Pros/Cons of Uni Extension Programs

[qazser]

What are your thoughts?

[tashhhaaa]

I didn't do one but a friend did so just from seeing that:

Pros
- If you end up going to that uni and do a course that the subject is part of, I'm pretty sure you can do 3 subjects in one of your semesters instead of 4 since you've got the credit points. Even if you go somewhere else you might still get credit
- Introduces you to uni life and 'independent learning' -- no hand holding
- Supports/enhances your VCE knowledge -- eg. if you do 1st year bio and you're doing 3/4 bio, you'll have access to more resources and a greater depth of knowledge. Also helps you consolidate/study school stuff
- If you fail or drop out of the subject, there are no consequences on your ATAR
- If you do well, it benefits your ATAR and doesn't scale up or down (pretty sure of this)
- Some subjects have no exam eg. some Arts units

Cons
- Increased work load
- You'll have to miss VCE classes a few times a week for tutes or pracs (if possible, watch lectures at home)
- There could be less support available than what you're used to (but there is help out there, you just have to find it yourself)
- Depending on where you are in relation to uni & school, you could spend a lot more time travelling, so you might have less time for extracurriculars etc
- Getting used to different types of assessment, trying to achieve university standard work
- Possibly a higher exam weighting than you're used to (I have a subject with 80% exam weighting)


that's everything I could think of, but I think the pros outweigh the cons since you'll get used to the uni way of learning anyway

[cooldude123]

This is just my two cents from taking a uni extension subject:

Generally speaking the substantive rewards (eg. ATAR increment, uni credit) aren't worth taking the subject in and of itself (for example towards the top end, the fact that it is only an increment means that your final ATAR will usually only go up by 0.05-0.10, even if you get the highest grade possible), especially if you're also doing 5 subjects during Year 12.

Personally, I decided to take it out of personal interest, and I found it to be rewarding in that respect. I can't speak for Arts or non-science subjects, but for physics at least, it did help with some VCE concepts, and was a good break from the daily grind of practice exams and SAC/exam revision. The material felt like it had a far heavier focus on understanding rather than the VCE method of generally doing questions ad nauseum, and was also sufficiently challenging which made it a bit more enjoyable for me. There is a time commitment though which is not insignificant, and it can get difficult especially when uni assessments coincide with SACs and exams.

The independent learning aspect is also something that is a bit different and though there is considerable support available (extra revision sessions etc but does depend on the subject), it is really up to you to actively seek these opportunities for yourself.

Overall, even though my extension subject is not directly related to my current course, it was a very worthwhile experience for me, and I have no regrets taking it.

[Hannibal]

Did anyone do uni extension accounting?

I was looking for info/advice about doing it instead of Units 3&4 Bus Man.

[HopefulLawStudent]

Doesn't uni extension also cost something, not only to do the subject but also the cost of travel, etc? Think they send out info on this midyear-ish? I got a letter in the mail from Monash and Melbourne advertising it to me mid to late last year; I forget when exactly. I'm not sure if they do this for all VCE but yeah...

[qazser]

Doesn't uni extension also cost something, not only to do the subject but also the cost of travel, etc? Think they send out info on this midyear-ish? I got a letter in the mail from Monash and Melbourne advertising it to me mid to late last year; I forget when exactly. I'm not sure if they do this for all VCE but yeah...

Mine's at my school + no fees for some locations, check website

[Syndicate]

Doesn't uni extension also cost something

UMEP- Only in some cases (like some schools has a small fees of upto $200)
MUEP- $900

[zsteve]

What are your thoughts?

Ok, so I'm aware this topic is really old. But. I just saw it, and I feel compelled to give my ten cents because I absolutely loved my time doing UMEP Maths.

Pros:
- You get to study a uni subject in year 12, so you get to cover stuff way more advanced than VCE. That's really cool.
- You can skip equivalent first year subjects once you get into uni (usually, as long as you get decent results)
- Except for UMEP maths, you get to go on campus and get a feel of what uni is like (although this isn't worth that much. The extra subject knowledge was the main thing for me)
- Aggregate increment of up to 5.0 (5.0 = 90% average), so it counts as a 6th subject. To be honest, a 90+ average is unimaginably more achievable than a 50 SS.
- If you do UMEP Maths at MGS (like I did), the instructor gave us lollies (presumably to keep us quiet and tame) during the lesson. At least in my year.

Cons:
- Travel times. I put up with travelling from Cranbourne to South Yarra every Wednesday for a 2 hour UMEP class, but it was worth it every bit. UMEP Maths has many school centres (St. Kevins, MGS, Camberwell Grammar, and many more) so there's a lot more flexibility.
- Usually, you need to do the corresponding 3/4 subject in year 11. Again, maths is the exception. I got accepted for UMEP even though I didn't do a 3/4 subject in year 11 (I did only 4 subjects in year 11, but with very good grades). So I did Methods + Specialist + UMEP all in one year. Most kids have done Methods in year 11 though.
- Extra study load. For UMEP Physics/Chem/Bio, the load is quite intense, particularly with practical components. For UMEP maths, the pace is a lot more manageable, so I got a pretty good mark by studying for about 3-4 hours/week on Saturdays.

- If you do happen to be doing UMEP Maths and Methods at the same time, Methods will become sickeningly boring.