Taking the stress out of post-HSC and university application time

With results newly in hand HSC students can relax for the summer, but thoughts of ATARs and university applications are not far from their minds. We spoke to several UTS students to find out how they felt after the HSC and sought their advice for students at this time of year.

Oliver Wijaya has just completed second year of Bachelor of Business at UTS with a major in marketing, and hopes to work in international marketing in the future.

"When I finished the HSC, I felt quite relieved that the stressful year was finally completed. At the same time, I was quite worried about my HSC marks and which university I would be capable of entering," said Oliver.

Even though it has been six years since Communications student, Edem Dokli, completed her HSC, she still remembers the feelings she had after exams.

"The first thought was relief, which was closely followed by surprise that I made it; that I had actually survived one of the most petrifying periods in my life which were the HSC exams," said Edem.

Edem will be in her third year of Bachelor of Communications (Public Communications) at UTS in Autumn Semester 2015, having already completed two public relations internships with well-known Australian retail companies.

"Once all the HSC excitement faded, then came the nervous anticipation of my grades and worry about acceptance letters," she said.

Anthony Nguyen, picture supplied

For students, the wait for results can seem long, but our students had some good tips for passing the time constructively.

"Make a list of different institutes and universities and do some homework about them to see what suits you the best," recommended Anthony Nguyen, who is currently in second year of his Bachelor of Information Technology.

"While being on holidays, I suggest travelling or getting a part time job, or even both. Traveling to another country is a great way to enrich your brain as you learn about different cultures," said Anthony.

A student of the Bachelor of Design, majoring in Architecture, Carlos El-ters made the decision at 15 to gain work experience in a local architectural firm, and believes practical real-world skills can help all students.

"I'm a strong believer in achieving what you set your mind to and taking that extra step. Try getting some experience in the field by contacting an employer to do work experience. As a result, you will gain insight and knowledge of what the field is about, and once at university, you'll be prepared and have something to work toward."

While many students take direct-entry into their preferred degree, others choose a pathway provider such as UTS:INSEARCH which offers diplomas across a range of disciplines that can lead into the second year at UTS.

"High school and university are two different playing fields. Class sizes are bigger, teachers teach differently, and assignments and exams are more difficult," said Oliver.

"If you want an easier transition to university life, with smaller classes and close communication with teachers and other students, there is an alternative path at UTS:INSEARCH," said Oliver.

Pathways can also offer an alternative for students who may not reach their desired ATAR, or don't achieve their first preference, as entry to UTS:INSEARCH is based on the average HSC subject results (calculated from the top four non-VET subjects, including English).

"UTS:INSEARCH provides an awesome opportunity to study for students who didn't receive an acceptance letter into UTS. They were my saving grace," said Edem.

Whatever the outcome, our students advise others not to give up.

"Always remember to pursue your dreams, regardless of the HSC results you end up receiving," said Oliver. "A simple number or rank in the state should not alter your whole future. Your persistent effort to pursue your goals should help you to shape and change your own future."

"Whatever students decided to do, whether now or later, always know there are people out there to help," Carlos said. "And don't forget, learning is fun, because if it is something you want to learn, you will be successful."

The four students interviewed here progressed to UTS by completing a diploma at UTS:INSEARCH.