University extends early entry schemes amid COVID-19 pandemic

University extends early entry schemes amid COVID-19 pandemic

Macquarie University has announced the extension of its early entry schemes, ensuring all eligible Year 12 students can secure an offer to study at the Sydney-based University in 2021.

The University said it lifted the cap on the number of students admitted to its Leaders and Achievers, and Schools Recommendation Schemes in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Year 12 studies and ATAR results.

Under the Leaders and Achievers Scheme, students are assessed based on extra-curricular contributions to the community to determine their suitability for University success while the Schools Recommendation Scheme offers early entry based on academic achievement and an endorsement by the student’s school.

Macquarie is making all undergraduate degrees available through these early entry schemes.

All applicants who meet the criteria for their chosen course, which include Year 11 academic results, will receive an offer.

“We recognise that social distancing and a shift to online learning due to COVID-19 are causing considerable concern among Year 12 students and their parents and carers around the HSC and University entry for 2021,” Professor S Bruce Dowton, Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie, said.

“By encouraging students to apply for our early entry schemes, our hope is that students will have one less issue to deal with during these troubling times.”

Professor Dowton also explained that the ATAR is just one in a range of methods the University uses in determining a student’s potential to succeed at the college level.

“By considering a student’s Year 11 results, along with the support of their school or their contribution to the community, we can make an informed judgement and an early offer that will help alleviate any anxiety around the HSC and ATAR.”

Macquarie’s Schools Recommendation Scheme is now accepting applications. Applications for the Leaders and Achievers Scheme open on 1 May.