Class of 2025
Caringbah Careers Newsletter
Caringbah Career News
Published - 4th July 2025
Book a Careers Meeting
Careers Adviser Update
You did it.. you made it through another set of exams (legends!). What’s next you ask? We are now in that sweet little in-between window - trials are still a few weeks off, but the Early Entry window is officially open for business. This is your moment to take a breather and tick off some massive wins… because if you can get your Early Entry applications in now, you’ll be feeling a whole lot lighter when its time to focus all of your attention back on trials.
This month we are diving into all the juicy stuff. We are exploring early entry, alternate entry, adjustment factors (bonus points), and that amazing scheme that aims to level the playing field called - Educational Access Scheme (EAS).
This month, in “The Feel Good Bit” … we’re taking a moment to put things in perspective. With early entry applications open and ATAR talk heating up, it’s easy to feel like your whole future depends on a single number. This month’s video reminds us that success isn’t just about marks or milestones - it’s about building a meaningful, happy life through strong relationships, resilience and purpose.
You are a story in progress - full of potential, passion, and purpose. That is why early entry exists. That’s why portfolios, personal statements, and interviews matter. Because YOU matter.
Most uni offers aren’t based on ATAR alone anymore. So breathe. Focus on what lights you up, and lean into the parts of you that can’t be measured by a test score.
Let’s make July the month you start lining things up, and feel really good about it.
Mrs Poppett & Mr Chisholm
The Year 12 Checklist
University Admissions - TACs (May)
Exploring Study Pathways (May)
Early Entry & SRS (June)
Adjustment Factors (June)
Alternate Entry Schemes (June)
EAS & Equity Scholarships (June)
Additional Selection Criteria (July)
High Achiever Programs (July)
Elite Athletes, Performers & Leaders (July)
Medicine, Dentistry & VET (July)
Scholarships (July)
Plan B (August)
Success Beyond the HSC (August)
Look Ahead - July Edition
Mark your Calendars
Applications Open / Opening in June & July
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
UTAS School Recommedation Program - Opening 26th June 2025 - Closing (main round) 28th July - 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
UNSW Portfolio Entry - Round 1 Opening 5th May 2025 - Closing 21st July 2025 + Round 2 Opening 6th September - Closing 17th November 2025 - Get Started HERE
Art, Design & Architecture Portfolio Entry
Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme
Learn more HERE
USYD CCASAS & Portfolio Admissions Pathways - Opening 1st May - Closing 30th June 2025 - Get Started HERE - Portfolio Tips
Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (MUSIC) - Learn more HERE
Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (Visual ARTS) - Learn more HERE
Portfolio Admissions Pathways - Learn more HERE - Register for Webinar (HOW TO BUILD A PORTFOLIO - 28th May 4pm) HERE
Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design)
Bachelor of Design / Advanced Studies (Interaction Design)
Bachelor of Design in Architecture
Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours) / Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture and Environments
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
USYD CCASAS & Portfolio Admissions Pathways - Opening 1st May - Closing 30th June 2025 - Get Started HERE
UTS BAcct. Scholarship - Round 1 CLOSED - Round 2 Closing 10th October 2025 - Get Started HERE
UCAT Registrations 2025 — Late registrations close 6th June) - Register HERE
UBS Cadetship - Get Started HERE - Due 31st July 2025
UCAT Exams Period - 1st July - 5th August 2025
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
UTAS School Recommedation Program - Opening 26th June 2025 - Closing (main round) 28th July - 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 June / July
Industry Information Webinars:
USYD - Calling all Budding Scientists (Online) - 4th June - Register HERE (4pm - 4:30pm)
USYD Music Portfolio Evening (Online) - 4th June - Register HERE (4:30pm - 7pm)
UNSW Engineering Information Evening (Online) - 4th June - Register HERE (6pm - 7pm)
UNSW Co-op Scholarship Presentation (At School - Lunch) - 5th June (Library Meeting Room)
UNSW Year 12 Information Evening (Online) - 10th June - Register HERE (6pm - 7pm)
USYD Music Audition Information Evening (Online) - 10th June - Register HERE (4:30pm - 5:30pm)
USYD Study Environmental Engineering (Online) - 11th June - Register HERE (4pm - 4:30pm)
USYD Year 12 Information Evening (Online) - 11th June - Register HERE (6pm)
UNSW Year 12 Information Evening (In-person) - 12th June - Register HERE (6pm - 8pm)
USYD Pathway to Studying Law (Online) - 18th June - Register HERE (4pm - 4:30pm)
UNSW Cyber Security Information Evening (Online) - 18th June - Register HERE (6pm- 7pm)
UNSW Portfolio Information Session (In-person) - 15th July - Register HERE (10am - 12pm)
UNSW Portfolio Information Session (Online) - 16th July - Register HERE (6pm - 7pm)
USYD Veterinary Medicine Undergraduate Information Evening (Online) - 23rd July - Register HERE (4pm)
The Year 12 Checklist - July Edition
This month we are focusing on the many ways you can boost your chances of receiving a university offer.. beyond your ATAR alone. From early entry programs and adjustment factors (bonus points), to alternate entry schemes and the Educational Access Scheme (EAS), there are pathways designed to recognise both your effort and your circumstances. EAS, in particular, exists to support students who have faced challenges - whether that is illness, family disruption, financial hardship, or anything else that has made Year 11 and 12 harder than it could have been. June is all about helping you understand these options, stay on top of the deadlines and take action where you can.
