It’s hard to believe the year is already half over. Time flies when you’re drowning in assignments and exam prep, apparently.
So, how prepared are you feeling for school to end? Got a good idea of where you’ll be next year?
If not, don’t stress. There are still a few months left to work it all out. And there’s no time like the present to tick off a few items.
Let’s look at some things you might want to get off your shoulders soonish.
Check entry requirements for your uni programs
An important part of choosing your university preferences is making sure you’re eligible for the programs you select.
You should be able to check this by looking at the entry requirements on the relevant university’s website. This will include subject prerequisites (the subjects you need to have studied in Years 11 and 12 to obtain foundational knowledge on the study area) and can also include interviews, auditions and tests for some programs.
For example, when looking at UQ’s Bachelor of Science, you can use the Entry requirements tab to see that you’d need to complete General English, Mathematical Methods, and at least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Environmental Science to gain entry to this program.
Entry requirements can vary quite a bit between programs (and between universities), so it’s good to check each one you’re interested in.
Good news: If your subjects don’t meet the prerequisites for your dream degree, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for you to study it. There are bridging courses and programs you can complete to fulfil the subject prerequisites even if you haven't studied them in Years 11 and 12.
Check the ATAR entry score for your uni programs
Meeting the required ATAR is just as essential for getting into your desired degree. However, this one’s a little trickier to figure out. It’s difficult to predict your ATAR and guess where universities might make the cut-off for each program.
Check the entry score threshold
For UQ, you can get an idea of what type of ATARs and selection ranks (this is your ATAR, plus any rank adjustments awarded by UQ) we've accepted in the past by visiting our Find a program page, searching for the program you're interested in and looking for the 'Entry score threshold' on the program page.
The entry score threshold is the lowest adjusted score UQ made an offer to for this program in Semester 1, 2026. While meeting this score doesn't guarantee entry into the program, it's a good indication of the ATAR you should be aiming towards.
Check the guaranteed entry score
At UQ, we release our ATAR guarantee each year around June-July for students aiming to commence study in Semester 1. It details the ATAR or selection rank you need to obtain to guarantee an offer from UQ for your preferred program. Most programs at UQ have a guaranteed entry score, though some are set high because there are limited places available. If your ATAR falls a bit below the guaranteed entry score, but within the range of the entry score threshold, you should consider keeping it in your preference list, as you may still receive an offer.
Find out the entry score you'll need to guarantee your place in your program of choice at UQ.
Find out if you're eligible for rank adjustments
Most universities offer rank adjustment that can help boost your ATAR for entry into your desired degree. You can get rank adjustments for a wide range of reasons, including:
- living in a rural or remote area
- studying specific subjects in high school
- experiencing financial difficulties
- being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Visit the websites of the universities you're interested in studying at to see what rank adjustments they offer and whether you're eligible.
UQ offers up to 5 rank adjustments through a range of admission schemes. You can use rank adjustments to boost your ATAR and meet the guaranteed entry score for you preferred program.
Pre-plan your preferences
It’s nice to have a rough idea of your top 6 programs in advance. And by checking entry requirements and ATAR thresholds, you can ensure all your preferences are realistic.
QTAC recommends choosing:
- 2 preferred programs (your dream degrees)
- 2 backup programs (degrees you’d be happy to study if you don’t get into either of your top 2)
- 2 pathway programs (programs that are easier to get into and can eventually lead to your preferred programs).
Find out more about ordering your preferences.
Register for uni open days and other events
Open days are essential for getting a feel for your potential future university. You’ll want to attend these events for any uni you’re considering, so now is a good time to check when they’ll be on and reserve those weekends.
Read our complete guide to university open days, which is updated annually to include a calendar of all major university open days in Queensland and northern NSW.
You may also want to look into other related events in your area, such as:
- career expos (e.g. the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo)
- ATAR advice sessions (UQ's ATAR Advice online event occurs in December each year).
Look at scholarship options
The right scholarship could make attending your perfect uni or studying your dream degree more achievable. So, it’s important to know what’s out there. Start by searching university websites for information (UQ has a whole website dedicated to our scholarships).
You may be surprised by how many scholarships are available to you. For example, every student who preferences a UQ program and indicates that they'd like to be assessed for the Educational Access Scheme – Financial Hardship category in their QTAC application will also be assessed for UQ's Queensland Commitment Scholarship, which offers $7,000 per year.
Receiving The Queensland Commitment Scholarship also adds 5 rank adjustments to your ATAR, which could boost your chances of getting into your preferred UQ program.
Want some inspiration? Discover how this scholarship has helped change lives in Connor’s story or Appolonia’s story.
Look at your accommodation options
If you’re moving away from home for uni, you should start considering your accommodation options if you haven't done so already. You’ll need to:
- Choose between living on campus vs off campus.
- Learn how university accommodation works.
- Explore the best suburbs for student living near your preferred university.
- Contact your preferred accommodation to reserve a room.
- Plan your travel.
UQ students using the communal kitchen in Kev Carmody House
Plan your end-of-year celebrations
Whether you’re heading off to an official Schoolies event or just having a quiet holiday at home, it’s important to have a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to.
Having a plan for your post-exam celebrations can help you stay motivated now and save you from some FOMO later this year.
Reinforce your good study habits
With the finish line in sight, this is no time to let your study habits slip.
- Maintain your study area or find a new one if needed.
- Keep your study schedule updated and stick to it as your final exams approach.
- Start or join a study group if you haven’t already.
- Try some new study techniques if your existing ones aren’t feeling fresh or working as well.
- Ask your teachers for advice and feedback wherever possible.
- Make sure you’re taking adequate breaks during your study sessions.
- Look after yourself – even though study is more important than ever, don’t sacrifice sleep, meals or your mental health for it.
Is your study routine not quite keeping up with your schoolwork and revision? Try adopting these good study habits and ditching these bad study habits.
Refill your motivation levels
Study sessions starting to drag? Having trouble staying focused in class? It might be a good time to check your motivation levels and recharge them.
- Remind yourself of your big goals (use physical reminders if it helps).
- Think about how proud and satisfied you’ll be when you get your best possible ATAR.
- Make sure you’re taking breaks during your study sessions to avoid burnout (e.g. take a 10-minute break for every 50 minutes of study).
Some of these study tips and motivational quotes might help you get over the mid-year hump.
Good luck for the rest of the year!
With all these items checked off, you’ll be in a good place to focus on your studies, knowing your next steps after high school are planned (well, as much as possible).
All the best for the rest of Year 12, and we’d love to see you on campus next year.
