University can be for everyone
uniTEST is an equity initiative which recognises that the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) now the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is not always the best indicator of aptitude or ability to undertake tertiary studies.
The ATAR does not take into account the advantages that some students have had, for example, access to facilities and coaching nor the challenges faced by others who have the necessary talent and aptitude for tertiary level study, but who may have experienced difficulties or disadvantage at a crucial time in their schooling and that impacted on their final results. These experiences or disadvantages during their schooling may have impacted adversely on their ATAR ranking and on their chances of obtaining an offer of university entry.
Macquarie is trialling a new entry pathway which will consider a number of factors in the selection process including the ATAR rank and the results of a tertiary study aptitude test, uniTEST.
Can anyone sit the uniTEST?
For semester 1, 2010 entry, uniTEST is available for:
- any current Year 12/HSC/International Baccalaureate student and
- who satisfies the eligibility of disadvantage as assessed under the Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Students attending a Priority Schools Funding Program (PSFP) school or a Country Areas Program (CAP) school of the NSW Department of Education and Training are automatically eligible for uniTEST however must still register to sit the test.
Information on the EAS and support in applying for this in addition to Priority School identification should be available from your school advisors.
Sitting uniTEST is not compulsory. Macquarie has provided this opportunity to support those who may have been disadvantaged in their studies, and through uniTEST will be able to demonstrate their aptitude for university level study.
How do I register for the uniTEST exam?
STEP 1: Apply to Macquarie University through UAC. You will be advised of a UAC application number which is required as part of our uniTEST registration process. www.uac.edu.au.
STEP 2: Through UAC also apply for assessment of your disadvantage under the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) unless you are already eligible through the Government Priority School Program.
STEP 3: Register to sit the uniTEST exam on-line. Registrations will close 13 NOVEMBER. You can register here now.
No late registrations will be accepted.
When and where is uniTEST being held?
The test will be conducted on site at Macquarie University on Monday 7 December. Details will be confirmed on receipt of your registration.
Is there a cost?
During the trial period, there is no cost to sit the uniTEST.
There are the standard and advertised course fees however for application via UAC and to Macquarie University.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is no preparation required. The test questions are multiple choice.
The test has been designed to assess the kinds of generic reasoning and thinking skills that underpin studies at higher education and that are needed for students to be successful at this level. uniTEST assesses this reasoning and thinking across the two broad domains of mathematics and science and humanities and social sciences.
uniTEST was developed by ACER and Cambridge Assessment. There are sample questions available at: http://unitest.acer.edu.au
How long is the test?
The test will take 2.5 hours. You need to allow over 3 hrs to be on site at Macquarie University, including registering on the day.
How will the decision be made on whether an offer to study at Macquarie is given?
uniTEST will demonstrate a participants aptitude for university study. The results of this are included in a selection process which also considers your ATAR.
An academic panel will review the combination of these factors in determining an offer to undertake study at Macquarie.
If you are subsequently assessed as not satisfying the disadvantage criteria under the EAS, you will not be considered further through the uniTEST process. Your application for entry to Macquarie through UAC however will continue to be assessed for an offer as normal.
When will I be advised if I have an offer?
Macquarie will align with the UAC main round offer process, and your offer will be advised at 9pm Wednesday 20 January 2010, through the UAC e-release of offer.
Can I defer my offer?
Yes, you are able to defer under the current Univerisity Policies. Deferment
uniTEST Results
Test candidates who sit the uniTEST exam will receive an email from ACER that will include information about how to retrieve your results online.
You should expect this email approximately 5 weeks after the exam.
To ensure that you receive this email please add unitest@acer.edu.au to your email contacts. This may prevent uniTEST emails from being viewed as spam or junk email and being deleted or blocked from your account.
Maquarie is unable to provide any advise or information on the uniTEST results.
How can I ensure I have the best chance of selection to study at Macquarie?
Macquarie offers a number of entry pathways to undertake study, including:
. TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma studies
. SIBT Diploma
. Non Award units from our Centre for Open Education
. Mature Age 'Jubilee Scheme'
. STAT for non-current school leavers.
Each of these have established criteria around the application and selection process and vary to ensure we offer a number of entry pathways for a range of circumstances.
**Your situation may provide eligibility to apply through more than one of these entry schemes. Please ensure you take advantage of these programs by submitting your application in each eligible schemes.
Further information on each of our entry pathways is available at:
http://www.futurestudent.mq.edu.au/undergraduate/ApplyingAndEnrolling/AlternativePathways/index.html
Macquarie students may also be eligible for scholarships.
Further questions
Please email Coursework Studies Section at coursework@mq.edu.au , or phone Student Enquiries on 9850 6410.