Here’s a quick FAQ about offers:
1. What time will I receive my offer? And how can I view it?
A: You can view your offer via your VTAC account and your personal email (the one you used to sign up for your VTAC account) at the official time of 2pm on Dec 21. However, most times, offers will start showing up around 10am from personal experience.
2. I’ve missed the ATAR I needed to make the lowest selection criteria. Should I change my first preference? What should I do about my preferences?
A: This depends, but most of the time my answer is keep Pref #1 as Pref #1 and add a preference which you will likely qualify for (remember you can always transfer later). This is true for most people who end up close to the lowest selection rank. Don’t forget to factor in adjustments if you qualified for SEAS (special consideration) and subject bonuses (although the latter is not applicable for medicine and UoM courses). Remember that lowest selection ranks change each year and will not include SEAS and subject bonuses, so you never know if you’ll get in or not unless you try!
3. I received a raw SS that doesn’t meet the prerequisite. Do I still have a chance at getting in? What are my options?
A: Unfortunately, it’s really rare to get in without the prerequisites. If you achieved a raw SS of 23-24 for a 25 SS prerequisite and have a LOT of SEAS, you have a sliver of a chance. I would be considering alternate pathways such as course transfer, bridging courses or taking a postgrad route as a back up.
4. How do I get more info about courses?
A: Self-research online. The course pages, handbook entries and VTAC CourseSearch are great starting points. Otherwise, there are Change of Preference Day events that usually show up after ATAR release day. Most unis now have an Open Day-like event on the day called something like “Change Day”, “Change of Preference Day” or “Open Day” in December to facilitate any changes after ATARs come out. Check out your intended unis to find out what days they are. (I used to make lists with all the Open Days and Change of Preference Days, but this year am quite preoccupied.)
5. I got a good ATAR but I want to study XYZ course. Should I change to ABC course so I won’t waste my ATAR?
A: There’s no such thing as ‘wasting your ATAR’. You do you! You’re the one who has to study (and probably pay) for it, so you may as well enjoy what you choose.
6. When are the change of preference windows you talked about?
A: Check the VTAC dates and fees website linked in my previous post and check “change of preference dates”. You can add, remove and change your preferences as you like. Just watch out for any that you might not have all the criteria for e.g. ones with interviews, as these may have passed.
