11 July 2006
A new aptitude test will provide alternative access to university for students from Victoria's east and south-east.
Up to 500 students will be allowed to sit the uniTEST to apply to study at Monash University's Berwick campus. The uniTEST tests decision making, problem solving, argument analysis, interpretation, socio-cultural understanding and ability to deal with information as a means of gauging participants' potential to succeed at university.
The test has been developed jointly by the Australian Council for Educational Research and Cambridge Assessment in the UK.
uniTEST was piloted at five universities in the UK earlier this year after a national review recommended admission tests should be used as an additional selection tool for universities. Early results from the pilot show the test identified a large pool of applicants who had the aptitude to study at university but weren't applying to doing so.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said the use of aptitude tests was consistent with the university's commitment to admit the best students irrespective of their means and circumstances.
"We believe using aptitude tests will both improve access to university, and identify highly capable students with the potential to succeed," he said.
"Our prediction is that uniTEST entrants will perform well, as the test is rigorous."
The university will monitor the academic performance of uniTEST entrants to determine future use of aptitude tests in admission to Monash.
Sixty-two schools in the east and south-east of Victoria have been sent letters inviting Year 12 students to apply to sit the test. Applicants will have until 18 August 2006 to apply.
Students who sit the test must apply to the university under the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre Special Entry Access Schemes, category 7 (under-represented schools) and also through the standard VTAC entry system.
For more information about uniTEST, including sample questions, visit the uniTEST website.
For information on the pilot study contact Dr Kai Jensen, Manager Admissions, on 03 9905 5051 or Diane Squires, Media Communications, on 03 9905 9315 or 0417 603 400.
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