Step Three - Early Entry Admissions and SRS
If the thought of waiting until December for your ATAR to find out if you have been accepted into university feels a little daunting … good news! Early Entry programs mean you might secure a uni offer months before final exams begin. One of the great things about the university application process these days is that more and more unis are looking at the whole person, not just the exam results. Whether you’re feeling confident, uncertain, or somewhere in between, early entry is about giving you options, recognising your achievements to date, and opening doors early.
Understanding early Entry
Early entry allows universities to assess your application based on more than just your ATAR. They will look at things like:
Your Year 11 results (and sometimes early Year 12 results)
Your involvement in the community (volunteering, leadership, work, extra-curriculars)
Personal statements - explaining your motivation, goals, and why you are a good fit
School recommendations
Many universities run their own direct early entry programs, meaning you apply through the uni’s website - not UAC. Others use UAC’s School Recommendation Scheme (SRS), which allows you to apply for multiple universities at once. Some universities use both.
Direct Entry: You apply straight through the university (e.g. UOW Early Admission, ANU Direct entry, Charles Sturt Advantage, WSU True Reward).
SRS via UAC: This is one application that covers multiple universities participating in SRS (e.g. WSU, UOW, ACU). Most SRS offers are conditional - meaning you need to meet specific conditions set by the university (e.g completing the HSC, meeting minimum band requirements or minimum ATAR etc..)
Can you apply for both? Absolutely, in fact most Caringbah students do!
Please note: Some universities offer pathways through both direct early entry and SRS. We encourage students to apply through direct entry, alongside SRS. You can apply directly to as many universities as you like (throuogh direct schemes) and submit an SRS application through UAC. More application = more options = less stress going into the HSC.
Understanding offers:
An unconditional offer means that you can accept your offer immediately and there is not minimum ATAR that you need to achieve. However, your offer will be dependent on successful completion of the HSC.
If you are given a conditional offer, it means that there is an ATAR requirement attached to your offer. This means that you will not receive your formal offer until the December round after results have been published and you have met the minimum ATAR requirement.
Accepting Early Entry Offers: You are not locking yourself into a course by accepting your early offer. You can accept every offer that comes your way and you may have multiple before the commencement of the HSC. It is only when you ENROL in a couse that you are confirming your place. Many students accept all of their early offers, and then wait for ATAR results to see if they are made any additional UAC offers in December before confirming their choice. Early entry is about giving yourself choices … and peace of mind … early.
Early Entry Programs - Apply NOW
Please ensure you read all application requirements. Some institutions may request that you send through your application directly, with supplementary forms. These may include a personal statement, Year 11 results and / or responses to preliminary questions. Good luck!
