Class of 2025
Caringbah Careers Newsletter
Caringbah Career News
Published - 21st August 2025
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Careers Adviser Update
August is here, and it’s officially application season. Whether it’s nailing down your preferences in UAC or writing a standout piece for medicine, this is the month where ambition meets opportunity, and where your ability to package up who you are into words and stories can change the direction of your future.
There are some great opportunities available this month, and whether you’re chasing a scholarship, applying for a competitive cadetship, or taking on medicine, law, or other high-achiever programs, the common thread is this… THEY ARE LOOKING FOR YOU… but the most professional, polished, and purposeful version of you.
Here’s your advantage.. You already have a story to tell. Your LEAVERS pass is a ready-made vault of experiences in leadership roles, extracurriculars, community service, part-time work, super-curricular (industry-related) activities, and academic achievements. The secret is selecting the right ones, structuring them well, and showing the impact you have made.
This month’s newsletter is packed with guidance on how to craft applications that stand out. From choosing the right examples, to structuring your answers, to presenting your strengths with confidence (and zero cringe). We’ll also explore Plan B pathways. We’ll be exploring everything from internal and external transfers after first year, through to sitting the UCAT during your university studies - because ambition is important, but ADAPABILITY is essential - now and well into your future career.
This month, in the feel-good bit, we explore how to confidently communicate your strengths, aspirations, and story - without sounding arrogant (or cringe!) - and how to own your achievements with pride and purpose.
For our mums, dads, and carers - in the Parents’ Lounge, we unpack how to support your child through big applications, big expectations, and the winding road of success.. with a particular focus on communication, preparation, and perspective.
To all of our amazing Year 12s … we hope your HSC Trials went well and you’re proud of how far you have come. We’re now heading towards the final hurdle - THE HSC. Believe in yourselves… you’ve got this.
Mrs Poppett & Mr Chisholm
The Year 12 Checklist
University Admissions - TACs (May)
Exploring Study Pathways (May)
Early Entry & SRS (July)
Adjustment Factors (July)
Alternate Entry Schemes (July)
EAS & Equity Scholarships (July)
Additional Selection Criteria (August)
Cadetships (August)
Medicine & Dentistry (August)
Scholarships (August)
Plan B - Transferring (August)
Elite Athletes, Performers & Leaders (August)
Success Beyond the HSC (September)
Look Ahead - August Edition
Mark your Calendars
Applications Open in August
SRS, EAS , Equity Scholarships & UAC Applications Open for 2025 (Ensure you register and apply for a USI)
Charles Sturt Advantage (Early Entry) - Closing 31st July 2025 (Early Bird) & 31st August (2nd Round) - Apply HERE
University of Canberra Early Entry - Closing 17th August 2025 - Apply HERE
Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Offer - Closing Round 1 - 19th August - Apply HERE
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) - Get Started HERE (Applications through Edith Cowan)
ACU Guarantee - Open 21st July 2025 - Closing 15th September 2025 - Apply HERE
Conservatorium of Music (USYD) Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme - Learn more HERE
Macquarie University Leaders & Achievers Early Entry Program - Opening 16th June - Closing 25th July (Round 1) and 2nd September (Round 2) - Apply HERE
UNSW Gateway Early Entry - Round 1 - Open 31st March 2025 - Closing 23rd July 2025 + Round 2 - Open 4th September 2025 - Closing 12th November 2025 Apply HERE - Eligibility requirements! Watch Video
(NEW) UTS Early Entry - Open - 4th June 2025 - Closing 8th September 2025 - Apply HERE
UOW Early Admission - Open 16th June 2025 - 8th August 2025 - Apply HERE
Torrens University Early Entry - Apply HERE
Round 1 WSU (True Reward) - Year 11 Results - Closing 3rd September 2025 - Apply HERE
Australian Institute of Music (AIM) - Applications Open - Get Started HERE - Early Entry Information HERE
NIDA - Dates TBC - Applications open Mid 2025 - Get Started HERE
UOW Performing Arts - Get Started HERE - Early Entry Opening 16th June 2025 (Audition Dates and Details TBC)
USYD Conservatorium of Music - Audition Round 1 Registration - Opening 29th April - Closing - 22nd June 2025 + Round 2 Closing 7th September + Musical Theatre 7th September - Get Started HERE
UNSW Music Applications - Applications & Auditions Open - Get Started HERE
Macquarie Music Direct Entry - Get Started HERE
Portfolio Applications Open
Final Call - Closing Soon!
