The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
How do I change universities? (after failing hard)
Trentus
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Bit of back story I guess:
Alrighty. So, for the last year and a half I've been studying comp sci at a university in Melbourne, Australia, and have been failing rather hard. Just absolutely hating my course, and damn near every aspect of my life. Rarely had the motivation to attended classes or do course work. Sort of been working through that with a counsellor for the last few weeks, however I didn't act quick enough and I'll soon be given the boot.
And I'm pretty okay with it! I still hate my course, I no longer wish to work in any form of IT, and I don't think that's likely to change any time soon.
So, I've made a rash decision, without thinking about where I'll end up in the future (financially, professionally), what my mum will think (she doesn't know I've been failing) or even how I accomplish this. I've decided to study music.
Down to business:
So, how do I enrol into a new course at a new university? VTAC handled everything for me the first time (completed VCE in 2006). What are my chances of actually getting accepted given I've been failing so hard for the last year and a half? Does it even matter, or will it all come down to the audition/interview (also, $50 to audition?!) Is there anything I'm forgetting?
Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks guys
Alrighty. So, for the last year and a half I've been studying comp sci at a university in Melbourne, Australia, and have been failing rather hard. Just absolutely hating my course, and damn near every aspect of my life. Rarely had the motivation to attended classes or do course work. Sort of been working through that with a counsellor for the last few weeks, however I didn't act quick enough and I'll soon be given the boot.
And I'm pretty okay with it! I still hate my course, I no longer wish to work in any form of IT, and I don't think that's likely to change any time soon.
So, I've made a rash decision, without thinking about where I'll end up in the future (financially, professionally), what my mum will think (she doesn't know I've been failing) or even how I accomplish this. I've decided to study music.
Down to business:
So, how do I enrol into a new course at a new university? VTAC handled everything for me the first time (completed VCE in 2006). What are my chances of actually getting accepted given I've been failing so hard for the last year and a half? Does it even matter, or will it all come down to the audition/interview (also, $50 to audition?!) Is there anything I'm forgetting?
Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks guys
Trentus on
0
Posts
If so just transfer your transcript from high school and never put down you went to a univeristy
If you try this, colleges you apply to will ask you what you've been up to in the intervening year(s) between high school and now. Admissions officers are smarter than that (if only just).
To be honest, if you're applying to the sort of places that require auditions, I would expect that an excellent audition and some well-chosen words in your application essays would do wonders in smoothing over a less-than-preferable transcript.
You need to talk to people who know about stuff in Australia. Your university has a careers advice center, so use it. You're still able to while you're a student, and they're your best bet at making a good move.
I do appreciate the other guys responses though, even though it's not really applicable here.
Judging by my quick look through of the results from a course search, they all require audition. That's not to say I shouldn't have an excellent audition, but I won't be applying to a conservatory or anything. You're absolutely right about choosing my words carefully for any sort of interview. I've been thinking a little about what sort of things would come up. I've got a few friends currently doing music, and one who completed his masters in it last year, so I really need to speak with them about that sort of stuff.
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
As you noted, this is an American-centric view point
It's entirely plausible they're kicking him to the kerb. The problem is proving to the next university that it won't happen again.
Well, a year and a half is a long time. I mean, I did fairly decently my first semester. I just kinda got stuck in a funk for a while. Personally, I feel like I've utterly wasted nearly two years of my life.
Also, universities over here charge more to international students (Something about no government assistance?). If I'm taking up a place that could go to someone else who's going to shell out more money then they'll want me to either shape up or get the hell out.
Well, that's a conspiracy theory that doesn't get you very far
Trust me, your nationality doesn't factor into it.
Do well, study hard etc and forward those results to VTAC.
It is likely that your (HSC? I was a queenslander for high school) score will go up and you will be able to get into whatever you want to do.
It has worked for a few of my friends at least.
Hmm... that sounds kinda conflicting... if we do indeed go through VTAC, surely they could forward VCE results. I'll have to go in tomorrow and get someone to outline exactly what needs to be done. I went in today, but I ran into one of the guys from band... by the time we were done talking it was too late.
