Marcus Hinneberg
STUDENTS who did not get the first-round university offer they wanted should seek advice from experts.
That is the message of a former Girton Grammar School student, who took an alternative route to getting into the degree he wanted after missing out on his first preference.
Marcus Hinneberg felt uncertain of the future when his ENTER fell short of what was required to get into his preferred health science course at La Trobe University in 2010.
Instead of being disappointed, the 20-year-old visited La Trobe University Bendigo campus’ Future Students Centre and was advised to apply for a diploma course, which is equivalent to a first year of study at university.
Marcus has now completed his diploma and was accepted into a bachelor business and sports development degree at La Trobe in December.
Now also a library assistant at the university, Marcus said he had reaped many benefits from his alternative route to a degree.
“It gave me more time to realise health science is not where I wanted to be and to pursue something I enjoy,” he said. “It’s easier to apply when you’re enrolled in university as well.”
His advice for people who are disappointed with their offer today, was to go to the university and speak to a career counsellor.
“Go visit the uni and let them know you want to study there,” he said.
“They’ll do what they can to help you.”
This was seconded by Girton Grammar School headmaster Matthew Maruff.
“At that age, you feel that after year 12, the next step is the biggest of your life, but there are always options,” he said.
“My advice would be to draw on the experts around you.
“I really encourage our students to understand what their strengths are and to listen to the experts.”