USYD Conservatorium of Music - Audition Round 1 Registration - Opening 29th April - Closing - 22nd June 2025 + Round 2 Closing 7th September + Musical Theatre 7th September - Get Started HERE
UTS BAcct. Scholarship - Round 1 CLOSED - Round 2 Closing 10th October 2025 - Get Started HERE
Charles Sturt Advantage (Early Entry) - Open 1st May 2025 - Closing 31st July 2025 (Early Bird) & 31st August (2nd Round) - Apply HERE
Macquarie University Leaders & Achievers Early Entry Program - Opening 16th June - Closing 25th July (Round 1) and 2nd September (Round 2) - Apply HERE
UNE Direct Early Entry - Open March 2025 - Closing Round 1 - July, Closing Round 2 - October 2025 - Apply HERE
UNSW Gateway Early Entry - Round 1 - Open 31st March 2025 - Closing 23rd July 2025 + Round 2 - Open 4th September 2025 - Closing 12th November 2025 Apply HERE - Eligibility requirements! Watch Video
USYD Conservatorium of Music - Audition Dates - 7th - 11th July (Round 1) + 29th September - 3rd October (Round 2) + 27th September (Musical Theatre -Invitation only) Example Audition Guide
UNSW Portfolio Entry - Round 1 Opening 5th May 2025 - Closing 21st July 2025 + Round 2 Opening 6th September - Closing 17th November - Get Started HERE
Art, Design & Architecture Portfolio Entry
Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme
Learn more HERE
Career Events & Activities in August / September
Industry Information Webinars: Register for all events HERE
Studying Medicine at Sydney - August 26th - 5pm
Admissions for Medicine & Dentistry at Sydney - August 26th - 5:50pm
Studying Dentistry at Sydney - August 26th - 6:30pm
Engineering the Future - Electrical Engineering & Software Engineering at Sydney - 27th August - 4pm
Interaction Design at Sydney - Creativity & Innovation - 3rd September - 4pm
Study Mathematical Sciences at Sydney - 10th September - 4pm
Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening (In-Person) - 16th September - 4pm
Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening (Online) - 16th September - 4:30pm
Why Study Civil Engineering at Sydney - 17th September - 4pm
Scholarships at Sydney - 17th September - 5pm
University Open Days
Wollongong University - 28th June 2025
Western Sydney University - 6th July 2025
Macquarie University - 16th August 2025
University of Sydney - 30th August 2025
UTS - 30th August 2025
UTS - 30th August 2025
Notre Dame - 30th August 2025
UNSW, Sydney - 6th September 2025
Australian Catholic University (ACU) - 6th September (North Sydney), 17th August (Strathfield)
The Year 12 Checklist - August Edition
This month’s checklist is all about putting you best self forward. As more applications open and move towards their closing dates across several elite and competitive pathways, including scholarships, law, medicine, and dentistry, now is the time to lean into your strengths, articulate your ambition, and share the story of who you are.
But we’re not just focusing on academic excellence. We’re also making room for the bigger picture - the Plan B Pathways that allow you to pivot, reroute, and find success beyond the original plan. Whether you’re applying for a scholarship, a cadetship, or preparing for medical interviews, this month is about equipping you with the tools to write your future, your way - no matter what path you choose.
Step Seven - Cadetships
Cadetships are one of the most powerful and competitive programs for students with clear direction, academic strength, and professional drive. Cadetships give you a unique opportunity to combine paid work in a professional environment with university study. Cadetships can kick-start your career before you graduate - and help build a stand-out CV in the process.
