St Mary's College Ipswich (SMC) students are celebrating university offers, before sitting their final exams or receiving their ATAR scores.
So far, 10 SMC students have been offered university places at their preferred institution, with more offers expected in the coming weeks. All high performing Year 12 students at SMC are encouraged to seek early acceptance to university. Students must have achieved strong results throughout Years 11 and 12 to be eligible to apply.
Ella Gleeson has been accepted into a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Ella said she was ecstatic and relieved when she received the early offer. “Early acceptance has enabled me to place a greater focus on enjoying my final months of high school, making memories with friends and teachers, and has taken a great deal of pressure off the external exams," Ella said. “Of course, I am still working extremely hard to maintain my good results, but there is less pressure knowing I already have a university place."
SMC Guidance and Careers Counsellor Fiona Podolak encouraged and supported Ella through the early entry application process. “Fiona helped me work out what field of study particularly excited me, and explained the pros and cons of each university, such as locations, connections and facilities," Ella said.
While Ella is not sure what career path she will pursue, she is considering both law and marketing. “Doing the double degree will allow me to study in both fields, which will increase my employment opportunities when I graduate," she said.
Lilly Brosnan has also received an early offer, and will undertake a Bachelor's degree in Paramedicine at USQ next year. “I applied for early entry to make sure I got into the course I wanted, and to be sure of my direction after high school," Lilly said.
Throughout her senior years, Lilly has studied Legal Studies, Maths, English, Religion and Ethics, Drama, and Certificate III in Business Administration.“I really got a feel for all different career paths in my final years at SMC. In the past two years, I realised something more science based, which I hadn't studied much at high school, interested me the most," Lilly said. “Paramedicine seems like a good fit for me. I want to do something physical that also engages my mind. It gives me the best of both worlds."
SMC Acting Principal Paula Goodwin said early university offers were a fitting end to a year of strong academic performance at the College. “These early entry schemes recognise the academic achievements of our students and rewards them for their hard work and commitment to their schoolwork," Mrs Goodwin said. “Every student has great capacity to achieve. We have been talking to our Senior students over the past two years, and preparing them for life after school, helping them to find the pathway that is right for them. Extension programs and opportunities for individual challenge – like these early entry programs – ensure students always have something to work towards."