RESN University Course Preferences Guide
2 years ago
Having a hard time deciding your course preferences? Hear how our RESN volunteers decided which courses they wanted to study and where.
Karyn, RESN Wiki Manager
“Read the handbooks to look at course structure, core subjects, and possible electives. Also, consider your personal interest and travel options. The first preference is the one that ranks highest on all. Talk to current/former students about the courses if you’re having trouble."
Samantha Y, Tutoring Manager
"I always knew I wanted to go into Medicine, it was more so the path that I would take - the post-graduate route or direct entry! It came down to talking to a lot of my seniors who took either pathway and also to teachers to weigh out the pros and cons of each degree! I admit I did have some decision paralysis at one point but considering factors beyond just the curriculum design pushed me to choose the direct entry program!
I highly recommend speaking to people who are familiar with the course you want to pursue! Their insight is something no university flyer will be able to tell you. Also consider what are your priorities when choosing the degree (e.g. travel distance, university ranking, congruency with future career) and how they would impact you. Finally, know that universities are generally very flexible with internal transfers so your decision is not the be-all-end-all at Year 12."
Lachlan C, HSC Maths, Chemistry & Physics Tutor
"I had many passions and I didn’t know what to choose because they were all different subject areas. I put what was going to be most challenging as my top preference. I also made it a double degree because I wanted to do everything and this allowed me to do two different things.
The advice I would give is to go with what you are passionate about. Don’t worry about the money or whether you’ll get a job or not, what matters is you are interested in that area and have a passion for it. You will get a job doing what you want. What’s the point of doing a degree you don’t like, getting a good-paying job that you don’t like? Life is more than money."
Mia S, Digital Marketing Officer
"For me, it really came down to my passions in my Year 12 subjects and which ones I really excelled in. Also, going to the open days -- or now virtual open days -- helped me decide which university I wanted to go to based on the vibe. My advice would be to have an open mind and really follow your passion no matter what it is!"
Grace Z, VCE Legal Studies & Chemistry Tutor
"Choosing courses was honestly a massive dilemma for me, I had no idea what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I think the best way to go about this would be to start early, giving yourself time to research and understand what different courses/universities offer, and what they can lead to is a great way to start. It can be a daunting task but this allows you to thoroughly consider courses before committing. Understanding your strengths and what type of subjects you enjoy right now can also be a great way to look at potential courses, as it is often much easier to study what you are interested in!
Finally, it is also super worthwhile to look into online open days, or live course/degree information sessions which some universities offer. It gives amazing insight into the atmosphere of a university and how they operate which really helped me decide!"
Ella K, Head of Marketing & Communications
"I decided on a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne after attending a few open days and looking through all the different subjects I could take in the course. I tried to think about whether I would be passionate about and interested in each subject instead of where the degree would necessarily 'take me'. That would be my advice: don't get overwhelmed by the big-picture of what your chosen uni course means, instead literally look at every subject you would want to take in first year - do they excite you? Personally, I found that if I'm passionate about a subject, or interested in it, I'll do better in it, rather than a subject that I think I should be doing.
I had no clue where I wanted to specialise when I started university, but after doing subjects that I loved, it led me to the right path!"
Mia H, Deputy Head of Marketing & Communications
"I honestly was very closed-minded when deciding on a university course. I wanted to study Commerce and only had Melbourne and Monash in mind. I only went to those open days and didn't consider any other options. I regretted this as soon as I started my undergraduate degree. I wish I had considered other options as other universities offer online learning, trimesters, double degrees (for more breadth) or even more opportunities at universities interstate! If I was to have my time again I would most definitely go and visit all universities (during open days) and talk to the staff and students about what cool opportunities (travel, elective subjects, internship, work placement, etc.) are available for the course. I also would tell my younger self that it's so easy to transfer to another university or swap to another course if you change your mind! It's nothing to be ashamed of and so many people are still figuring it out even once they leave school!"