Cadetships are for students with razor-sharp direction in fields like business, finance, and engineering. These employers want to see your potential to step into the professional world now… not “one day”. Pull from your LEAVERS Pass to show early evidence of industry interest, career exploration, leadership, commitment, and skills you have developed through school projects, work experience, and extra-curriculars to hit the ground running.
What is a Cadetship?
A cadetship is a structured opportunity that allows you to combine paid professional work experience with your university studies - often from your first year of university. It’s like having foot in the workforce and another in the lecture hall - meaning you are building experience, income, and a resume while earning your degree. Cadetships are offered by some of Australia’s top companies. As a cadet, you:
Split your time between work and university study
Earn a salary while you study
Gain real world experience in your field of interest
Build industry contacts and professional networks
Position yourself for an opportunity to score a graduate position upon completion of the program
Common Questions in Applications & Interviews
Why are you suited to a career in financial services?
Which areas of banking and finance appeal to you?
As a cadet, how will you make a difference at XYZ organisation?
What strategies will you employ to balance study, work and your personal life during the course of your Cadetship?
Over the past three years, how has your approach to working in teams been developed? In your answer you should refer to involvement in extra-curricular activities, including work experience (paid or unpaid). Please provide details in chronological order, making clear the year in which you were involved in a specific activity. Hello LEAVERS Pass.
Why should you be invited to a first-round interview for a Cadetship?
How to Stand Out
Cadetship applications are like applying for a real job - so professionalism matters. In most cases they will request the following:
Cover letter & resume
A personal statement, or questions (why this industry? why you?)
Academic results or school report
Online testing or group tasks
Online and in-person interviews
How to Shine
Highlight your direction and why this industry excites you
Talk about leadership, initiative and balancing commitments
Do your research on the company - recent projects, media, values, mission and goals
Show your curisity and willingness to learn - explore the industry both what is happening in Australia and globally
Let you personality, ambition and motivation shine through
Revist your LEAVERS Pass and find example of strengths, achievements and stories that demonstrate your capability and potential
Cadetships to Explore
Step Eight - Scholarships
A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to support their education. Unlike a loan, it doesn’t need to be repaid (unless of course you decide to leave the course or university). Scholarships can help to cover tuition fees, living expenses, textbooks, travel, or other study related costs. However, scholarships are more than just money - they are recognition of your achievements, experiences, values and potential.
As an example, let’s take a quick look at achievement based scholarships. These scholarships reward well-rounded excellence. They specifically look for high-academic results (with consistency or improvement), leadership, initiative, community involvement, and the ability to balance commitments. They’re looking for ambititon, passion, authenticity, and even a hint of global citizenship and perspective. They notice the details, from how your structure your application and showcase your strengths to how you share your story and aspirations with genuine reflection, empathy, ambition and authenicity.
Should I Apply?
Scholarships come in many shapes and sizes - and they are not just about perfect marks.
You’ll find:
Merit-based scholarships - recognising academic achievement and leadership (e.g. Dalyell Scholars Program at USYD, UNSW Co-op, , UOW Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship etc..)
Equity -based scholarships - designed to support students facing personal or financial hardship
Program-specific scholarships - for engineering, arts, buinsess, IT, teaching etc.. (e.g. UTS BAcc, Macquarie Co-op, Ramsay Arts Scholarship, Bachelor of IT Co-op at UTS, Women in Engineering & IT Co-op Scholarship etc.)
Why Apply? Scholarships can help you…
Lighten the financial burden of study
Open doors to exclusive programs, internships and professional development
Gain recognition and build your resume
Focus on your studies without needing to work long hours
Connect with mentors and networks that shape your career
Start exploring scholarships across the universities you are interested in attending. Each university has a scholarships page where you can filter the relevant details and see what you are eligible to apply for. You will notice that there are some highlighted scholarships below, but please note that these are only a very small number of the scholarships that are available to you! Keep researching!
…. and the answer is yes, you should apply!!
