Applying to uni is an exciting time
but it can be complicated too.
My name is Debbie,
and together with my Colleague Will,
we’re going to show you how to create your application
and make it count.
We’ll just be focussing on applying as a non-current school leaver.
This means that you aren't applying straight out of school.
If this isn’t you, check out our other video on how to apply as a current school leaver.
The first step in applying
is deciding whether you want to apply using our direct application portal
or through the UAC.
Applying direct is free
and allows you to choose multiple courses with us.
Today we’ll be taking you through the direct application process.
Most of our courses are available to apply directly,
but keep in mind
that there are some courses
which can only be applied for through UAC,
you can find them on our website.
To get started,
simply head to the Future Students section on our website.
The easiest way to get there is head over to
westernsydney.edu.au/future
or google WSU Future Students.
This site has heaps of useful information
to help you make up your mind about what course to apply for.
Throughout the site, you will see the “Apply Now” button.
When you are ready, you can click it to start your application
You can choose to register with a social account such as Facebook or Google
or you can use your email.
If you get stuck or you’re unsure at any point,
you can click the question mark symbol for tips or you can give us a call.
Step 1 is your Personal Details.
Make sure that you fill out everything you can here
and that all the details match your official government documents.
Step 2 is the Qualifications Section.
This is where you demonstrate your Academic potential in order to get an offer.
The way we assess this is by generating an academic rank based off your qualifications.
Now, it’s basically a number out of 100,
the higher your number, the more competitive you are.
The most well-known academic rank is your ATAR,
and if you’ve got one you can still use it as they never expire.
But there are lots of other qualifications we can assess you on as well.
These include prior study at University or TAFE,
your performance in an exam called a STAT Test
and even your work experience.
We look at every qualification you provide,
and we take the academic rank from whichever one scores you the highest.
So even if you don’t think a particular qualification will rank very highly,
it’s always safer to include it just in case.
In addition to your Academic Rank,
you also need to prove your proficiency in the English Language.
Now, if you did 4 years of your high schooling in Australia,
this will probably meet the criteria.
But if not, you may need to sit an English test.
Check our website to find out more.
Step 3 is your Course Preferences.
This is where you tell us what courses you want to apply for.
You can select up to 6 preferences in your application.
When we assess it, we’ll start off by working out your selection rank.
For example, let’s say you get an Academic Rank of 75
and you live in Western Sydney,
that means that you get 5 Regional Bonus Points.
Your selection rank will be 80.
We always start by looking at your first course preference and then we work our way down.
In this case, your first preference has a cut-off of 85
so because your selection rank is below the cut-off,
you aren’t eligible for an offer into this course.
But we’ll then move to your second preference.
Here, your selection rank is above the cut-off,
so congratulations, you will receive an offer into this course.
Now, because you’re receiving an offer into your second preference,
we won’t look at your third or your fourth preference.
We always recommend you have multiple options in your application
in case you don’t get your first preference,
so consider adding a college pathway.
We send out all our offers on particular dates,
these dates are called offer rounds.
We use the same offer rounds for both direct and UAC applications,
so you can find these on the UAC website.
You can change your course preferences between offer rounds
to receive more offers.
Let’s go back to our example from before.
Now, let’s say you’ve received an offer for course B.
That means you will still be considered for course A,
but you won’t be considered for course C or for course D
because you’ve gotten into a course that you preferenced higher.
If you still want to be considered for these courses without losing your offer,
here’s what you can do.
First, accept your offer into course B.
Once you've done that, it's safe to remove that course from your preference list.
This means that it will no longer block you from receiving an offer
and you can be considered for all of your preferences in your Course Preference list.
My number 1 piece of advice
is to put in your application as soon as possible.
There can often be issues verifying your qualifications
and courses fill up quickly,
so the sooner you put your application in,
the more time you have to fix up any problems.
My number 1 piece of advice
is to reach out for help if you’re ever unsure about anything.
Will, myself and the whole team are more than happy to assist.
We can help you refine your application
and make sure that you’re on the right track.
So feel free to call, email or webchat with us.
Good luck with your application!