ACU Guarantee - Open 21st July 2025 - Closing 15th September 2025 - Apply HERE
ANU Direct Application Early Entry - Open 3rd March 2025 - Closing 15th May 2025- Apply HERE
Charles Sturt Advantage (Early Entry) - Open 1st May 2025 - Closing 31st July 2025 (Early Bird) & 31st August (2nd Round) - 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
Southern Cross Early Entry - Application Open 2nd April 2025 - Closing 30th September Apply HERE
UTAS School Recommedation Program - Opening 26th June 2025 - Closing (main round) 28th July - Apply HERE
University of Canberra Early Entry - Opening in 19th May 2025 - Closing 17th August 2025 - 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
Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Offer - Open 1st May 2025- Closing Round 1 - 19th August, Closing Round 2 - 13th September, Closing Round 3 - 26th September, Closing Round 4 - 1st December 2025 - Apply HERE
(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
Round 2 WSU (True Reward) - Year 11 Results - Closing 12th November 2025 - Apply HERE
Round 3 WSU (True Reward) - Year 11 Results - Closing 10th December 2025 - Apply HERE
Round 4 WSU (True Reward) - Year 11 Results -Closing - 31st December 2025- Apply HERE
School Recommendation Scheme (SRS) - OPEN -Closing 5th September 2025 - Explore SRS HERE - Application to be made through your UAC portal
Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
In 2014, SRS was introduced to offer students an alternative early entry scheme that considers more than just your ATAR. SRS is another example of an early entry program. SRS takes into account your Year 11 results, schools ratings and in some cases, additional questions.
Participating Institutions…
AIE
Australian Catholic University
Australia College of Physical Education
Charles Sturt University
International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)
Macquarie University
National Art School
SAE University College
Torrens University Australia
University of Canberra
University of New England
University of Newcastle
University of Technology Sydney - Eligibility Requirements (EAS application)
Western Sydney University
How does it work?
If you are intending to list any of the above universities on your preference list, you should consider applying for SRS.
Once you’ve applied for SRS, UAC will email your Principal and Careers Adviser to notify them of your application. There is no need for you to tell your school.
Your Careers Adviser will then sit down with your Year Adviser to rate you in 10 areas of study. These will include your performance in Year 12 subjects, your suitability for tertiary study in the areas of Commerce, Education and Health, and assessment of your goals, motivation, and capacity for tertiary study.
Participating institutions use a range of criteria when assessing your application, including Year 11 studies, school ratings, and EAS application (if eligible). If your application is successful you will receive an email in November notifying you of whether you have received a conditional or unconditional offer (see above).
Applications for SRS close on the 5th of September. First-round SRS offers (conditional and unconditional) will be made on the 13th of November 2025.
If you are considering any of the universities listed above, we encourage you to apply!
UTS eligibility requirements include an EAS application for financial disadvantage.
Key Dates
SRS Applications Close for 2025 - 5th September 2025
SRS: Course preference deadline for first SRS offers - 6th November 2025
SRS: First offers released - 13th November 2025
SRS: Conditional offers converted to unconditional offers - 23rd December 2025
What about UNSW & The University of Sydney?
UNSW Gatway Admission Pathway
The UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway offers eligible Year 12 students an opportunity to secure early or conditional offers to UNSW, focusing on a holistic assessment beyond just the ATAR.
Eligibility: Open to domestic Year 12 students who either attend a Gateway school, live in a low-socioeconomic area (as determined by SEIFA criteria), or identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander. Please note - Caringbah is NOT a Gateway school.
MySydney Entry & Scholarship Scheme
The MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme is a University of Sydney initiative designed to support domestic students from low socio-economic backgrounds by providing both financial assistance and academic support throughout their undergraduate studies.
Eligibility: In order to be eligible to apply, students must reside in areas classified within the bottom 25% of the Socio-Economic Index for Araeas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation. This is based on the residential address privided in your UAC application. No separate application is required. By listing a USYD course as a preference in the UAC application, eligible students will be automatically considered and notified by the university.
Step Four - Adjustment Factors (previously known as Bonus Points)
If you have heard people talking about “bonus points”, they are probably talking about adjustment factors. Adjustment factors are points that get added to your ATAR to create your selection rank - the number that universities look at and use when deciding who gets an offer. Adjustment factors don’t change you ATAR itself, but they can boost your chances of getting into certain courses.
Key Information
Adjustment factors exist because universities know your ATAR doesn’t always tell the full story of your ability or potential. Much like early entry, they are another way of recognising your strengths, circumstances, or achievements that go beyond raw marks and ATAR alone.
