Milly Simpson has been accepted into commerce/law at Sydney University.Credit:James Brickwood
Milly Simpson,a Wenona School graduate who topped the state in modern history,was shocked when she received her ATAR of 99.65. She’s been accepted into her dream course:a law and commerce double degree at Sydney University,which had a cut-off of 99.5.
“The school always told us to aim high for our preferences … so I put that there not really thinking it would be a possibility,but just in case,” Simpson said.
She had also been considering moving to Brisbane to study finance and economics at Queensland University because their program gave bonus points to students studying extension mathematics.
An in-demand degree
Jashan Jagal received an ATAR of 99.85 and plans to take on actuarial studies.
Girraween High graduate Jashan Jagal,who received an ATAR of 99.85,found the university admissions process “honestly pretty stressful” and struggled to list his preferences.
“It took me a couple of months. I was initially considering medicine,dentistry,maths by itself. I was always inclined to aim for the highest ATAR courses,” he said.
Jagal decided on actuarial studies at UNSW,which had a round one cut-off of 99 – up from 97 10 years ago. It is a highly competitive mathematics-centred business degree that focuses on the measurements and management of risk.
“I’m really looking forward to going to societies and networking events.”
The medical student
Rebecca Colwell has been accepted into medicine at Sydney University.
Rebecca Colwell’s dream after finishing the HSC was to study medicine – anywhere. Receiving a perfect ATAR of 99.95 made that dream a reality.
She has been accepted into a combined bachelor of science and doctor of medicine at the University of Sydney.
“I applied to unis in other states … But of course,no one really expects to get 99.95,” the SCEGGS Darlinghurst graduate said.
“I was very happy with how it ended up.”
US aspirations
Recent HSC graduate Satvik Prasad hopes to study in the US.
Normanhurst Boys High graduate Satvik Prasad,who also earned an ATAR of 99.95,has been accepted into electrical engineering at UNSW,which has a cut-off of 95.55.
Loading
But his sights are really set on the top US universities. “The academics are more rigorous,you get more breadth compared to Australia. There’s more research. Also there’s a much bigger job market,more opportunities,” Prasad said.
“I’m excited to explore the world,and meet lots of new people. It’ll be a big step up.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.