Categories of Scholarships
Equity Scholarships (including UAC) - Financial hardship, health challenges, family challenges, rural or regional background
Academic / Merit-based Scholarships - High ATAR, top subject marks, accelerated learning
Leadership & All-rounder Scholarships - SRC, sport, music, volunteering, mentoring, balance between school and life
Faculty / Career-specific Scholarships - Interest in specific fields like STEM, business, teaching, arts and health
Industry / Corporate Scholarships - For students interested in specific careers e.g. UTS BAcc (funded by corporate sponsors)
University Scholarship Portals
Popular Scholarships
Start here…
UNSW - Co-op Scholars Program
Macquarie - Co-op Scholars Program
UTS - Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship
UTS - Bachelor of Engineering and IT Co-op Scholarship
UTS - Women in Engineering & IT Co-op Scholarship
UOW - Ramsey Scholarship - Bachelor of Western Civilisation
UOW - Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship
ACU - Ramsey Scholarship - Bachelor of Western Civilisation
USYD - Dalyell Scholarship - USYD (by invitation only)
Step Nine - Medicine & Dentistry
Medicine is in it’s own league. Here, passion isn’t enough… you need purpose. Why do you want to be a doctor, not a nurse? What moments or expereiences have shaped that decision? What qualities do you already demonstrate that will make you an excellent doctor? What makes an excellent doctor? From super-curricular activities like health-based seminars, work experience, informational interviews or volunteering in health-related setting (yes - log these in your LEAVERS Pass), it’s about painting a clear, authentic picture of your future in medicine.
Undergraduate Medicine & Dentistry Courses
Medicine & Dentistry Programs Across Australia
NSW
Dental Science
Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)
The University of Newcastle / University of New England
Joint Medical Program
The University of New South Wales
Medicine
Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)
University of Notre Dame Australia
Medicine Pathway
Queensland
Medical Science (Regional Medical Pathway provisional entry to UQ)
University of the Sunshine Coast
Medicine Science (optional) (provisional entry pathway to MD program at Griffith University)
University of Southern Queensland
Medicine Pathway (provisional entry to UQ MD, Darling Downs-South West Medical Pathway)
Medicine (provisional entry pathway)
Dental Science
James Cook University - No UCAT requirement
Medicine
Dental Surgery
Dental Health Science (compulsory)
Medical Science (optional)
South Australia
Medicine
Dental Surgery
Oral Health
Clinical Sciences / Medicine
Tasmania
Medicine
Victoria
Medicine
Western Australia
Medicine
The University of Western Australia
Doctor of Medicine via Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
Doctor of Dental Medicine via Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
Medicine Application Process - The Breakdown
So you’re thinking about studying medicine - amazing! It’s a huge goal, but if it’s something you’re passionate about, now is the time to get serious and understand the pathway. Here is a simplified version of what the process looks like for Year 12 students:
1. Is Medicine Really For You?
Before you dive into the UCAT and applications, it’s really important to check in with yourself:
Are you really passionate about healthcare and helping others?
Do you understand how demanding and long the journey is?
Are you genuinely committed to the lifestyle and study load?
Do you have the personal qualities like empathy, resilience, and a lifelong learning mindset?
These are not just “tick-the-box” questions - this is about making sure you’re choosing medicine for the right reasons.
2. ATAR Expectations & Academic Requirements
You’re going to need a high ATAR - in most cases, above 90, with some universities sitting in the mid to high 90s. Also, many courses will have highly recommended subjects like Chemistry and Mathematics.
3. Key Testing Dates - UCAT, UAC & Direct Applications
Let’s break this up:
UCAT ANZ: This is the big one for undergraduate medicine entry. Book early to avoid late fees. Testing happens in July.
UAC: Apply through UAC by the 30th September 2025 for NSW/ACT universities.
Direct Applications: Some universities (like UNSW or JCU) will require direct applications to the faculty - yes, it’s an extra step… and an important one.
4. Applications - How to Actually Do It
You will likely need to do all three of the following:
Register for UCAT - Pick a date, pay the fee and sit the test.
