Parents guide to change of preference

• How do I support my child before ATAR release?

  For your child, it may feel like their entire future is riding on achieving the right ATAR score. But it’s not.

  The first thing you can do is to familiarise yourself with the application process. The change of preference period can be an overwhelming, so it can be a great source of support and knowledge for you to get to know how the VTAC preferencing system works and all the important dates.

  It’s also useful to be familiar with the alternative pathways or entry schemes that could play a vital role in helping your child find a way into their dream course.

  The second thing you can do is to encourage your child to consider courses that align with their passions, rather than what they think they ‘should do’. One of the most valuable forms of advice you can offer is the assurance that the path to a rewarding career takes many forms.

  This approach will give them the confidence to choose subjects that draw on their strengths and character attributes, which will serve them better in the long run, and is especially important for the youth of today with research showing that 84% of Australian youth want a career that will match their passions [i].

  Use ATAR calculator to estimate your child's ATAR

  ATAR Calculator

  Need help?

  ^{[i] Year13 (2020) After the ATAR III, YouthSense.}

• How do I support my child after ATAR release?

  We know it's been said a million times before, but an ATAR is only one small part of your child's life journey.

  How you react to results day can impact your child almost as much as the score itself. If they met their goals or scored even higher, take time to simply celebrate with them before moving on to talk of future plans.

  If not, there may be a lot of confusion and uncertainty with the outcome, especially if they didn’t achieve the score they were hoping for. Gently remind them there are many pathways into university degrees that your child can consider. Let them know you’ll support them in their decision-making by helping them to consider all the study options available to them.

  No matter what happens, getting through high school and completing Year 12 is a huge achievement and one that your child can be proud of – regardless of their ATAR.

  Explore your child’s options with our La Trobe team

  Call 1300 135 045

  Live chat

  Book a consultation

• Change of preference

  Maybe they aced their exams and have their ideal ATAR. Perhaps they didn’t do as well as expected, and now need a pathway to the degree of their dreams. Or they could’ve just changed their mind or discovered a new course that aligns better to their passions.

  Whatever the reason, your child can change their university preferences. Read our change of preference guide to familiarise yourself with how to navigate changing preferences on the VTAC website.

  Get personalised support at a change of preference event

  Drop in to one of our campuses to get a 1-on-1 consultation or go on a guided campus tour by our advisors and student ambassadors.

• Alternative ways to get into La Trobe

  Did your child miss out on the ATAR they hoped for? Don't stress. We have a ton of pathway options to help your child get into their dream course, and we'll support them from their very first day at uni until after graduation.

  Find an alternative course by ATAR

  If your child didn’t get the ATAR for the course they wanted to study, then considering an alternative course with a lower ATAR requirement could be a good next step.

  Find courses by ATAR

  Pathways and entry program

  If your child knows what they want to study but missed out on their ATAR, it’s not over. There’s options for your child to get into their dream course.

  Explore pathways and entry programs

  Pathway and entry program finder

Visit our year 12 hub Call 1300 135 045 Live chat