So you didnt make it into university

So you didnt make it into university So you didnt make it into universityPosted October 24, 2013, by Andrea RiddellPerhaps you walked out of your last exam with the gut feeling that you didnt do so well. Or you wish you spent more time studying biology than playing video games. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it cant help you if you failed to get the HSC result you needed. Luckily there is more than one way to your dream career than the university route.Yes, you might have to put in the extra hard yards, but if theres a will, theres a wayStudying at TAFEGenerally, selection for TAFE is notlage based on your TER or ATAR you just need to have completed your Year 12 or Year 10 certificate. The relaxed entry requirements dont reduce the value of your TAFE qualification. In fact, in many cases, a TAFE course will be more than enough to kick-start your career.Traditionally, TAFE courses focus on practical learning for the workplace. Universities, on the other hand, spend more time on theories and building frameworks for analysis and problem-solving. Industries such as hospitality and floristry, and more skills-based fields such as textiles, hairdressing, automotives and construction, are dominated by TAFE-qualified workers.Think about where you see yourself. Are you a hands-on person? Perhaps TAFE is the better option for you.Many universities will accept a TAFE qualification as an entry pathway into their degrees and in some instances, you may even be able to gain credit for prior learning, reducing the length of your course. These partnership agreements between TAFEs and universities make it easier for anyone wanting to continue their education from a VET course to a degree.Taking on single unitsSome universities, such as Deakin, Monash and Swinburne, offer single units for study. This means that youll be able to study individual course subjects and ease your way into a course.Studying at a unit level will give you a taste for the course and help you decide i f its what you really want to do. This pathway doesnt guarantee you entry into a course, but a strong performance can help your application. And, you may even receive credit for the subjects that you successfully complete.Be aware that single subjects are considered non-award study. This means that theyre not recognised and do not lead to or count towards a formal award. Often, theyre not covered through FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP, meaning you will have to pay the course fee upfront.The online advantageOnline study can be a great alternative for anyone looking for university alternatives. Many universities, TAFEs and other private institutions offer a range of courses online everything from certificates to masters degrees.Open Universities Australia offers a range of TAFE qualifications and university degrees online from many of Australias leading tertiary education providers. This means that you can study with a university from a different state without leaving your living room. Youll have the flexibility to find a university that meets your entry requirements without the added stress of finding a location that also suits.Studying a TAFE qualification or even the beginning of a university degree may give you enough experience to transfer to the university of your choice with credit for prior learning.Or, if you decide to continue on with your online study, online qualifications have the saatkorn value as their on-campus equivalent, meaning youll end up with the same qualification as if you studied on campus.Same degree, different universityConsider studying the degree youre passionate about at a university with a lower ATAR or TER entry requirement. This way you can still get started with no detours.A lower entry score doesnt denote a lower quality degree or university. Often its a result of the course demand over the years, which can be based on reputation, location and availability. Some universities might have a lower entry score to counterbalance other entry requirements such as comprehensive applications, portfolios and interviews.If your heart is still set on studying at a particular university, you can apply for a transfer after your first year. While this wont guarantee your spot, maintaining good results will help you get your foot in the door.The online advantageOnline study can be a great alternative for anyone looking for university alternatives. Many universities, TAFEs and other private institutions offer a range of courses online everything from certificates to masters degrees.Open Universities Australia offers a range of TAFE qualifications and university degrees online from many of Australias leading tertiary education providers. This means that you can study with a university from a different state without leaving your living room. Youll have the flexibility to find a university that meets your entry requirements without the added stress of finding a location that also suits.Studying a TAFE qualification or even the begin ning of a university degree may give you enough experience to transfer to the university of your choice with credit for prior learning.Or, if you decide to continue on with your online study, online qualifications have the same value as their on-campus equivalent, meaning youll end up with the same qualification as if you studied on campus.Same degree, different universityConsider studying the degree youre passionate about at a university with a lower ATAR or TER entry requirement. This way you can still get started with no detours.A lower entry score doesnt denote a lower quality degree or university. Often its a result of the course demand over the years, which can be based on reputation, location and availability. Some universities might have a lower entry score to counterbalance other entry requirements such as comprehensive applications, portfolios and interviews.If your heart is still set on studying at a particular university, you can apply for a transfer after your first yea r. While this wont guarantee your spot, maintaining good results will help you get your foot in the door. 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