University can be for everyone
uniTEST is an equity initiative which recognises that the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) is not always the best indicator of aptitude or ability to undertake tertiary studies.
The UAI 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 UAI 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 UAI rank, and a tertiary study aptitude test, uniTEST.
Can anyone sit the uniTEST?
As uniTEST is able to support the evidence of a candidates aptitude for successful university level studies, Macquarie is able to use the uniTEST results in a range of entry pathways. The 'Access Engineering' program is one such pathway.
For semester 1, 2009 entry, uniTEST is primarily being used for:
* Any current Year 12 student and
* who satisfies the eligibility of disadvantage as assessed under the Educational Access Scheme (EAS).
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.
Please note that the uniTEST will be held before your EAS application is assessed. The university will advise you in late December 2008 if your EAS application has been assessed as eligible.
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).
STEP 3: Register to sit the uniTEST exam on-line. Registrations will close early NOVEMBER. You can register here now. Register here
The LAST DAY to REGISTER is Monday 24 November. 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 8 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 mostly 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 the rank you have obtained through your UAI and any additional study [your UAC rank].
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 offer process, and your offer will be advised through UAC commencing mid January 2009.
If I get an offer on the basis of the uniTEST, can I defer?
Yes, you are able to defer under the curent 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.
How can I ensure I have the best chance of selection to study at Macquarie?
Macquarie offers a number of entry points to undertake study here, including:
. TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma studies
. SIBT Diploma
. Non Award units from our Centre for Open Education
. Mature Age 'Jubilee Scheme'
. Educational Access Scheme
. uniTEST
Each of these have established criteria around the application and selection process and vary to ensure we offer a number of entry points 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.