Selection methods: mature age students

Standard selection methods

Also known as: standard entry criteria, standard entry, standard admission.

The most common methods and tools used to select students are as follows:

Prerequisite studies

Do they apply to you?

How do they work?

Some courses require successful completion of a particular subject, and maybe even a particular score. However, if you have not completed prerequisite studies as part of your schooling, there are ways around it. Sometimes relevant work or life experience will be taken into account (particularly in the VET sector) and there are usually ‘bridging’ courses available so that you can complete the relevant subject before you apply or begin your course.

Interviews and supplementary information forms

Do they apply to you?

How do they work?

Interviews are often used in very competitive courses, such as medicine and veterinary science or creative arts to determine whether you are a suitable applicant for the course, but also whether you are sufficiently passionate about the field. Although they can be tough, they also give you another chance to prove yourself.

A supplementary information form asks students to detail their reasons for choosing the course and any experience they have in the field. The responses can be used to shortlist applicants for an interview or just to gauge the applicant’s enthusiasm and aptitude for the field.

Portfolio or audition

Do they apply to you?

How do they work?

You will really only need to present a portfolio or do an audition if you are trying to get into a course in the creative arts field. For visual arts, you will probably do an interview and then hand over a portfolio that includes samples of your work. If you’re going for music or drama, you will perform an audition to give the course organisers a chance to assess your talent and potential.

Tests

Do they apply to you?

How do they work?

These will apply in only a few university courses, mostly those in the health sciences field. The prime example is the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test (UMAT), which assesses the skills and aptitude of prospective medical students. Entry tests are far more common at postgraduate level.

In addition, mature age students who completed Year 12 some years ago might be required to complete a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

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Alternative selection

Also known as: alternative entry criteria, alternative entry, alternative admission, alternative pathway, special entry, special admission.

Applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements — for example, STAT results —may be eligible to apply under alternative selection criteria or schemes.

These alternative methods of selection are used by education providers to assist students who may:

• otherwise not meet narrow standard selection criteria;
• have been disadvantaged; or
• have other relevant skills and experience which make them a suitable candidate.

Alternative entry criteria

Imagine you are a mature age student who left school some years ago and who did not finish Year 12. Higher education or VET providers might apply alternative selection methods or criteria to help you enter the course you want, including:

• interview performance;
• relevant experience in the workforce;
• other study completed after school;
• a statement of the applicant’s suitability; or
• an aptitude test.

Equity schemes

Both higher education and VET providers have special schemes for students who might otherwise find it hard to enter their course because of difficult circumstances or some disadvantage suffered.

An alternative entry scheme will aim to determine how a student will perform in a course, rather than judging them solely on how they have performed in the past.

Alternative entry schemes are often available for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
• students with disabilities;
• students from rural or remote areas;
• students with disadvantaged financial or familial circumstances; or
• students who have experienced educational disadvantage.

Note that rules and criteria for alternative selection methods and schemes will vary between institutions and courses. Check with any institution you are interested in.

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