Adjustment factors can be applied for anything from doing well in a subject that relates to your degree to elite sport or performance during Year 11 or 12. It may be that you are attending a school within a university catchment area, or have been disadvantaged during your senior years e.g. financial hardship, loss of a loved one, health challenges etc..
Some adjustment factors are applied automatically (subject and catchment area), whereas some adjustment factors require an application (equity - disadvantage and elite athletes and performers).
What makes adjustment factors slightly more complicated is that each university offers different adjustment factor schemes and different categories for eligibility. Also, some courses will NOT consider adjustment factors (e.g. Medicine, Midwifery). Although, equity / student disadvantage (EAS) bonus points will always be considered, for all courses (including Medicine).
Adjustment factors can make a big difference - especially if you are sitting just below the published selection rank for your dream course. They are designed to reward achievement, recognise disadvantage and ensure students from all backgrounds and experiences have a fair shot at getting in.
Important to Note:
Multiple Applications: Students can apply for multiple adjustment factors schemes, but universities often cap the total number of points that can be added to your selection rank.
Eligibility Criteria: Each program has specific eligibility requirements; ensure you check the details for each scheme.
Application Process: Some schemes require separate applications, while others are automatically considered based on your UAC application or academic results.
ATAR + Adjustment Factors = Selection Rank
Adjustment Factor Categories
Subject Adjustment Factors: If you have done well in certain HSC subjects that are relevant to your chosen degree, some unis will reward you with extra points for that course. For example, doing well in mathematics and physics might give you adjustment points for an engineering degree.
Most NSW universities have a subject adjustment scheme e.g. HSC Plus at UNSW and The Academic Excellence Scheme at The University of Sydney
Catchment Area Adjustments: Some universities (like WSU, UOW and UNE) offer points to students who live in particular postcodes or regions as a way of supporting local students. Caringbah students are eligible for the following catchment area adjustment schemes. Please note, these points are automatically applied and no application is required.
UOW (3 Adjustment Factors)
WSU (5 Adjustment Factors) - excludes Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music (Dean’s Scholar), Bachelor of Creative Industries (Music), Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Creative Industries, and Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Elite Athlete & Performer Adjustments: If you have represented at a state, national or elite level in sport, performing arts, or similar fields, some universities will offer adjustment factors in recognition of your time commitment and achievements. Students will be required to submit separate applications to each individual university they are applying for.
Equity Adjustments (EAS): For students who have experienced hardship (financial, medical, damily disruption, etc..), EAS can provide significant adjustment points. This category requires an application that will need to be submitted through UAC.
University Scheme Adjustment: On top of general adjustment factors like subject results and location, many universities also run their own special bonus point schemes that recognise unique achievements, experiences and extra commitments. They are often designed to reward things like:
Academic extension (e.g. completing uni level subjects in high school or online programs like Macquarie’s FIRST Australia).
Participating in university talent programs or accelerated leaning streams
Industry engagement (like securing a cadetship before university)
Each university sets their own rules, with different programs and adjustment points on offer. The goal? To recognise that your school marks aren’t the only measure of your potential for success at university. Please explore the following schemes:
Macquarie University - FIRST Australia
UNSW - Talented Students Program (TSP)
UTS - Industry Degree Academy (IDeA) Cadetship
Are you Eligible?
ACU
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
The Elite Athlete and Performers Program - Application OPEN - Apply HERE
Subject Adjustment Factors - ACU Subject Program
Macquarie University
Subject Adjustment Factors - Academic Advantage
FIRST Australia Adjustment Factors (Science & Technology) - Learn more
Elite Athletes & Artistic Performers - Apply HERE
Duke of Edinburgh, Queen's Scout and Queen's Guide Awards Scheme
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
UOW
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
Catchment Adjustment Factors - 3 pts automatically applied for Caringbah students
UNSW
Subject Adjustment Factors - HSC Plus
Elite Athlete & Performer Scheme Adjustment Factors - Apply HERE
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
USYD
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
Subject Adjustment Factors - Academic Excellence Scheme
Elite Athletes & Performers Scheme - Apply HERE
Future Leaders Scheme - Learn more
Portfolio Adjustment Factors - Learn more HERE
Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme - Learn more
UTS
Subject Adjustment Factors - Year 12 Subject Scheme
Science Aptitude Test - Learn more
Business Cadetship Scheme - Learn more
Women in Engineering, Information Technology & Construction (automatically applied - 10 pts) - Learn more
Educational Access Scheme - Apply through UAC
Elite Athletes & Performers Scheme - Apply HERE (opening soon)
WSU
Subject Adjustment Factors - Subject Bonus Points
Elite Athlete or Performer Scheme - Apply HERE
Catchment Adjustment Factors - 5pts automatically applied for Caringbah students (some courses excluded!)
