ATAR no obstacle to Maya’s psychology dream

Maya Serrano always knew she wanted to study psychology at UOW, but the ATAR for direct entry felt just out of reach. Through UOW College’s University Entrance Program (UEP), she found a pathway into her dream bachelor’s degree – and so much more.

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Maya has long been fascinated by human behaviour and what drives people to think, feel and act the way they do, and pursuing a degree in psychology was a natural choice. But changing schools left her struggling to adjust in years 11 and 12. 

Right before her HSC exams, she lost her motivation completely. 

“I was upset when I realised I wouldn’t get the ATAR I needed for direct entry into psychology at UOW. I thought, this is all I ever wanted to do – what am I supposed to do now?” Maya says. 

“Getting the early admission offer for the UEP was incredible. It lifted a huge stress off my mind; I knew that if I didn’t get the ATAR I needed, I still had this option.” 

“Going through UOW College helped me so much. Sometimes the journey looks a little different from what you expected, but it can still take you exactly where you want to go.” 

Foundation to thrive 

The 14-week program is uniquely designed for students who don’t meet direct entry requirements or who want to build practical skills before starting university. It was the perfect bridge for Maya, giving her not just guaranteed entry to the UOW Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) but the skills and confidence to succeed once she got there. 

“It was super helpful, and the teachers and environment were really supportive,” she says.  

“They taught all the skills you need for uni, like referencing, essay writing and scientific reports. So instead of being thrown in the deep end to figure it out myself, like friends who went straight into their bachelor’s degrees had to, I already knew what to do.” 

With smaller class sizes and a supportive community, Maya felt she always had the help and attention she needed. After her challenging HSC experience, she especially valued the extra support to manage stress and stay organised. 

“I used to overthink and stress about failing, but the tutors were amazing. They’d email to check in and sit down with you if you needed help,” she says.  

“They even helped us set up calendars and timetables so we could manage our time better. It made the transition to uni so much smoother.” 

Pursuing her passion

Now in the first year of her UOW psychology degree, Maya is exactly where she has always wanted to be. 

“I absolutely love my course!” she says. 

“I’ve always been interested in nature versus nurture and how every person’s brain works differently. I’m learning about how people think, what drives behaviour – all the things I’ve always been curious about.” 

Maya’s long-term goal is to become a forensic psychologist working in complex mental health settings. 

“I plan to do my honours and eventually a PhD, so I can work in prisons or youth centres where I can make a real difference. I want to help people understand themselves and their choices and hopefully change their futures.” 

From learner to leader 

Inspired by her own UOW College journey, Maya now helps others see that there’s more than one path to the future they want. As a Student Representative at UOW College, she shares her story with high school students and their families at Open Days and outreach events. 

“I love talking to students who feel unsure about their options after school and telling them my story; not everyone knows that alternate pathways like this exist,” says Maya. 

“You can see the relief on their faces when they realise it’s not the end of the world if they don’t get the ATAR they hoped for, that it’s not the only chance to do what they want. If someone had told me that in high school, it would have taken so much pressure off me.” 

Her message to others is simple: don’t give up, there’s always a way. 

Learn more about pathway programs offered at UOW College.