Written by Lauren Bridgfoot
I was lucky enough to get into the Charles Sturt Early Advantage program way back in 2020 when I was in year 12.
I decided to apply because I was already stressed about year 12, and I knew it would make my life so much easier if I knew I’d already secured my spot for next year.
It was super easy to fill out the application, just having to answer three questions about my ‘soft skills’, which assessed my empathy, resilience, and why having a Charles Sturt degree would help me make a positive change in the world.
And all I had to do after that was continue my studies and wait!
I did my application in early August and received my offer in mid-September. This year is a little different, where there is only one big round (my year had three), with applications closing late August and offers being sent out about a month later in late September.
Now, back in my day I received a conditional offer that meant I still had to complete my exams and receive an ATAR (albeit a lower one than normally required), but my gosh it still lifted a weight off my shoulders.
Nowadays the Charles Sturt Advantage offers are nearly all unconditional, where you just must complete year 12! No specific ATAR required!
By applying now, if you’re keen on getting in to a competitive course, you can get in before the main rounds go out in December/January after exams.
Not only did the Charles Sturt Advantage mean I already had my spot before finishing year 12, but it has also provided me with some awesome opportunities and experiences.
First off, I met one of my now closest friends through the Advantage Facebook group. Yep, you really can make friends over the internet.
We started chatting because we both got into the Equine Science degree. We decided to meet up during Orientation week because we didn’t know anyone else, and the rest is history!
If not for the Charles Sturt Advantage, I wouldn’t have had a friend to tackle all those scary first-year experiences with.
Not only did I make friends, but I also got to work with the Uni and the Advantage team.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the Advantage team at the last two Wagga Wagga open days, chatting to prospective students and those that had already received some offers!
Being an ambassador for the program has been so fulfilling, I love attending the open days and online information sessions, answering so many questions from so many different people.
I couldn’t recommend the Charles Sturt Advantage enough. If you’re keen to study at Uni, why wouldn’t you jump at the chance to get in early?
You won’t regret it! Click here for more info.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
