WITH no ATAR and less stress, Mount Gambier’s Liam Fennell is living proof graduates can study their dream university course without topping the class.
The Tenison Woods College graduate was one of many young people to receive good news when the first round of university course offers were distributed yesterday.
The 18-year-old was delighted to be offered his first study preference of a Bachelor of Engineering Honours, Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing at the University of South Australia in Adelaide.
Liam failed to complete his compulsory research project therefore did not receive an ATAR at the end of his Year 12 studies, however he was able to complete his SACE as a whole.
With ambitions to further his studies, Liam sat the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) shortly after graduation on December 10.
The STAT is a two-hour multiple choice test which evaluates skills associated with verbal and quantitative reasoning.
Scoring an impressive 97.6, Liam was able to use the result to apply for university courses with STAT entry.
He said there were fewer STAT entry offers available compared to ATAR admissions.
“I am extremely happy to have been offered by first preference, especially given the circumstances,” Liam said.
“I really wanted to pursue engineering because numbers are my strong suit and the course will equip me with many skills I can apply to various positions in the future.”
SATAC’s main January offer round was yesterday with course notifications delivered via email by 5pm while VTAC’s first round offers were released at 2pm.
More SATAC offers are expected to be emailed on January 25, February 1, February 6 and throughout February and March for courses where there are still places available.
Liam said completing Year 12 was a challenging experience and many students felt pressured to achieve a high ATAR.
“A high ATAR is good, but it is not the end of the world if it is not sky high,” he said.
“There are multiple points of entry into courses and endless career pathways.
“I suggest anyone who may be feeling stressed or lost during this transition period to visit the team at Headspace Mount Gambier, even just for a relaxed chat – they are happy to help.”
