Even if you don’t yet have the scores you need to get into your university of choice, don’t be disheartened. There are many steps you can take to bring your university dreams closer to reality.
After you have checked all the university requirements, such as cut-off dates or specific prerequisites, it’s time to make your plan. To help out with that we spoke to Tsien Kiu To (also known as Tokyo) from Hong Kong to hear his tips on improving your scores and his experiences undertaking a bridging program at Canning College.
Complete a bridging or foundation program
If getting into your preferred degree at the university of your choice seems like an unattainable goal, work your way up the qualifications ladder by pursuing a bridging or foundation program to help you prepare for university.
After Year 10, Tokyo pursued a bridging program as an online student at Canning College.
“I found the teachers very helpful and the literacy support improved my English, which boosted my confidence,” he says.
Tokyo explained that his IELTS score had increased (he got over seven in all four bands), which made his enrolment process much smoother.
Tokyo added that he got a head start on the subjects of his current Occupational Therapy degree at Curtin University through the Western Australian Universities’ Foundation Program (WAUFP). In the foundation course, Tokyo studied Psychology, Human Biology, Mathematics Applications, and English.
“Being able to gain prior knowledge in particular and relevant subject areas made the transition into university super easy,” Tokyo says.
Ask for support
Understanding the degree prerequisites is a great first step to help you start working towards your goal. Visit the university website or contact the institution offering programs that lead to degree studies.
Tokyo encourages students to ask for help.
“While studying at Canning College, the teachers were always happy to answer any questions and I also sought other support services, such as the library to learn how to reference.”
Tokyo felt that by seeking out the extra support he gained the skills he needed to get into and study at university.
Attend tutorials
If you are struggling with a particular subject, some institutions offer additional academic support services and tutorials. Getting extra support from a tutor, who can simplify complicated concepts and be available when you feel stuck, can make a big difference to your grades. Tutors will also know how to tailor their teaching to the admission requirements of the university, so this can be an efficient way of learning.
Practice, practice, practice
The saying “practice makes perfect” never gets old. If you want to improve your scores, you need to diligently practise, especially in areas where you’re faltering. Put in the extra effort and dedicate plenty of time to work on challenging concepts, so you can feel confident when they appear in the exam.
Online study can help
With the increase in online learning, you can work towards improving your grades from anywhere. Tokyo conducted both his bridging program and foundation program remotely while he was residing in Hong Kong. The distance and the online delivery weren’t barriers for him at all.
“Whether you are studying on campus or online, the success I have gained by entering university with the scores I had through online study is proof enough that one can achieve the same outcome through either mode of study,” he says.
Stay motivated
Instead of beating yourself up because of a bad grade, learn from your mistakes and work on strategies to improve. With a clear goal in mind, you can then plan tangible actions that will help you get there. Remember to be your own biggest cheerleader and although grades are important, don’t forget that there is more to life than those numbers.
Tokyo points out that while studying to improve his grade he also built up other important knowledge.
“Canning College also helped me build an understanding of Australian culture, which was greatly useful when I was first settling into the Australian lifestyle,” Tokyo says.
His plan in the future is to become a certified Occupational Therapist either in Hong Kong or Australia.
“Occupational Therapists, like other health professionals, have a heart for helping others and I want to do just that,” he concluded.
