What is Early Entry?
While the ATAR is the main selection tool used by most universities to accept students at the end of the year, there is actually a way to get admitted into your dream university before you even sit your final exam. This is through early entry!
Many universities will have early offer programs for year 12 students. These programs will NOT intake students based on their ATAR but instead consider factors such as past school reports, extracurriculars, portfolios and interviews.
The requirements and application process will vary between universities so we have collated all the different early offer programs below, along with their key dates for your convenience.
Applications will open around July and outcomes will be released during September, just before you sit your final exams!
So, why apply for early entry?
Here are some benefits to consider:
- Reduced stress. Early entry programs ease the pressure on senior students, allowing them to focus on their studies, instead of worrying about getting a place in university. Applications will be completed earlier in the school year so students can better concentrate on their schoolwork later.
- Better planning. Early offers give students more time to plan for their first university semester. This might mean submitting student accommodation applications early or making financial arrangements.
- More organised school year. Students with early offers can access the university’s campus facilities and resources ahead of time.
- No commitments. There are no limits to how many early entry programs students can apply for. Students may choose to decline their early offers and apply through the traditional route with SATAC.
Early entry programs offered in South Australian universities
Torrens University Australia
The Early Entry program secures your spot at Torrens University Australia but you are still required to fulfil the course-specific eligibility criteria to enrol.
The application process:
- A 5-10 minute online application form
- You will be required to submit your most recent school report.
- Offers are sent back 10 business days after you apply.
Key dates
- Applications are open now.
- Closing dates will be announced towards September.
University of Adelaide
In 2023, the University of Adelaide introduced the Year 11 Entry Pathway admission scheme. The Covid-introduced program admitted students early based on their year 11 performance.
The program is open to SA and NT year 12 students as well as students from border towns in Victoria and NSW. Note, it has not been announced yet whether this program will continue in 2024.
The application process:
- Applications for this Early entry admission scheme are done via SATAC
Key dates
- Application opening dates are yet to be released.
University of South Australia
At the University of South Australia, you may have guaranteed entry based on your three best Year 12 subject grades for most of their degrees. While this is not necessarily early entry, this admission scheme does not consider your final ATAR but instead looks at your results on assessments during year 12.
If you achieve satisfactory grades and you put the University of South Australia as your first preference, then you’re automatically in!
Requirements:
- Subjects need to be 20-credit Stage 2 Tertiary Admission Subjects (TAS)
- Students need to achieve a minimum ATAR of 50
- Students must meet any additional eligibility criteria including prerequisite subjects
The application process:
- No external application forms need to be filled out. By applying through SATAC, you’re automatically considered for UniSA Guaranteed Entry. This includes both Selection Rank Guaranteed Entry and Year 12 Grades Guaranteed Entry.
- It’s also important to remember that listing your preferred UniSA degree as your first preference will give you the best chance of securing your place. The order of your preferences is how SATAC will make offers – by working down the list.
How to make your Early Entry Application stand out?
A strong academic record is important but is not the only thing universities look for. To stand out in early offer applications:
- Ensure you have leadership experience. This includes leadership roles within your school or community – for example, positions such as school captain, club president or sports team captain. Leadership experience shows your ability to manage responsibilities and communicate with team members. The more experience you have, the better.
- Engage in extracurricular activities. Include all school or non-school-based activities in your early offer applications, such as sports, music or arts. This demonstrates to the university that you have a well-rounded personality and great organisation skills, as you can balance life outside academics.
- Include awards. If you’ve received an award of a qualification that isn’t academic based, include it in your application. This is also a good indicator of your willingness and enthusiasm to learn, as you can showcase a high level of expertise across diverse interests.
- Volunteering and community service. This greatly enhances your profile as it demonstrates you are community-minded. It also indicates your commitment to making a positive mark on society.
- Write a compelling personal statement. Highlight your high school achievements, goals and plans, and most importantly, show enthusiasm for your chosen course. Be specific as to why you are passionate about your field of study and why the university should select you over other students. This is your time to shine! Endorsements such as recommendation letters from your teachers are a great way to provide valuable insights into your potential as a student.
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