When it comes to choosing your path after school, flexibility is key. That’s why we want to tell you all about the TISC preference system – and how you can use the system to your advantage when main offers roll around.
Here are our top five tips for maximising your TISC preferences.
Understand how preferences are assessed and offered.
The system is designed to offer you your highest preference possible. If you’re not selected for your first preference, don’t worry, you’ll be considered equally with all other eligible applicants for your second preference, and so on.
Your chance of being selected for a particular course isn’t reduced because you’ve placed it as a lower preference. If you’re ranked higher than another applicant who listed the same course as a higher preference than you, you’ll still be selected ahead of them.
Have a backup option.
Including at least one backup preference is a smart move, especially if your first preference is a competitive course.
Think ahead and consider selecting a pathway course to your desired field as your second preference, like a Bachelor of Health Sciences or a Bachelor of Commerce. We also recommend having Portfolio entry (where applicable) and the UniReady Enabling Program as your third and fourth preferences. This way, you’ll have alternative pathways lined up giving you more chances to start your university journey.
If you change your mind, rearrange your preferences.
Don’t worry if you change your mind or want to explore different course options. The TISC system is flexible, allowing you to change your preferences whenever you like. Just keep an eye on the closing dates as these can vary between courses. Remember, when you change your preferences, the system automatically cancels all previous preferences, ensuring your latest choices take precedence.
Make the system work for you.
If you receive a main round offer for your first preference and aren’t entirely sure about it, don’t rush into accepting or deferring the offer. This is called the TISC ‘automatic safety net’. You can move your first preference offer to a lower position on your list and try for an offer in a higher preference during the next round. This way, you can explore more opportunities without losing your main round offer.
When the next round of offers is made, you’ll either get an offer for a higher preference course or your saved main round offer again. Keep in mind, a new offer cancels the previous one as you can’t hold two offers simultaneously. You won’t get an offer for a lower preference than your saved offer, so you can aim higher without worries!
Ask for help.
If you have any questions or need guidance on arranging your preferences effectively, get in touch! You can complete the online webform or call us on 1300 222 888. Alternatively, drop into Curtin Connect (Building 102) and our friendly team will be able to assist you. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone – we are here to support you every step of the way.
