Six St Mary's College Ipswich (SMC) students have already been offered university places in their preferred degrees for next year, before sitting their final exams and well ahead of QTAC offers.

Ella Gleeson has been accepted into a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at USQ; Lillian Bilney into a Bachelor of Business and Commerce at USQ; Edyn Hutchinson a Bachelor of Communication and Media at USQ; Elouise McDonald a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at USQ; Katie George a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at Australian Catholic University (ACU); and Jorja Jansen a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) at ACU.

All high performing Year 12 students at SMC are encouraged to seek early entry to university. Students must have achieved strong results throughout Year 11 and 12 to be eligible to apply.

Katie's favourite subjects are English and Drama. She hopes to teach in these areas when she graduates from university. “I have always looked up to my teachers and have been inspired by the difference they have made in my life. I want to be able to help others in the way my teachers have helped me," Katie said.

“My English teacher Ms Gower really encouraged me to apply for early entry, and supported me through the process. She knows I have always wanted to be a teacher, and knew that early entry would get me one step closer to my goal, as well as ease some of the stress around final exams."

Elouise said finding out she had been offered a place at USQ was very exciting “It was a wonderful feeling to have been accepted into a university course that I am passionate about. It has given me confidence going into my final exams."

“I am extremely interested in helping young people reach their potential and I'm looking forward to getting started on this journey when I graduate from SMC," Elouise said.

St Mary's College Principal Paula Goodwin said she was proud of the students who had received early entry offers, and expected more students would receive offers as they apply. “These early entry schemes recognise the academic achievement of our students and rewards them for their hard work and commitment to their schoolwork," Mrs Goodwin said.  “We know that every student has great capacity to achieve. We help all students at St Mary's to reach their potential and achieve their personal best.

“At St Mary's, we talk with our students about their learning, set goals and provide support where it is needed. Extension programs and opportunities for individual challenge – like these early entry schemes – ensure students always have something to work towards."

​Elouise McDonald and Katie George