You are encouraged to attend the Open Day for any university or TAFE Institute that you are considering applying for after completing Year 12. They are generally held on Sundays from 10.00am–4.00pm, although some smaller institutions close their Open Day at 3.00pm.

Points to consider:

1. Collect information/booklets about the Open Day before you attend – from the school Careers Room or on university/TAFE websites. Sometimes lectures/information sessions are run at Open Days – you need to be there at the correct time.
2. Allow sufficient time for your visit; two hours or so would be wise.
3. Speak to staff members about the course/s you are interested in. Have your questions ready before you attend (consider having them written down beforehand). Ask about career opportunities.
4. Speak to students who are studying the course that interests you. They will be able to give you information from their perspective.
5. Collect information/brochures about courses that interest you.
6. Consider transport issues; is the campus you are considering accessible from where you live? How long will it take to travel there? Will you need weekday accommodation?
7. Check out the buildings/environment where you will be studying; would you be happy studying there for three or four years?
8. Consider the facilities offered for your course compared with those at other institutions you might consider.
9. Consider visiting a country campus Open Day, especially if you are concerned that you might not obtain a high enough ENTER for a metropolitan campus. ENTER’s required for country universities/ campuses are generally lower. They also often offer more personal assistance, accommodation on site, and a different lifestyle which will suit some students.
10. Be aware that if you plan to apply for a course involving an interview/folio presentation as part of the application process, you are likely to be asked what you learned about the course at Open Day. Attendance is vital.

It is not too early to start your Open day visits in Year 10. Leaving it till Year 12 could, in fact, be a disadvantage to you if you wish to visit a number of universities or TAFE Institutes.

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