Ah, it sorta seems like you misunderstood. So, my VCE (which I guess is the equivalent to your HSC) results were pretty decent. I doubt my ENTER score would keep me from the course I want to do. However, I've been studying computer science at uni for the last year and a half and done very miserably. I have no idea if that'll affect my application to a different university.
I haven't completely ruled out tafe though. It's actually what kept me from seeing someone in careers today. Ran into a dude who wants to do music full time as well, and we were discussing our options.
HOW TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COURSE:
Australian students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree:
•at another institution and want to transfer to Melbourne, or
•are currently enrolled at Melbourne and want to apply for a different course,
to commence Semester 1, should do so through VTAC (the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) as described in how to apply for an undergraduate course
Only the following students should make direct application to the University:
•students enrolled in Australian fee places who wish to be considered for a Commonwealth supported place in the same course (including those who may be eligible for a guaranteed transfer), and
•International students granted Australian residency in the previous semester who wish to be considered for a Commonwealth supported place in the same course.
Applications must be made in writing to your Student Centre Manager prior to VTAC closing dates.
It seems that VTAC is the way that you will have to go about this.
You also need to examine why the hell you've let this go on for 1.5 years without doing anything about it - not seeing the career advisor today and meeting someone and neglecting to even go see the only person that can help you out is a pretty friggin good example of needing to stop digging your head in the sand and start actively doing something about the situation before you are booted to the curb and are too late to apply for anything else. Also, please consider all of that money in HEC's that you'll have to pay back to the government when you start working.. for a course that you are not doing anything with!!
TAFE is a great option if you need an extra push & shove to get you to attend lessons and tutes because it's less self directed and a lot more class orientated and people will notice if you are missing.
This is the sort of thing I've been discussing with the psychologist (and it's looking kinda like they're settling on depression). But the fact I actually sought their help was a big thing for me. I mean, I've known for a long time that something was very wrong but I could never muster the courage to seek help. I've been doing a lot to better my life in general over the last six months (getting involved in music being one of the biggest). I just never found a way to regain enthusiasm in my course, and when I don't really know what to do next, I tend to not do anything.
Missing the careers counsellors today was mostly bad luck. I didn't realise they closed so early. The guy I ran into was able to provide me with some good information regarding the courses I was looking at, as well as some I'd overlooked. It wasn't a waste. I can see the counsellors tomorrow. There's plenty of time.
I'm well aware of how much money and time I've wasted, and I think beaten myself up about it all quite sufficiently. What I have to remember though is that I'm young (only 20) and that I have the rest of my life to pay that money back. While it sucks that I won't be able to buy the things that I lust after, if I get to do what I love as a job then it'll all be worth it.
Of course man. If there's something I don't get cleared up tomorrow, I might see if I can have a chat with my old VCE coordinator while I'm home next week (I need to go see my old music teacher anyway). We'll get this sorted one way or another.
As for the depression issue. I understand completely how hard it is to seek help for and as long as you continue with your psychologist, you will get it figured out.
As for the HECS debt, it's an expensive lesson to learn, but you wouldn't be the first person to learn it. Just make sure 100 per cent that you are ready to apply yourself to another course as making the same mistake twice is a bit of a bigger issue.
As far as I have been informed it does. Which is why I suggested TAFE as a way to prop up your scores.
It's cool man. I know you had my best interests in heart. I could've really used that kick up the bum a little earlier.
The psychologist thing is something I'll have to figure out. Because at the moment I'm using services provided by the university. I'll have one more session that I made a week ago or so, but after that I don't think I'll be entitled to that service (as I won't be a student). I'll figure something out though.
Oh, cool then. Either way, the TAFE course is kinda looking better and better.
Okay, so, anyway. The whole enrolment process. It's super simple and I kinda feel like an idiot for thinking otherwise. Essentially all we have to do is register with VTAC (which you can do online). You'll need to provide info such as your name, DOB, living and mailing addresses, phone numbers, etc.
Then you just figure out what you want to do and submit an application with their online applet thing. Important information about the application process can be found here (PDF warning).
So yeah, I guess I just have to figure out course preferences, what I'll be doing for auditions, how I go about getting an accompanist. Would be much simpler if my old music teacher weren't on long service leave...
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. You've been an immense help.