You may have seen the term ‘Early Offers’ around the past couple of years. If you’re in Year 12 in WA and wondering what it all actually means, then this is the place for you!
Submitting your uni application can be a bit daunting sometimes. But don’t worry! There are a lot of people in the same boat as you, and we’re here to make your uni choice and UWA application stress free.
Here are some of the most asked questions from other Year 12s to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about uni offers. You can use this as a guide and prepare your UWA application early!
What even is an Early Offer?
We completely understand that in your final year of High School, trying not to leave assignments until the last minute and cramming for exams can cause a whole lot of stress. Submitting an application early in the year, before your final exams means you can ease some of that stress knowing you have a place in your chosen course in advance.
We’ll use what’s called a ‘Predicted ATAR’. This is calculated by TISC based on your Year 11 results to estimate your final ATAR. By predicting your results, it means we have a rough idea of where you’ll sit at the end of Year 12 so that we can process your application early. If your Predicted ATAR is above 80 (or 78 for students who are eligble for Broadway, Fairway, First in Family or Indigenous Pathways) and meets the ATAR for your chosen course, you’ll receive an Early Offer.
Early Offers are ‘conditional’. This means you will need to successfully achieve WACE, meet English Language Competency, meet any subject prerequisites and in some cases, achieve a specific final ATAR for your chosen course. Alternatively, you may be eligible to meet the course requirements through Experience-based entry, completion of an enabling program or by successfully completing a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (we’ll cover this a bit further down!).
Why should I apply for an Early Offer?
Our Early Offers pathway means you can tick your application off your list early. So, it's one less thing you need to think about, and you can spend that time focusing on your final exams. This can provide you with a clearer direction and help you set manageable goals throughout your final year.
Plus, getting the administrative processes underway earlier in the year means you will be connected with UWA and we can set you up for a smoother transition from High School to university.
How do I apply for an Early Offer?
All applications for Early Offers can be submitted through TISC Online and keep an eye on the TISC important dates and deadlines. An important tip for when you're setting up your account, make sure that you use your personal email address (not your parents' or school email as you may not have access after high school).
Don’t forget to upload any relevant documents that will help our Admissions team determine if you're eligible for Experience-based entry!
What are some examples of supporting documents you could attach to your application?
Before you start your application you might be wondering what you need to have on hand to make the process smooth sailing. Luckily the list isn’t too long for documents you need to apply.
If your Year 11 results don't quite meet UWA's entry requirements, you can also upload documents to be assessed for Experience-based entry. Documents which may be submitted include evidence of:
- Completed AQF awards (Level II-IV) or an incomplete AQF Diploma
- Completed ATAR and ATAR subjects (completed interstate only. We have access to results completed in WA)
- Completed general subjects (you only need to supply this if you’ve completed your studies interstate. We have access to results completed in WA)
- Completed high school or other awards completed interstate or overseas
- Work experience (resume)
- Life achievements and commitments (including sport, music, etc.)
- An education reference
- Volunteer or community engagement
What is a Special Tertiary Admissions Test?
If you’re not taking enough ATAR subjects for university entry (or not taking ATAR at all) or you’re completing VET qualifications, you can still apply to UWA through a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). This is a national test designed to assess aptitude for undertaking an undergraduate degree. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for UWA, and you feel confident in your ability to succeed in an undergraduate degree, then you may wish to consider taking this test.
The STAT is comprised of two sections:
- Multiple Choice: An aptitude test that assesses both verbal and quantitative skills.
- Written English: A written test that requires the candidate to write two short essays on two different topics.
Find out more about the STAT on the TISC website.
Is it better to apply directly through the university or through TISC?
For entry to UWA, all applications for Early Offers are required to be submitted through TISC Online.
Predicted ATAR entry is not applicable for Assured Pathways to Medicine, Dental Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, or the Bachelor of Biomedicine however, you must still apply for these course through TISC by 30 September 2024 (refer to TISC important dates for more information).
If you receive an Early Offer, can you defer for 12 months?
Of course! If you have received an offer, you can accept and defer by up to 12 months.
So, go ahead and take that gap year! Enjoy a well-deserved break after completing Year 12 and join us at UWA when you’re ready
If you’re still confused and not sure what to do next, give our Future Students team a call on 131 UWA (131 892), submit a question through AskUWA, or book a virtual appointment.