Submit UAC preferences - Make sure medicine is sitting at the top.
Direct Applications - This is where you upload your application / personal statement, resume or anything else they require.
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to deadline - many direct entry medicine programs do not accept late applications.
5. Interviews & Assessments
If your ATAR + UCAT get you across the line, you will be invited to an interview.
Types of Interviews:
MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews)
The MMI is not a traditional sit-down interview. Instead, you will rotate through a series of short stations where you will face different scenarios or questions. Think of it like speed dating meets ethics class.
Each station is designed to explore:
Ethical-reasoning (e.g. what would you do if a classmate was cheating?)
Your problem solving ability (e.g. what you would prioritise in a hospital emergency?)
Your communication skills (e.g. explaining a complex concept to a child or elderly person)
Your interpersonal awareness and empathy
How you reflect on social issues (e.g. fairness, privilege, cultural sensitivity)
You’re not expected to give a perfect “medical” answer. The focus is on how you think, how you treat others, and how you handle pressure. Your composure and thought process is an important part of this style of interview. It’s about who you are as a person, not just your grades or knowledge.
TIP: These questions might not be about medicine at all. They are about your worldview, maturity, and ability to listen, reflect, and act with integrity - all of which are essential qualities in a future doctor.
Panel Interviews
A panel interview is mor traditional. You will sit down with a group of interviewers, often two or three people from medicine, academia, or healthcare and have a longer-form conversation.
Expect questions about:
Your motivation for studying medicine
How you have demonstrated resilience, leadership or teamwork
Ethical challenges and your perspective on social issues
Your work experience, volunteer work or personal insights
Your response to prompts in your application (so review what you wrote!)
While the content may overlap with MMIs (e.g. ethics, problem solving, personal qualities), the key difference is that you’re speaking to the same people the whole time, so they can ask follow-up questions to go deeper.
Tip: You will need to talk clearly about WHY you want to be a doctor, what qualities you have, and how you’re developing them. Be authentic, well prepared, and always be able to explain WHY MEDICINE (and why not nursing, for example).
6. Offers and Acceptance
Offers typically come out between December - January.
Once you get an offer - celebrate! …… then accept it online, and prepare for your first year.
7. Post Acceptance
This is where the real fun begins! First-year medicine is known to be challenging, but by this stage, you’ll be ready.
Optional Pathways to Keep in Mind:
Didn’t get in first time? That’s ok, many students:
Sit the UCAT again in their first year of university.
Go through graduate entry medicine after finishing a bachelor’s degree and sitting the GAMSAT
Discover Nursing, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, OT, Speech Pathology, Radiography and Sports & Exercise Physiology
Select Pre-medicine, Health Science, Advanced Science or Clinical Science - some of which include GAMSAT preparation.
The UCAT
Tests taken in Australia - $325
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.
The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.
It is also an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate aptitude for a demanding programme of study.
The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and worldwide.
Please note that some pathways to medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences will not require the UCAT ANZ. For some applicants a different test may be required. For details candidates should refer to the websites of the universities to which they intend to apply.
Key Dates
UCAT Registration Open - 4th March 2025
UCAT Registrations Close - 16th May 2025
Final Late Booking Deadline - 6th June 2025
Testing Dates - 1st July- 5th August 2025
Results delivered to universities - Early September 2025
Step Ten - Plan B Pathways
Let’s be honest, not every path will go exactly to plan. Whether you missed out on your dream course by a few ATAR points, had a change of heart (or circumstances), or simply want to explore other options before locking yourself into a three-year commitment, Plan B Pathways are not a downgrade - they are a strategy!
The journey doesn’t have to be linear. In fact, many students take an alternate route to get to where they want to be, and often they come out stronger, more focused and more adaptable because of it.
So if the offers don’t align with your goals just yet, here are some options to keep your momentum going.
Internal Transfer Process (within the same university)
Not getting into your dream degree can feel like a setback - but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. If you have a strong preference of university, you might be able to start in a different degree and transfer across into your desired degree after first year. It’s called an internal transfer.
