Deciding high school subjects for university goals is a pivotal moment for your teenager as they gear up for university. With numerous options to sift through, this decision can be daunting for both parents and students. Recognising university prerequisites, the impact of subject scaling, and aligning with personal interests are key factors influencing your teen's academic and career trajectories.  

 Helping them choose what to study to get into university is one big question you will need to be prepared for, to help alleviate the stress of your teen's emotional roller-coaster. 

 This guide aims to equip you with strategies and insights to assist your child in making informed choices that resonate with their ambitions, paving the way for success at university and beyond.  

 How to choose the right subjects for uni 

 The journey to applying to uni starts well before Year 12 – in fact, your teen can make decisions about their classes as early as Year 10! But how can you help? 

 First, encourage your child to take classes that interest them and in which they do well. You can help your teen do what feels right to them and engages their mind. You know what interests your child and how they learn best. 

 Some universities require students to study prerequisite subjects in Year 11 and 12, meaning they must study certain subjects to be eligible to apply for certain courses.  

Deciphering University Prerequisites and Subject Scaling  

Understanding university prerequisites is paramount when selecting high school subjects. These prerequisites are mandatory subjects needed for entry into particular courses.  

For example, many science and health programs at universities, including Murdoch Uni, require completion of Mathematics and a science subject like Chemistry or Biology. By familiarising yourself with these prerequisites, you can aid your teenager in choosing subjects that fulfil the entry requirements for their preferred university pathway.  

Subject scaling is another crucial consideration that can significantly affect a student's Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Scaling adjusts raw subject scores to balance differences in difficulty and student performance. More challenging subjects might have their scores increased, while others may be scaled down. The scaling process is reconfigured every year based on the student performance of that year – there are no guarantees about what courses are scaled up or down. Check out the TISC website for more information on scaling statistics. 

Aligning subject choices with career aspirations is equally important. For instance, a teenager interested in law might benefit from subjects like English and Legal Studies, while those eyeing engineering careers should focus on Mathematics and Physics. By grasping how prerequisites and scaling operate, you can help your teenager make educated decisions that align with their future objectives, aiding in high school curriculum planning for university.  

Strategies for Effective Subject Selection  

Empowering your teenager to choose suitable high school subjects requires effective strategies. Encouraging them to follow their passions and interests is vital. Students who are genuinely intrigued by a subject tend to engage more deeply and perform better.  

Another strategy is evaluating subjects based on skill development. Some subjects impart crucial skills that are advantageous for future studies or careers. For instance, mathematics and science can enhance analytical thinking, while humanities can boost critical thinking and communication skills. Encourage your teen to reflect on how each subject matches their strengths and future ambitions.  

Balancing workload is also crucial. Students need a manageable study load to maintain wellbeing and engage in extracurricular activities. Discuss the time demands of each subject and help them achieve a balance that supports both academic goals and personal interests. By focusing on these strategies, you can empower your teenager to make informed decisions for a successful academic journey and help choosing high school subjects for university.  

Support and Resources at Murdoch University  

Murdoch University recognises the challenges parents face in helping their teenagers select the best high school subjects for university. We offer a variety of resources and support services to guide students and families through this decision-making process, ensuring they choose the best subjects for university admission.  

Our course advice services are particularly beneficial. Our dedicated team provides personalised advice, helping students understand which subjects align with their desired career paths and university courses. Utilising these services can offer insights into subject prerequisites and the skills required for future studies.  

Attending our Open Days and information sessions on campus is another effective way to gain valuable insights. These events allow you and your teenager to explore the university environment, connect with faculty, and learn about available courses.  

Helping your teen choose a course of study 

As your teen considers their future and what to study in high school, you can help in numerous ways by having them: 

• Talk to people who are working in an area of interest,

• Explore more than one subject or career area, 

• List what they like and don’t like to study, 

• Research possible choices for study, 

• Consider the type of job they can see themselves in, 

• Attend university events, and 

• Remember it’s ok to change their mind. 

Your teen does not need to determine their entire life plan during Years 9 and 10. But developing possible paths for uni early on can alleviate stress and anxiety. 

For even more help, you can assist your teen in their transition from high school to university by attending Murdoch University’s upcoming events.