Alternative entry possible for students who do not get ideal OP scores

People who do not receive a place in their preferred University programs should not panic, according to University of Queensland Admissions Manager Claron Driscoll.

"There are ways students can achieve their aims if they didn`t get the OP scores they wanted first time round," she said.

QTAC offer dates for 2003 are: First round offers — Friday, December 6; major round offers — Friday, January 10; final round offers — Wednesday, February 5.

She said applicants who possessed the prerequisite subjects but not the entry scores necessary for their preferred programs had several options to improve their chances of gaining places.

"UQ`s Admission section can advise you on alternatives and strategies to improve your position," she said.

"Admissions also has brochures such as Alternative Entry Options and Improving your Entry Score, which detail options available to mature-age applicants and others who may feel unsure of how to go about bridging the gap to university study.

"Applicants who miss out on their preferred programs should note that after completing one year of full-time tertiary study, or the equivalent, students may be allocated a new entry rank.

"The new entry score allocated depends on the student`s level of academic achievement during the year of study.

"Students can then use this to compete for a place in their preferred program through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)."

Ms Driscoll said students who lacked prerequisites for their preferred programs were also able to `pick up` the Year 12 subjects their required through tertiary courses and other post-secondary options.

For more information about improving entry ranks and satisfying prerequisites, contact UQ`s Admissions section to enquire or to obtain copies of the booklets Alternative Entry Options and Improving your Entry Score or attend Tertiary Options sessions at UQ on December 17 (Ipswich campus) and December 18 (St Lucia campus, but also covers Gatton). Seewww.uq.edu.au for more details.

Contact UQ Admissions (telephone 07 3365 2203) or email: AdmissionsEnquiries@admin.uq.edu.au or access the website at: www.studyatuq.net