Your ATAR isn’t everything: what to do next | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

If your ATAR isn’t what you hoped for, it can feel huge in the moment. But it doesn’t define your future. There are plenty of ways to reach your goals – heaps of students take alternative pathways into uni every year.

Here are a few tips on what you can do. 

It's not too late to change your QTAC preferences

There is a short window to change your QTAC preferences immediately after ATAR release, but even if you wait until after Christmas you can still be considered for offer-rounds in January. You can change your QTAC preferences up to three times for free. 

Look at different pathways

There are multiple ways to start the degree or career you want:

• Bridging courses
  Short programs help you meet entry requirements and prepare for uni study. UniSC’s bridging course is the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) – it's fee-free and can get you into most UniSC degrees. If you're feeling nervous about starting university, TPP will teach you how to complete assessment at a university standard, how to research like a pro and connect with other students. 
• Pathway diplomas
  A one-year diploma lets you test out a study area, build uni-ready skills, and often gives you direct entry and up to a year of credit.
• TAFE or vocational study
  TAFE qualifications (Cert III, Cert IV, Diploma, Adv Diploma) can lead straight into work or provide a pathway into uni. You may also get credit towards a degree.

Uni isn't just about your ATAR

Universities use adjustment factors based on things like where you you live or the subjects you studied in high school. Access UniSC provides a range of these, so it’s worth checking your eligibility.

Keep perspective

A lower ATAR isn’t a dead end. It’s just one moment, not the full story. There are many ways forward – pick the one that works best for you and keep moving toward your goals.

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