Perhaps you want to study at a particular university because of it’s reputation, location, facilities, culture, or lifestyle / friendships, but you didn’t get into your Plan A course …
New plan / strategy? Start in a different degree, achieve strong results and then apply for an internal transfer.
Applying for an Internal Transfer:
Applications vary slightly by uni, but typically involve an online form through the university portal.
Your first year academic results are very important, alongside your ATAR and motivation.
Some universities consider a brief statement or ask you to meet specific subject prerequisities.
If your subjects align, you may enter your new degree at second year level with credit for completed subjects.
So your’re not necessarily behind… just taking the scenic route!
Important: Talk to your university’s academic adviser, careers adviser or faculty office early in the semester to make sure you’re planning your first year with transfer goals in mind.
Transferring Between Universities
So.. you’ve finished your first year of university, but you are still dreaming of Plan A - the course and university you originally had your heart set on. The good news? You can absolutely still get there.
Every year we see students successfully transfer to their dream course or university after their first year of study. We see equally as many who have found a completely new pathway forward, or who have fallen in love with their Plan B course (when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be). For those still focused on their Plan A, it just takes a but of strategy, strong academic results and good planning.
Here’s the breakdown:
Step 1: Complete One Full Year of Study
To be eligible to transfer into a new course or university, you usually need to have completed a full year (two semesters) of tertiary study. This gives universities enough to assess your academic performance at a tertiary level.
Step 2: Apply Through UAC or Directly
Transferring universities is not automatic - you’ll need to reapply for your course via UAC just like you did in Year 12. Some universities might ask for a direct application as well.
Step 3: Transferring Credit
When you transfer, you can apply to carry credit for the subjects you have already studied. This is called a credit transfer.
However, be aware:
It’s not always guaranteed - different universities, different rules.
You could end up doing an extra semester (or two) depending on how many credits are accepted.
Step 4: Considerations and Key Points
Every university has it’s own policies, so always double check with your new uni’s faculty or admissions office.
Know your deadlines. Applications for transfer usually focus around UAC or direct entry timelines - don’t miss your window.
Be clear on your reasons. If you’re transferring, make sure you’ve reflected on why. Is it still the right decision?
The Feel Good Bit
You’ve Got This
This month, we’re diving deeper into something that doesn’t always get enough airtime… how you talk about yourself, how you see your own value, and how you learn to own your story with both confidence and care.
You’ll be putting yourself forward in scholarship applications, cadetship interviews, and medicine pathways … and we know that can be tough. Talking about your strengths without feeling uncomfortable or arrogant? Reflecting on your experiences without feeling like they’re not “enough”? There are challenges that many adults still struggle with. That’s why this month’s feel-good content is focused on helping you embrace your story - the messy, ambitious, reflective, evolving story that is uniquely yours.
We are kicking off with a powerful TED Talk by Caroline McHugh, who explores the difference between confidence and self-esteem, and helps you think deeply about who you are when nobody’s watching. Her message is a brilliant reminder that authenticity is your superpower, and the more you lean into your own values, quirks, talents and truths, the stronger your voice becomes.
We’re also including a short but powerful clip from Amy Cuddy who teaches us how body language shapes not only how others see us, but how we see ourselves. When you’re heading into an interview or writing an application, the ability to step into your power, even if you have to fake it first, can make a real difference. Confidence isn’t something you wait for, its something you practice.
So, if you’re feeling unsure of how to write about your achievements or speak about your passions in interviews, take 10 minutes to pause and watch these. Let them remind you that your value is not tied to a number. Your unique strengths, your lived experiences, your quiet resilience and loud ambitions … that’s the stuff that really matters.
You have more to offer that you think.
After the bell - Alumni Profile & Words of Wisdom
Name: Lana Johnson
Class of: 2006
Career path: Health Care - Physiotherapy
Current role: CEO BPS Tensegrity - Physiotherapy and Pilates
Favourite subject in High School? PDHPE
How would you describe a day in your role?
