Christmas-New Year is an ideal time to choose a university study plan, according to University of Queensland (UQ) Academic Registrar, Linda Bird.
"School leavers can change their preferences through QTAC's current application online service at http://www.qtac.edu.au until 4.30pm on Wednesday, January 3, for inclusion in the January round offer," Ms Bird said.
"Changing university preferences is not unusual. It's a common strategy for people who received an unexpected Overall Position (OP), and people who are changing their mind about their future plans.
"UQ is acknowledged as a leading university and our teachers have received more national teaching awards than teachers at any other Australian university. These are among the many reasons why people are keen to study at UQ.
"UQ's cut-offs vary slightly from year to year, depending on factors including demand from students and the number of places available in the various disciplines.
"In 2006 the OPs for UQ degree programs ranged from 1 to 17.
"But even if you think your OP is too low for your ideal UQ program, you can change your preference to another UQ program that might enable you to upgrade towards your dream degree after you complete first year."
Ms Bird has good news for people who are disappointed with their OP.
"Once you have successfully studied for the equivalent of one year full-time at UQ, we will never look at your OP again."
Unlike some other universities, UQ takes prerequisite subjects into account along with OP or rank. English is a prerequisite for all UQ programs, and other prerequisites can be checked by browsing programs at www.uq.edu.au/study/ and reading the admission requirements.
New university students also have options for picking up prerequisites that they did not study or pass. Options include (but are not limited to) university courses, External Senior studies and the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation.
"UQ Admissions staff are ready to help and advise," Ms Bird said. For more information, telephone (07) 3365 2203, email: AdmissionsEnquiries@uq.edu.au or visit www.uq.edu.au/study/
Key UQ/QTAC dates for 2007:
* January 3: last date for school leavers to change preferences.
* January 11: you can access Current Applicant online service (after 1am) to find out if
you have been offered a place - www.qtac.edu.au.
* January 12: UQ sends out January offer round enrolment packages.
* January 15: UQ sends out UQ Sign In and Password login details - you will need these to enrol through UQ's mySI-net system.
* January 22: last date to respond to January offer round offers and change preferences for February offer round.
* February 2: UQ sends out February offer round enrolment packages.
* February 2: Due date for enrolment via UQ's mySI-net system.
* February 19-23: UQ Orientation Week.
* February 26: UQ Semester 1 classes begin.
Media inquiries: Fiona Kennedy (07) 3365 1088 / 0413 380 012