Step Five - Alternate Entry Schemes
As we know, not every course relies on your ATAR exclusively. Many universities offer alternate entry schemes for certain degrees that take other skills and experiences into account. These are designed to assess if you’re a good fit for the course in ways that go way beyond exam marks,
What are Alternate Entry Programs?
Alternate entry programs are pathways into university that assess you on more than just your ATAR. They are specifically designed for courses (or students) where academic marks alone don’t tell the full story, and where other qualities, skills or experience are just as important.
Some degrees - like teaching, performing arts, design, architecture - involve qualities that can’t always be measured though HSC exams alone. For example:
Creativity
Communication Skills
Motivation to help others
Resilience
Leadership
Artistic talent
Teamwork under pressue
Alternate entry programs give students with the right skills, passion, and potential a fair chance - even if your ATAR doesn’t fully reflect what you’re capable of.
Some common examples include:
Portfolios (e.g. design, visual arts and achitecture)
Auditions or performance (e.g. music, drama, dance)
Personal statements or questionnaires (e.g. teaching, nursing, engineering)
Written application and video applications (e.g. Engineering)
These schemes let you showcare your creativity, motivation, personal qualities, and aptitude for the profession you are directing your attention towards. Make sure you check each universitiy’s website for specific requirements and deadlines.
Alternate Entry Programs NSW/ACT
Start exploring the many alternate entry programs across NSW / ACT. Almost every university now offers these unique admission pathways.
STEM
Women in Engineering, Information Technology & Construction (UTS)
Bachelor of Information Systems Admissions Scheme (BISAS) (UNSW)
Design, Creative Arts & Built Environment
Medicine
Step Six - Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is designed to support students whose studies have been negatively impacted by circumstances beyond their control. It recognises that things like illness, family distruption, financial hardship, or difficult home environments can affect your results - but don’t define your potential.
You apply for EAS through UAC by submitting evidence of your circumstances. If approved, you will receive adjustment factors (bonus points) that increase your selection rank, improving your chances of getting into your preferred course.
Details about the Educational Access Scheme (EAS)?
The information below was provided on the UAC website - Learn more
To apply for EAS you must be able to demonstrate that, as a result of circumstances beyond your control or choosing, your studies were negatively affected during:
Year 11 and/or Year 12
or
the period in which you gained the qualifications you are using to seek admission to an undergraduate course.
If you are a current Year 12 student, circumstances that arise after September are not eligible for EAS assessment, as they will not have had an impact on your Year 12 studies.
You must also be:
a UAC undergraduate applicant
an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia (including a holder of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa).
International students cannot apply for EAS.
Categories of Disadvantage
Disrupted Schooling
Financial Hardship
Severe Family Disruption
Excessive Family Responsibilities
English Language Difficulty
Personal Illness / Disability
Refugee Status
School Environment
Caringbah High School Submission Process
Visit the UAC EAS website to determine if you are eligible for one or multiple categories of disadvantage through the EAS scheme.
Register your EAS application through UAC (inside your UAC application portal).
Print your personalised EAS forms from your portal and collect the information that UAC requires from you. UAC may request any or all of the following documentation.
Student Impact Statement
Educational Impact Statement
Supporting Documentation
Medical Impact Statement
If you require an Educational Impact Statement, or any other documentation from the school e.g. attendance records, please print this cover sheet and submit to Ms Babbington / Ms Young by the 5th September 2025, You will need to include all documentation - including your student impact statement and medical impact statement (if relevant). If you have missed this date, please speak to Mrs Poppett or Mr Chisholm ASAP.
Collect your completed Educational Impact Statement from Ms Babbington / Ms Young before your graduation. You will be contacted by Ms Babbington / Ms Young when your documentation is ready,
Scan and upload completed documentation to your UAC / EAS portal.
