O Week is an exciting time to be on campus; apart from all the fun activities taking place, it’s the University’s opportunity to welcome our bright-eyed commencing students to Macquarie.

The University has invested in an individualised approach to student admissions, meaning that not all of our commencing students come to Macquarie via the same application process. Last year alone, close to 40 per cent of our domestic undergraduates came through Macquarie entry programs, such as the Global Leadership Entry Program, Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and the Academic Entry Program, all of which consider a broader range of criteria than the ATAR alone.

These programs recognise a range of criteria, such as a student’s academic results in relevant HSC subjects, engagement in their local community, and even a recommendation from their school based on their learning ability and aptitude.

Many students also transition to university study through one of the two foundation programs and four diplomas at Macquarie University International College. Six hundred students who have completed their English language studies at the English Language Centre over summer will progress to their university programs in Session 1 . The ELC offers a range of programs that help students develop their language skills in preparation for study in their chosen faculty at Macquarie University.

“Students may not be certain about their dream career at this point, but as a student of Macquarie University they will be given every opportunity to explore their interests and have first-hand exposure to industry through our extensive range of placements, internships, and practical experiences,” says Kevin Jameson, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Macquarie students take unique paths to get here. We hit the streets during O Week to find out more about them as they forge their own path to the future.

Who are you?

When asked what makes Rajat Gahlain different, he says his extroversion sets him apart. “I’m also a realist but I like to look on the bright side,” the Bachelor of Arts student says.

Panchami Pandey, is studying business administration, while Mili Desgupta is a psychology and human science student.

“I’m an international student that has been in Australia for four years,” says finance and law student Avi Bhargaba.

Where are you from?

Just like our diverse entry criteria, our students come from many different places, representing over 150 cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Steven Cirson, from a small town in Queensland, came to Macquarie to study information technology and law. He says he was accepted on the basis of his ATAR equivalent, as was Mili.

Rajat transferred to Macquarie from Western Sydney University.

Manasa Annira, a law and applied science student, says he was accepted through the  SRS.

Where are you going?

When it comes to the future, some students have firm plans.

“I hope to one day have a job in a good firm in business,” says Steven Cirson.

“I want to get into clinical psychology to help teenagers,” says Mili Dasgupta.

Others are still working things out. Manasa is not sure yet, but knows she is interested in commercial law.