More high OP students at USC
26 January 2008
The significance of OP scores in predicting success in degree studies remains a hotly debated topic.
The traditionalists argue that it is ‘common sense’ that the brighter students with high OP’s go to the highest status universities and succeed there. Those who support equity argue that it is also ‘common sense’ that when individuals from families previously denied opportunities to access higher education, gain a place, they succeed, and are taken further in their learnings.
Worldwide there is discussion about attracting both high achieving students as well as those with potential from disadvantaged backgrounds.
USC has always attracted a high proportion of students who are first in family to attend, mature students previously denied opportunity and disadvantaged students.
Over the last five years or so, with increasing numbers entering the University, the student profile has broadened and higher OP students want to enter the Coast University rather than go to Brisbane or another capital city.
From the significant number of high OP students who entered USC this year, two were from Wide Bay, and have commented on the friendliness and helpfulness of staff, and reluctance to be involved in a large city environment, not to mention the extra cost of $10,000 per annum approximately for all away-from-home expenses.
Whilst there is a sectoral downturn in university applications, and major city universities drop their OP cut-offs, it has not deterred increasing numbers of high OP students to place USC as their university of first choice, for good academic as well as social reasons.
It is further evidence that USC is capable of meeting a broader spectrum of student needs every year, with more programs, more research, more work experience, more staff support, and more prospects for supported overseas travel.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.