SUBMIT
The Feel Good Bit
You’ve Got This
When you’re deep in Year 12, it can feel like your whole future rides on a single number. But here is the truth - your ATAR is only one small part of your story.
Universities know it. Employers know it. And deep down - you probably know it too.
This month we’re inviting you to pause… take a breath .. and zoom out.
Let’s put things in perspective. Your strengths, your character, your effort, your curiosity, and your ability to bounce back after setbacks … all of these matter too!
In this inpsiring TED talk, psychiatrist Robert Waldinger shares findings form the Harvard Study of Adult Development, and 80+ year long longitudinal study that tracked hundreds of people to find out what really makes for a happy and fulfilling life. Success is about motr than just marks and achievements, its about building a life you enjoy living.
After the bell - Alumni Profile & Words of Wisdom
Name: Zara Fraser
Class of: 2008
Career path: Allied Health
Current role: Paediatric Speech and Language Pathologist
Favourite subject in High School? Ancient History/Visual Arts
Favourite part of your job? Working with a diverse team across a broad range of projects - every day is different!
How would you describe a day in your role? I am in private practice and I work mainly in paediatrics, so I have a very varied caseload! My day involves providing therapy for children with speech, language, fluency and voice disorders, as well as children with a more complex diagnosis such as ASD, selective mutism, down syndrome, etc. I also do school and home visits, work with adults/teens, engage in personal development projects and work in a team environment. A speech pathologist identifies a speech, language, voice, fluency or swallowing issue, conducts a full assessment of the patient and devises a course of action to treat the condition. Each patient is unique and therapy is individualised for each patient. This makes the job very unique, challenging and rewarding!
Advice for students exploring your industry: Work on your time management skills! When you get out into the working world there is no-one watching your workload - you have to be organised and have great time management skills. Enjoy life. Make sure you travel and have a strong support network of friends/family and take time for yourself to ensure you don't experience burnout.
“Enjoy life. Make sure you travel and have a strong support network of friends/family and take time for yourself to ensure you don't experience burnout.” - Zara Fraser
The Parent’s Corner
Off They Go
Beyond the Number: Why Universities and Employers are looking at the whole person
As parents, we know our children are more than just a mark on a page. They are creative, resilient, curious, and capable of so much more than what an exam can measure alone. And while we’re proud of their academic effort - especially at a school like Caringbah, where excelence is part of the culture - we also know that not every child thrives under high-pressue exam conditions. The good news? Universities and employers know this too.
Universities are changing how they select students
In the past, university offers were almost entirely ATAR-based. Today we are seeing a huge shift towards holistic selection processes - including:
Early Entry Schemes (based on Year 11 results, leadership, community contribution etc..)
Adjustment Factors (recognising subject achievements, disadvantage, location and extra-curriculars)
Alternate Entry Pathways (personal statements, interviews, portfolios, aptitude tests, school recommendation)
Why the change? Because universities want students who bring more than just academic ability. They want engaged, adaptable, and motivated individuals who will thrive both on campus and in the workforce.
What are employers looking for?
Just like universities, employers are shifting focus too - particularly as technology, AI and automation change the job landscape.
Top skills employers and universities value right now..
Adaptability - Can you child learn, unlearn, and relearn as industries evolve?
Resilience - Can they bounce back from set-backs and problem solve under pressue?
Communication - Can they articulate ideas clearly, collaborate, and build relationships?
Critical Thinking - Can they analyse, evaluate, and create solutions?
Digitial Literacy - Can they work with technology confidently?
Emotional Intelligence - Can they show empathy, self-awareness, and social awareness?
Initiative and Leadership - Have they taken responsibility or led in any way (big or small)?
Global and Cultural Awareness - Do they understand how to work with diverse people and perspective?
What does this mean for your child (and for you as a parent)..
The ATAR still plays a role, but it’s not longer the only story.
The focus is shifting to the person behind the mark.. Their story. Their experience. Their potential.
At Caringbah, we are lucky to have a school full of students who are well-rounded, ambitious, and engaged across a wide range of activities and leadership opportunities - inside and outside of the classroom. Your child is already building the kind of future-focused profile that universities and employers love.