50% Clinical: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Diagnosis and Rehab Programs
50% Business: Staff Meetings, External Service provider meetings, Marketing and Sales
Advice for students exploring your industry: Don't be afraid of failure, anything is possible once you realise that failing is a natural part of success!
The Parent’s Corner
Off They Go
Read my 2024 UAC Article below
This month is full of exciting (and sometimes daunting) application opportunities for Year 12 students.. from scholarships, and cadetships to medicine and elite academic programs.
As parents, you might be wondering: How do I best support my child through this high pressure season? Whether they know exactly what they want, or are still figuring it out, your role in helping them clarify their strengths, reflect on their experiences, and build a confident life story is incredibly powerful.
Help Them Build Their Life Resume
Behind every strong application is a story… a story of interests, achievements, set-backs, and growth. You can help them by asking guiding questions like:
What strengths / achievements do you feel most proud of?
Which experiences have taught you something important about yourself?
What motivates you? A problem you want to solve, a community you want to help, a skill you want to master?
Can you think of a time when you didn’t succeed? What did you learn from it?
What kind of classwork makes time fly?
Who do you admire, and why?
These are the kinds of reflections that turn a generic application into something memorable.
You might look back at what they did for their Year 10 Mock Interview, talk through the highlights and challenges of their part-time job, or reflect on which parts of school or volunteering they’ve loved most. This builds not just a “resume”, but a richer picture of who they are becoming.
If They Don’t Get the ATAR - Plan B Is Powerful
It’s natural to be focused on results, but it’s important to remember that the ATAR can dictate one pathway, but there are many others. There are so many Plan B options for students who don’t receive their first offer or want to explore other avenues:
Transferring into courses after first year (with excellent success rates)
UCAT resit during your undergraduate degree
Liberal degrees (Arts, Commerce, Science) are flexible starting points
Gap Year Programs, which offer structure and leadership training
Short TAFE or online courses that can open new doors, or allow time for reflection
Choosing a different path at first doesn’t mean giving up - it just means finding the right entry point for the journey ahead.
When They Are Still Unsure: Career Mapping Matters
Not every student is ready to lock in their decision just yet … and that’s ok. If you’re child is still unsure, now’s the perfect time for a career mapping conversation - either with Mrs Poppett or Mr Chisholm or at home. You might explore:
Their MyStrengths Profile
Informational interviews with interesting people across different professions - family and friends are a great place to start.
Patterns in what they enjoy - talking to people, solving problems, being creative, helping others.
Whether they are interested in something niche, or would benefit from starting in a broader degree like Arts, Commerce or Science.
OR MAYBE TRY THIS…..
Cultivating a Challenge Mindset: Passion Through Perspective
Sometimes, the key to understanding your child’s future aspirations isn’t in the classroom… it’s in your kitchen table conversations.
As yourself: What topics light them up, frustrate them, or get them talking passionately at home?
Do they care deeply about climate change, recycling, or environmental challenges?
Do they often debate what’s fair, or show an interest in social justice, equity, or human rights?
Are they animated when discussing politics, global issues, or how communities respond to crisis or war?
Do they show strong opinions about order, cleanliness, or shared responsibility at home?
Are they drawn to teamwork, sports, getting outdoors, or physical or mental health?
Do they get completely absorbed, even lose track of time, when reading, writing or creating stories?
Do they spend hours designing invitations, editing videos, re-decorating their bedroom or drawing digital art for fun?
These are not just hobbies or distractions. They are clues. Windows into their interests, strengths, passions and possibily their future.
They’re often early signs of challenge mindset - a deep instrinic motivation to fix, build, explore, express, or advocate. This mindset can guide a student toward a pathway that not only aligns with their values, but energises them for the long haul.
Use these moments as conversation starters. Help your child reflect: Why do I care about that? What does this say about me? What would I like to do more of?
This is how we begin shaping a life resume - a narrative of a character, experience, values, and direction. It’s what many universities, scholarships, and employers are looking for… far beyond just academic performance.