Year 12 school students Amy and Geena know first-hand what to expect from university studies on the Sunshine Coast – they’ve already completed a few USC subjects.

The 16-year-old Chancellor State College students participated in USC’s Headstart program last year, grabbing the opportunity to learn at a tertiary level on a local university campus.

Senior high school students across the region who also want an early start to their university journey can get face-to-face advice from USC Sunshine Coast staff and students on Thursday 19 March.

The University will host an information evening about its Headstart program for Year 11 and 12 students on campus at 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs from 4.30pm to 6pm.

USC Schools Relationship Officer Kirsty Jarrett said the free event would include a tour of the Sippy Downs campus and talks for school students and their parents.

“High school students can choose from more than 100 first-year subjects, which will give them credit towards their Queensland Certificate of Education while working towards a degree,” she said. “There is no tuition fee for the first subject.”

Amy and Geena will speak at the information evening.

Amy said she thoroughly enjoyed studying ‘Current Directions in Psychology’.

“It was rewarding to know that as a school student I could thrive in a university setting, and enjoy the lectures,” she said.

“I learnt so much at USC, both academically and personally. I got to experience Psychology in a totally different light; from the perspective of someone who wants it as their career.

“Headstart was a great way to be introduced to university in a comfortable, welcoming way. It guided me in making decisions about my future and helped me adjust career goals. It also helped build my time management and study skills.”  

Geena, who took the two USC courses ‘Health, Culture, and Society’ and ‘Communication and Thought’, said the experience was eye-opening.

“It gave me a chance to experience learning at a different level in a different environment, as well as helping me with my school studying,” she said.

“Within my school studies, Headstart has helped with my research, note-taking and essay structure and writing. In terms of my university plans, it has helped me choose which university is the best option for me: USC.”

The USC Sunshine Coast Headstart Information Evening will offer details on the application process, eligibility, costs, scholarships, available courses and university entry options.

To register go to www.usc.edu.au/headstart