Macquarie University extends existing early entry schemes in response to COVID-19

Macquarie University has today announced that it is extending its existing early entry schemes to ensure all eligible Year 12 students can secure an offer to study at Macquarie in 2021.

Exterior of the Macquarie University Library

Addressing student and family concerns about impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Year 12 studies and ATAR results, Macquarie has lifted the cap on numbers of students able to be admitted into its Leaders and Achievers and Schools Recommendation Schemes. All undergraduate degrees will now be available through these two early entry schemes.

Any applicant who meets the criteria for their chosen course, which include Year 11 academic results, will receive an offer.

In addition to Year 11 performance, the popular Leaders and Achievers Scheme judges students’ suitability for University success based on their extra-curricular contribution to the community. The Schools Recommendation Scheme offers early entry based on academic achievement and an endorsement by the student’s school.

“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,” says Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton.

“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.

“Macquarie University has long recognised that the ATAR is just one of a range of methods of determining a student’s potential to succeed at university.

“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.”

The Schools Recommendation Scheme is open now for applications. Application support for the Leaders and Achievers Scheme opens on 1 May. Students are encouraged to apply through: https://mq.edu.au/study/year-12-early-entry

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