This should at least give some graduating students a bit of relief.

The University of Western Australia are now accepting applications based on their new 2021 entry pathways for school leavers! What students will need to apply: most recent high school report (even if students haven’t studied ATAR subjects they can still apply) or predicted ATAR (if students don’t have this, don’t worry, UWA will determine their predicted ATAR based on their high school report). The UWA Future Students Centre is here to support you during this time and answer any questions you may have. Find out more: uwa.edu.au/study/Year-12-pathways

Header Image: NBC