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How to apply
If you are a new Headstart student
1. Assess your options
Find a course that best suits using the course list. Consider the following as you make your decision:
- your career aspirations
- your favourite subjects at school
- courses that count towards a degree program you want to study
- a semester of study that is convenient for you
Please note, if English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.
2. Discuss with your school
To apply for Headstart, you first need to discuss your intention to apply for Headstart with your school’s Headstart Coordinator. Think about the commitments and understand what is required.
3. Check the timetable
Look up the USC timetable for lecture and tutorial times. Timetables for Semester 1 will be available from 3 October 2011; and for Semester 2, from 1 May 2012. Reref to using the university timetable to assist you.
4. Complete the application form
Complete the Headstart application form 2012 (PDF 270KB) and nominate your three preferred times for lectures and tutorials, and workshop/laboratory sessions if applicable. When selecting your preferred class times, make sure you refer to your school timetable to avoid schedule clashes.
Complete your 200-300 word statement detailing your goals, aspirations and reasons for applying for Headstart. Attach any relevant supporting documentation. This may include awards, achievements or references that demonstrate your suitability for the program.
If you are applying for a Headstart Scholarship you must provide an additional 200-300 word statement detailing your reasons for applying. If you are applying for a Headstart to Indonesian scholarship, you must provide an additional 150 word statement outlining why you want to study Indonesian at USC. Attach any supporting documentation required. Refer to page 2 of the Headstart application form 2012 (PDF 270KB).
5. Obtain a teacher statement of support
This statement must be completed by your current teacher of the subject that most closely aligns with your chosen Headstart course. For example, Psychology should receive your Science teacher's support, and Creative Writing your English teacher's support.
6. Submit your application
It is important to complete the application checklist to make sure you have addressed all of the criteria for your application. You will need to submit the original application form and documentation, plus one copy of your application (ie. two copies in total). Hand your completed application form and supporting documentation to your school’s Headstart Coordinator for approval. If approved, they will forward your application to USC by the due date.
7. Receive an offer
Applications are assessed by a USC panel. If your application is successful, the University will send you a ‘letter of offer’ and Orientation information before the start of the relevant semester. This is late-December for study in Semester 1, 2012 or by the end of June for study in Semester 2, 2012.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive formal correspondence from the University.
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If you are a continuing Headstart student
If you are already a Headstart student and have passed your first course, you can take up the option to complete a second course. To apply as a continuing student you need to complete the 2012 Headstart Continuing Enrolment Form (PDF 114KB). Submit the form, plus one copy, to your school’s Headstart Coordinator. If approved, they will forward it to USC.
Remember, in your application you must nominate your three preferred times for lectures and tutorials, and workshop/laboratory sessions if applicable. This allows your enrolment to be processed. You may change your lecture and tutorial times, if required, after confirming your high school timetable.
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Headstart application dates
Check with your school’s Headstart Coordinator as to when your application needs to be submitted for their approval, to meet the Headstart application deadline.
| Semester of study |
Application closing date |
| Semester 1, 2012 |
Friday 28 October 2011 |
| Semester 2, 2012 |
Friday 11 May 2012 |
Using the university timetable
Once you have chosen the course you would like to study, you must check the availability of classes for that course. Refer to the USC timetable and select classes from the ‘open classes only’ version of the timetable. For most courses you will need to attend a lecture and a tutorial each week, which is approximately three to five contact hours per week.
Some courses are different; for example:
- Design courses—for most design courses you are required to attend a lecture and a computer workshop (as opposed to a tutorial).
- Language courses—each week you are required to attend one lecture and a set of tutorials, which often amounts to five hours of contact (class) time. On the timetable, each set of tutorials has a class number and may consist of two or three tutorial times. You will need to attend each of the tutorials listed under the class number.
- Science courses—for most science courses you are required to attend a lecture each week and a tutorial or laboratory session (these alternate each week during semester). Class time for science courses often amounts to four contact hours per week.
You may be able to change your lecture and tutorial times if they no longer suit your school timetable, or if your circumstances have changed. Classes fill quickly and you will not be able to change lecture and tutorial times if there are no available seats in your preferred class.
Timetable example
If you were applying to study COR109 Communication and Thought, you would be required to attend one tutorial and one lecture per week. On your application, you need to nominate three preferences for class times, for each class type. In this case, on your application form you would write the class numbers for your first and second preferences for the lecture, and your first, second and third preferences for the tutorial.
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