Professor Brian Schmidt working from his home. Photo: Jamie Kidston
The Australian National University (ANU) has offered a tertiary lifeline to Year 12 students, with admissions to be considered based on Year 11 results.
Speaking from his home, in self-isolation, ANU Vice-Chancellor, Brian Schmidt said the ANU’s unique admissions process worked in favour of Year 12 students facing educational challenges during the pandemic.
“Our admissions policy is unique in the sector – and it has enabled us to respond in this crisis to help our future students,” Professor Schmidt said.
“In 2018, we made sector-first changes to the way we admit students – recognising both academic and extracurricular achievements; actively recruiting students from across Australia to diversify our campus and ensuring our students have more certainty, earlier, about their degree, accommodation and scholarship options.”
He said that in the current health crisis, ANU wanted to provide certainty for all Year 12 students.
“We will now make offers based on Year 11 results … and these will be honoured for study in 2021 as long as students have completed Year 12,” Professor Schmidt said.
“We know from last year’s cohort that these results are highly indicative of the final ATAR, and if a student does better in year 12, we’ll be able to update their offer.”
The Vice-Chancellor said the educational disruption of 2020 affected all students but would disproportionately affect those from situations of social disadvantage.
“All students will benefit from our decision and it will minimise the amplification of disadvantage caused by the pandemic,” he said.
“Students can already apply, so spread the word.”
Further details about ANU’s reviewed admission process can be accessed at this PS News link.
