Ep 69 - How to create your VTAC preference list

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What we’re talking about:

1:34 Check the prerequisites

Take note: If you haven’t done the subject prerequisites, you will not be considered for the course. So if you haven’t done the prerequisites, don’t put it on your preference list. Instead, look at other pathways you can use to get into the course or career you’re aiming for.

2:57 Put the courses on your preference list in your preference order

Don’t fall into the trap of putting the courses on your preference list in ATAR order. The lowest selection rank listed on VTAC CourseSearch is based on the selection process from last year and can change! You can only get (at most) one offer per offer round, so make sure it’s for the course you want to get into the most.

8:08 Have at least one course on your preference list that has either no ATAR requirement or where you think you will meet the ATAR requirement

Most offers are made in the first 2 rounds, and so you really want to get an offer in the first round so that you have a foot in the door. The easiest way to ensure that you’ll get an offer is to have one or two courses on your preference list that have an ATAR requirement that you think you’ll be able to achieve (or no ATAR requirement at all).

9:35 Fill your preference list

Technically you don’t have to have 8 preferences on your preference list. However, if you’re working towards making sure that you get an offer in the first round, then it doesn’t hurt to fill it! If you’re not sure what to put, listen up and I’ll give you some examples of what you could choose based on your priorities.

13:12 Get the information you need to make an informed decision

If you have a lot of varied interests and you’re not sure what you want to do most, you need more information about the courses or the careers they lead to so that you can make the right choice for you. Take some time to find out more, either online, at Open Days, by speaking with people who are studying the course or working in the career you’re interested in, or listen to relevant episodes of Course and Career Chat.