Ep 69 - How to create your VTAC preference list

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How do you create a VTAC preference list? And how should you decide what order to put your courses in?

Your VTAC preference list is an important part of the university and TAFE application process, but there are a few common mistakes students make — particularly putting courses in ATAR order rather than in the order they actually want to study them.

In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I explain how to create your VTAC preference list, including checking prerequisites, deciding how to order your preferences, choosing realistic options and researching pathways.

What we’re talking about:

1:34 Check the prerequisites

Before you add a course to your VTAC preference list, check that you meet the prerequisites and other essential course requirements.

If you don't meet a prerequisite, you won't be eligible for selection for that course. If you don't have the required subjects or results, look at alternative pathways that could still help you reach the course or career you're aiming for.

You can check the current prerequisites and course requirements in VTAC CourseSearch.

2:57 Put your courses on your preference list in your preference order

Don't put your VTAC preferences in ATAR order.

The selection rank published for a course is based on previous selection processes and can change from year to year. Your preference list should reflect the order in which you actually want to study the courses.

Your first preference should be the course you most want to do, followed by your second choice, third choice and so on. You can receive a maximum of one offer in each offer round, and it will be the highest preference for which you receive an offer.

8:08 Include realistic options and pathway courses

While you don't know exactly what your ATAR or selection rank will be until your results are released, it makes sense to include options that you would genuinely be happy to study and that give you realistic pathways towards your future goals.

Don't think of your lower preferences simply as courses you expect to get into. They can include alternative courses, similar courses at another institution, or pathway courses that could eventually lead towards your preferred course.

VTAC itself recommends including pathway options in your preference list.

9:35 Fill your preference list

You can list up to eight course preferences through VTAC, although you don't have to use all eight.

If you're struggling to decide what to put in your remaining preferences, think about the different ways you could achieve your broader study or career goal. You might include alternative courses, different institutions, or pathway options.

The important thing is that every course on your list is one you would genuinely consider accepting.

13:12 Get the information you need to make an informed decision

If you have lots of different interests and you're not sure which course you want most, don't just guess at your preference order.

Find out more about the courses and the careers they can lead to. You could:

research courses online
attend university and TAFE Open Days
talk to students who are already studying the course
speak to people working in careers you're interested in
look at the subjects and electives included in different courses
listen to relevant episodes of Course and Career Chat

Your VTAC preference list isn't a prediction of what you're going to get into. It's a list of the courses you would most like to study, so take the time to work out what that order should actually be.

Frequently Asked Questions About VTAC Preference Lists

How should I order my VTAC preferences?

You should order your VTAC preferences according to the courses you actually want to study, rather than putting them in ATAR or selection-rank order. Your first preference should be the course you most want, followed by your second choice, third choice and so on.

How many VTAC preferences can I have?

You can list up to eight course preferences through VTAC. You don't have to use all eight, but filling your preference list can give you more options, including alternative courses and pathway options.

Should I put courses in ATAR order on my VTAC preference list?

No. Your VTAC preference list should reflect your preferences, not the order of the published selection ranks. Selection ranks can change from year to year, so a course that had a particular selection rank in a previous year may have a different selection rank when you apply.

What should I put as my lower VTAC preferences?

Your lower preferences can include courses that are realistic options for your expected selection rank, similar courses at another institution, alternative courses you're interested in, or pathway courses that could eventually lead towards your preferred course.

Most importantly, every course on your preference list should be a course you would genuinely consider accepting.

What happens if I don't meet the prerequisites for a VTAC course?

If you don't meet a course's prerequisites, you won't be eligible for selection for that course. Instead, look for alternative courses or pathways that could eventually help you reach your preferred course or career.

Can I change my VTAC preferences?

Yes. VTAC allows applicants to change their course preferences during designated periods. It's important to check the current VTAC dates and deadlines because the rules and timelines can change from year to year.