Extra requirements

The VTAC Personal History Online form gives you the opportunity to tell us about your background, experiences, skills and ambitions. If you're applying through VTAC, it's part of the online application process. If you're applying through UAC, you need to download and complete UAC Pi form (PDF 64.8Kb) and submit it to the University.
Below are some answers to common questions about completing the VTAC Personal History Online form.

• What are selection officers looking for when they read a VTAC Personal History Online form?

It depends on the kind of course to which you're applying, but basically, they’re trying to develop an understanding of your background and experiences.

For example, you may be approaching uni studies for the first time, or you may have studied before but want to change careers via studies in a new discipline. You may have little professional experience, or a long professional history.

They’re also interested in how you decided on your chosen course, and why you want to study in that field.
So it's good to provide key points about your background and to state clearly why you chose a specific course, and what you aim to achieve in the future.

• What type of information is most relevant?

While not all information about your situation may be relevant, think carefully about your history and what it's useful to emphasis.
Selection officers aren't looking solely at your educational background they're also looking for transferable skills you may have acquired through paid work, volunteer work or general life experience.

For example, you may have travelled extensively, or had a retail or hospitality job, or worked in a family business. Your experience might have developed your initiative, teamwork skills, communication skills, and capacity to work under pressure, all of which are valuable attributes.

• Should I mention problems with prior study?

If any issues have affected your ability to study, you can mention it in the VTAC Personal History Online form. However, it’s important to emphasis how you’ve progressed since then- how you’ve dealt with the issues.

Selection officers understand students can face many setbacks, but they want to be convinced that if you accept a place in their course, you’re ready to deal with the workload.

For example, you may have attempted uni subjects before and found the pressure of exams difficult, but subsequently worked on strategies to help you do better in exams. Or you may have been in a stressful personal or professional situation previously, but not be under similar stresses now.

• How much should I write?

The more selection officers know about your experience, ambitions and skills, the better they like it when you elaborate.

For example, instead of writing ‘I’ve worked in the family business for four years’, identify the specific industry, describe your professional responsibilities and skills, and how those skills might relate to your uni studies and career.

Also, write a draft first! Check your spelling, read through your response, and get someone else to read it as well. It’s always useful to get a fresh perspective, and submitting a well-written VTAC Personal History Online form will help convince selection officers you have the communication skills required for uni.