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This Spotlight is sponsored by Taylor's College.

Many students prefer a pre-university programme that strikes a balance between continuous assessments and final exams

Image via Zen Chung/Pexels

For those still undecided about their future degree, the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) pathway at Taylor's College offers a perfect mix of flexibility and structure.

The AUSMAT Pathway via South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) allows students to explore their interests by selecting five subjects. This variety helps them discover their strengths in different fields, guiding them towards more informed decisions about their academic future.Many AUSMAT graduates agree that the experience at Taylor's College has been invaluable in paving their way to prestigious universities. In fact, Taylor's College has long been recognised for its commitment to fostering a holistic education, with dedicated support systems that guide students in achieving their academic goals.

For Matthew Leong, he chose to pursue the AUSMAT pathway at Taylor's College as he was influenced by his older brother

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Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Software Systems at the University of Melbourne, Matthew shared that Taylor's College has a very good track record in the AUSMAT pathway and has produced great results over the years.He found the lecturers to be extremely experienced in the subjects they teach, knowing what it takes to produce good results in both internal and external assessments. He also appreciated the after-class consultations and extensive practice questions, which proved helpful.  "My brother took the exact same subjects as I did eight years ago, and I would hear about the different assignments and projects he was doing. Seeing how much he enjoyed his time there, I made it a goal to study at Taylor's College too", he added.

Group photo with friends and Mr Yap (Chemistry Lecturer), taken during the graduation party after exams were over.

Image via Taylor's College

Throughout Matthew's journey, the college's University Placement Services (UPS) also provided invaluable support, helping him navigate the application process to top universities like the University of Melbourne.

"The talks and consultations gave me the information I needed to ensure my applications were strong. The advisors were always approachable whenever I had questions," said Matthew, who also loved the vibrant life on campus.

Looking back at his time at Taylor's College, Matthew said that his experiences in and out of the classroom allowed him to explore his interests

"Throughout the course, the many challenging assignments pushed me to develop a stronger work ethic and problem-solving skills. In one of my assignments, we were required to do a statistical analysis on a topic of our choice. This allowed me to tie in my interest in AI development and write the statistical report around an AI X-Ray diagnosis system I had built."One of the extracurricular activities I participated in was computer programming, particularly in Artificial Intelligence development, which I did outside of school hours," he said.Now, Matthew's goal is to deepen his knowledge in AI, particularly in Computer Vision, and combine it with biology to create technological solutions in healthcare, such as improving diagnosis tools or treatment techniques, to improve patient outcomes.

Aisyah, a student at University of Melbourne, credits Taylor's College for its personalised and supportive approach

Image via Taylor's College

Aisyah, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting and Finance, expressed, "Taylor's University Placement Services (UPS) advisors were extremely helpful. Each student was assigned a personal advisor, which made the application process more personalised and efficient. Miss Lee Lian was especially kind and patient, always available to clarify any uncertainties."

She fondly recalls how she celebrated each university acceptance with her advisor, marking important milestones in her journey. 

Reflecting on her initial goals, Aisyah had aimed for prestigious universities like the University of Melbourne or UNSW.

Aisyah was invited to give an inspirational talk and briefing about the AUSMAT pathway as an alumnus for the Feb’24 intake.

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"I was always an average student in high school, and I didn't expect much from this Pre-U programme. But the welcoming lecturers and enjoyable classes really changed my perspective. I found myself participating more and unlocking my true potential," she explained.

When asked about the differences in studying AUSMAT at Taylor's College compared to other colleges, Aisyah noted that the former offers a wide range of subjects. She highlighted that the diverse subjects available, such as Mathematics, Economics, and Psychology, foster a more enriching learning experience.Having received offers from six Australian universities before settling on University of Melbourne, Aisyah plans to make the most of her final three years as a student before pursuing a fulfilling career in Accounting or Finance after graduation.

Recalling on her foundation at Taylor's College, Aisyah couldn't help but express her gratitude for her educators

"I've said this a million times, and I'll never stop saying this, the academics are what made my time at Taylor's College worth it. I had such a blessed journey learning with Miss Azreena (English), Miss Tiew (Specialist Maths), Mr Kumar (Maths), Mr V (Economics), and Sir Adrian (Accounting). "They aren't just teachers — they are educators and sources of inspiration. Not only did they teach us with passion, but they also conveyed the material with love and care. They were always kind during consultations and encouraged our growth and improvement. They remained attentive and made an effort to connect personally with each of us, adapting to our individual learning styles and patterns," she shared.

With the right support system, students like Matthew and Aisyah have successfully transitioned from the AUSMAT pathway at Taylor's College to their dream universities

Aisyah (left) and Matthew (right) with their Specialist Maths lecturer, Ms Tiew Ai Ben (middle).

Image via Taylor's College

Whether you're planning to apply directly or considering a transfer, Taylor's UPS advisors are there every step of the way to guide you. They assist with everything from essays and interviews to providing insights on visa applications and university portals. In addition to the personalised guidance, the AUSMAT pathway offers a balanced structure with 70% of assessments through assignments and 30% based on final exams. This approach helps students build essential skills like report writing and teamwork.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Taylor's College to discover more about the AUSMAT pathway and explore the options that could shape your future.