Your preferences
When you apply to one of the following centres, you should list the programs you wish to pursue in your preferred order:
You should not only apply for programs that you expect to have a sufficiently high OP/Rank or UAI or because they have a high cut-off score for entry. You should start from the other end and work out which program you will enjoy the most and which will satisfy your requirements.
Cut-off scores for entry
Cut-offs result from the number of places available and the level of demand for a program. They are not an indication of the nature, quality and approaches of a particular program. As cut-offs change from year to year, your choices should be based on your interests and not on the cut-off from previous years.
You will do better studying a program that you like and consider relevant. You can always undertake advanced and honours-level study later if you wish to work at the very highest levels in your chosen field.
All your preferences will be considered
You will be considered in all your preferences whether it is your first preference or your sixth preference. You will receive an offer in the highest of your preferences for which you are eligible for entry.
Eligibility is determined when you have a high enough OP/Rank or UAI for entry and you have met any other selection criteria such as subject prerequisites and/or assessment by audition or interview.
If you should not be eligible for your first preference, then your second preference will be considered and so forth.
How to decide your QTAC or UAC preferences
QTAC applicants can list up to six preferences and UAC applicants can list up to nine preferences for programs. When lodging your application you should ensure that:
- your first and second preferences are the programs:
- that you really want to study even though your chances of being offered a place may not be so good.
- your third and fourth preferences are programs:
- that you can realistically gain entry
- that provide another way to the career you want
- that provide a second choice of a career
- that can be used to upgrade your options.
- your fifth and sixth (or remaining) preferences are programs:
- that you are prepared to undertake if you miss out on all your choices
- that are easier to gain entry
- that can be used to upgrade your options.
If you are applying for a double degree, then ensure that you also have the two component single degrees as a preference as these are usually easier to gain entry. You always have the opportunity to upgrade to the double degree in the following year.