Guide to Year 11
Start your journey to uni
Whether it's figuring out exactly how to achieve your dream career or simply deciding whether you want to go to uni, Year 11 is the perfect time to start exploring your options. The best part? You don’t have to make any decisions yet. Here’s everything you need to know to put yourself in the best position to start uni in a couple of years. Â
What to do right now
Build healthy habits in Year 11
Set yourself up for study success
"Your senior years are a marathon, not a sprint". Keeping up your efforts over Year 11 and 12 – and not trying to cram in a year’s worth of content the night before! – is key to doing well in your final exams. Year 11 is the perfect time to test out new study tips and set yourself up for success by establishing a realistic study routine that works for you.
Need some inspiration? We've collated our top 10Â study tips for exam prep. Start testing and implementing your study routine in Year 11, so it'll be a habit by the time your HSC or final exams roll around.
Build your support system
Just as it’s a great time to hone your study skills, Year 11 is also your chance to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Take the time to look after your mental health, maintain your relationships with friends and family, and stick with any hobbies, passions or extracurriculars that you enjoy. Your support system and healthy habits will help carry you through any challenges in Year 12.
Additionally, your extracurriculars may also help boost your chances of admission to uni; Many universities consider factors beyond your ATAR and look at you holistically. Â
Where to go
The uni events for Year 11 students
Uni events are great places to start learning how to navigate your journey to uni. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
- Y11 Experience Days: Get a taste of life as a UNSW student. Join us on campus for hands-on workshops in specific areas of study, connect with current students and inspiring speakers, and explore our campus.
- Open Day: It's not just for Year 12! Each September, you’ll get a chance to explore UNSW and get all your questions answered at our biggest and brightest event of the year.Â
- Faculty Info Evenings: Have a specific degree or UNSW faculty that you’re interested in? Info Evenings are a chance to get detailed insight into everything you need to know about that pathway.
- Career expos: Figure out if UNSW is the right fit for you. Whether you have questions about admissions, degrees, career opportunities or student life, a career expo is the perfect opportunity to weigh up your options.Â
Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date on all upcoming UNSW events including dates, details and how to register.Â
What to know
Do your research in Year 11
Get the scoop now, so you have one less thing on your plate in Year 12.
Understanding UAC: preferencing, offers and the dates to keep in your calendar.
- Start familiarising yourself with the UAC preferencing process. Even if you’re not sure what degrees you’d like to preference, understanding the process will help ease any extra concerns you might have when it comes time to make your decision.Â
- Don't get caught out. Learn the common misconceptions about UAC preferencing and offers.
- Get out your calendar – check out , including key deadlines for applications and offer rounds. UNSW’s main offer rounds are December Round 2 and January Round 1.Â
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Demonstrate your passion and talent alongside your ATAR for the opportunity to gain an early conditional offer or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of Arts, Design & Architecture and Engineering degrees with Portfolio Entry.Â
Start preparing your portfolio in Year 11 to showcase your passion, creativity and potential to succeed in your degree area.Â
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If you attend a Gateway school or live in a low-socioeconomic area, you could unlock your access to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. Gain early entry or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of degrees.Â
If applicable, the Year 11 Gateway Program is a great way to get the support you need on your journey to UNSW.Â
Explore degrees
Year 11 is a great time to explore your interests and discover what you might want to study at uni, without the pressure of having to decide right now. Ask yourself:Â
- What am I passionate about?Â
- How do I like to spend my time?Â
- What am I good at?
- What progress would I like to drive in the world?
Ready to take the next step in your journey to uni?Â
Connect with us
Explore more Year 11 content for you
Your guide to UAC preferences
Learn how the UAC process works and find out what steps you need to take to get into your dream degree and on your way to university.
Multiply your opportunities with a UNSW double degree
Double degrees allow you to combine your interests and carve out a career path connected to your unique passions.
Wondering what it's like to be a university student? Meet sixth-year Bachelor of Music/Science student Alice Hu as she writes to her Year 12 self about all the experiences awaiting her at UNSW.
Hear from current Bachelor of Arts/Law student Jessie Xiao as she answers commonly asked questions about what to expect when studying at UNSW.
 Want to find out more about your journey to uni?
If you have any questions about studying at UNSW or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.