University open days are not parties!     022

Open days or information days at universities and colleges offer a surprising number of activities for students to explore and become engaged with. There are of course the usual sample bags and free food for hungry students but now there is usually a dazzling array of technology and magic such as interactive robots.

But university information days are certainly not just about entertainment and the promotion of the institution. There are lectures on courses and information on university fees and other enrolment concerns. Most importantly however is the opportunity for students to sit down with an academic and discuss their course proposals. Can, for example, the student combine education with psychology? Does this particular institution offer such an alternative?  Another key aspect for many students is how to proceed if the required ATAR is not achieved. This matter is addressed in more detail on this website at Parent information/ATAR result not good enough?  Lecturers, speaking face-to-face, can be very helpful here.

These benefits are not likely to be achieved if your son or daughter wants to make a party out of open day attendance. Often the days are held on the same date—although there has been some improvement here—and this means careful attention to logistics. So, it is better if your child goes alone so that maximum focus and benefit can be achieved. This will also remind children that they must start making decisions by themselves and start being more responsible. Before attending an open day there should be adequate research into courses and possibilities. There is limited time so the student must be ready to ask questions that really count.

Even getting all the dates clear is a job in itself. Sometimes lists of dates and times are published in the newspapers but your son or daughter should make his or her own enquiries using the websites. Remember that the open days which are held during school Term 3, in Sydney, occupy dates in both August and September, a relatively long period. The Universities of Wollongong and Newcastle also have open days—and these may be possibilities for consideration.

All content copyright—Mark Thackray—Australian Educational Services