ANU ADMISSION TEST - FAQs

Why is the ANU holding this test?     

The University is offering a supplementary aptitude test for admission in First Semester 2010. We are exploring, on equity grounds, ways to increase access that are not dependent on manipulating the ATAR/Entrance Rank. When we are looking at admission, there are three areas that should be considered:

Subject-based Knowledge; Attitude and Approach; and, Reasoning and Thinking

The first two are assessed through Year 12/HSC, etc, so the test will cover the last area.

Who can take the Test?

Anybody who has already applied to the ANU through UAC (Universities Admissions Centre), if you are a Domestic applicant who expects to achieve an Entrance Rank/ATAR of 65 or above, can take this test. Please note that for your UniTest result to be considered for admission to ANU your actual ATAR must be 70 or over.

If you are an International applicant with international qualifications you should apply direct to the University and not sit this test.

What test is the ANU using?    

The Test we've chosen is the ACER/Cambridge Assessment uniTEST, which was developed to provide additional information for applicants to UK institutions including Oxford, Cambridge

 
What does the Test look like?    

UniTEST is a 21/2 hour, 95 item, multiple-choice examination that measures the following skills in three core components (each of 30 items):
 
·        Quantitative Reasoning
·        Critical Reasoning
·        Verbal-Plausible Reasoning
 
The additional 5 items are trial items.

Can I see some ANU Admission Test sample questions?

Yes, you can visit the ACER website at http://unitest.acer.edu.au/sample-questions/uniTEST_SampleQuestions.pdf

Can I prepare for uniTEST?

No, you can't prepare for the ANU Admission Test in advance.

When will the ANU Admission Test be held?

The ANU Admission Test will be held on the ANU campus on 1 December 2009. You will need to be at Melville Hall at 9.30 for a 10AM start.  There will be only one sitting for the 2010 intake.

If I arrive late will I be allowed to sit the ANU Admission Test?

No, you must be at Melville Hall in plenty of time to allow for registration and for time to get settled.  Once the doors have closed and the Test commenced no one will be allowed to enter the Hall.

    
Does this mean that I don't need a UAI/Entrance Rank?     

The test will not replace the ATAR or Entrance Rank as the primary admission criterion but we may use it as an additional criterion to fill vacancies in selected degree programs.  For example, the test may be used to identify students with a higher ATAR who have potential for admission to a program such as Law but do not have the necessary published ATAR or Entrance Rank.

To be eligible to sit the uniTEST in December 2009 you must expect to achieve an ATAR or Entrance Rank of 65 or higher. For the test to be taken into account for entry to ANU, your ACTUAL ATAR must be 70 or above.

Will the Test allow me to enter any ANU program?

Depending on your results, the ANU Admission Test may allow you to enter any ANU undergraduate program with the exception of:

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours);

any ANU College of Arts and Social Science programs that require audition/portfolio and interviews (e.g. Bachelor of Music).

Please note, this list may change and confirmation should be sought via the Admissions Office.

What will it cost to sit the ANU Admission Test?

The ANU is offering the test without charge. Any associated costs i.e.travelling to Canberra, parking etc is at your own expense.

Does it cost to apply for entry to ANU?

Yes, standard application fees (and late fees) apply via UAC.

If I get an offer on the basis of the ANU Admission Test, can I defer?

Yes, you can defer your offer of a place of study if you are sucessfully receive your offer as a result of the ANU Admission Test. You will need to commence, either part or full time in either Second Semester 2010 or First Semester 2011.

When will I get an offer?

If you are successful all offers will be made via UAC Main Round on 20 January 2010. You will not be notified separately by ANU regarding the test's effect on your eligibility. Please note: The test CANNOT negatively affect your entrance eligibility.

I am already an ANU student and want to transfer my program, should I sit the ANU Admission Test?

No, you should submit an Application for Program Transfer direct to Student Administration.

If I have received an offer from another university can I still sit the ANU Admission Test and get an offer for ANU?

Yes - but only if you have listed your ANU preferences with UAC higher than the non-ANU offer(s) you already have.  You will have until 6 January to change your UAC preferences for Main Round - we suggest that you list your ANU preferences as one of your higher UAC preferences to be more likely to receive an ANU offer.  See http://www.uac.edu.au/faqs/faqcop.html#three for more information.

Is the order of my UAC preferences important?

Yes, UAC works on a preference system. If you receive an offer to another preference and/or institution processing will stop for that round. See http://www.uac.edu.au/faqs/faqcop.html#three for more information.

When can I change my UAC preferences?

You have until 6 January 2010 to change your preferences for Main Round. The University may not offer places in any round after Main Round and will participate at its own discretion.

If I list ANU as a later UAC preference will I get an ANU offer?

Not necessarily.  Once you have been made an offer universities do not go down the list and make counter offers which means you will only receive one offer in a round if you meet entry requirements for that university.  If you have already been offered a place and then change your preferences you will not lose that offer, so if you sit the ANU Admission Test and have changed your preferences to ANU you may get an ANU offer. Applicants may only receive one offer in each round. See http://www.uac.edu.au/faqs/faqcop.html#three to understand how the UAC preference system works.

I have not applied for ANU yet how should I do so?

You must apply via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  The UAC website is www.uac.edu.au.  Please note that application and late fees will apply after 30 September 2009.

If I receive an ANU offer after sitting the ANU Admission Test and do not defer or decline the offer, can I use the results in later years?

No, the results will only be valid for this Admission Period, First Semester 2010.

I have only just heard about the ANU Admission Test but the registrations have closed, is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately not for this intake period. Once registrations close, we are unable to accept any further applications to sit the test. However, you should visit this site regularly for more information on future tests.

Who should I contact if I have more questions or am not sure if I am eligible to sit the ANU Admission Test?

You should contact the Admissions Office by email at admiss.app@anu.edu.au or phone (02) 6125 5594.