Step 1: Consider

Year 10 is a good time for students to start thinking about their future. Students may be thinking of further study, getting a job or doing an apprenticeship. Some students are still unsure of what they want to do next which is quite common. Some students may know that they would like to go on to further study but are unsure which course they would enjoy. Choosing courses that give the broadest range of future options will make the choice easier.

Our Careers Adviser can provide current course advice. In making choices, students should talk with as many people as possible: parents, teachers, friends, employers, relatives, our Careers Adviser, and others. All can offer a fresh point of view; however, students should make the final decision. Use the time to think through the options and make realistic choices.

When choosing your HSC course, consider the following:

Abilities - choose courses in which you can do well Interests - choose courses which interest you

Motivation - choose course areas which you want to study Career aspirations and needs - be realistic about your career choices and about your course choices

Recommended courses by universities that are relevant to a specific university degree which you are interested in. Make sure you attend university open days to get the most up to date course information and prerequisites

For more information, please visit these websites:

Prerequisites

Students must also consider prerequisites when selecting subjects. Prerequisites are HSC courses students must have studied in order to be considered for admission to certain university courses. Some university courses require students to have successfully completed or achieved a specified result. Some institutions specify a performance band that students must have achieved before a place will be offered. Also, some courses have additional, nonATAR selection criteria. Students may need to provide a personal statement, complete a questionnaire, present a portfolio, attend an audition or interview, or sit a test such as the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

Assumed Knowledge

Some universities assume you have knowledge of specific NSW HSC courses or equivalent when you start your university course. If you haven’t completed the specified HSC course, you can still be selected for the university course, but you may have some difficulty coping with your studies. The university may suggest you enrol in a bridging course to gain basic knowledge of the subject.