Whether your HSC results bring celebration, surprise, or uncertainty, one thing is true for every Year 12 student: you still have plenty of options – more than you probably realise!
To help you make confident decisions about what comes next, here’s some practical advice from our Curriculum and Innovation experts at Sydney Catholic Schools, Gregory Georgiou and Jacqueline Simpson.
What happens if I don’t get the mark I need for the course I want?
Not getting the result you hoped for can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t close the door on your future.
“I think it’s important to know there are different rounds of offers so if you don’t get an offer, hold on, there are other offers as well,” says Gregory.
Even if you don’t get into your dream offer immediately, you can also start another related degree and look to transfer after your first year.
Many universities also offer bridging options if your ATAR isn’t quite high enough, allow you to study introductory subjects and then move into an undergraduate degree once you meet the requirements.
“Just because you’re in a university degree doesn’t mean you’re locked into it,” explains George.
“Do the first year of the degree that you get into and you might be able to transfer and use the credit points that you’ve established.”
What if I still don’t know what I want to do?
Don’t panic! You’re not alone. Many students finish school feeling unsure about their next steps. This can actually be a good thing as it means you’ll explore widely before committing yourself to a certain path.
Gregory advises that looking back on the subjects you studied can often reveal patterns in your interests or strengths.
“Take a moment to reflect on the subjects you liked and why you liked them, and those you didn’t,” he says.
“I also think it’s important that students do things. So in other words, go and get a job, work in different industries, so you can try and make a more informed decision.”
Short online courses (e.g. coding, design, business, hospitality, health) can also build skills while also helping you discover new interests.
Should I take a gap year?
A gap year can be incredibly valuable if used well, says Jacqueline.
“I’ve got lots of ex-students who have taken a gap year and worked lots of different jobs to get a sense of what appeals to them and what absolutely doesn’t.”
You can work and build savings, travel, gain experience in different jobs and build a network of contacts to guide you in your next chapter.
It’s all about making a gap year purposeful: to try things, challenge yourself, talk to lots of people, and gather insights that will help shape your future direction.
What about apprenticeships and traineeships?
University isn’t the only path to success. If you enjoy hands-on work, structured training, or learning on the job, an apprenticeship or traineeship can be a fantastic pathway.
You’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and move into secure, high-demand careers.
You can also access diploma or degree pathways later if university is something that appeals to you later down the line.
And remember…
You don’t need to know everything right now! Your career is not decided by one number, one decision, or one moment at age 17 or 18.
“Make sure you keep as many doors open as you can,” says Jaqueline. “You don’t know what the next year has in store.”
Year 12 is only the beginning. Whether you take a direct path, a winding one, or change your mind several times, there are countless ways to build a meaningful future.
