Students at the ECU Joondalup Campus.
Adapting to the unexpected is all about mindset.
The imminent arrival of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results will bring relief to many Year 12 graduates, but not everyone will receive their expected outcome.
Edith Cowan University's (ECU) Lecturer and resilience expert Dr Mandie Shean, provided top tips on changing your mindset after unexpected results.
"Don't think of it as a wasted year if your results weren't what you expected," Dr Shean said.
"This is a chance to look back and learn from your mistakes. Did anything – or anyone – get in the way of you achieving your goals? If so, what will you do differently in the future?
"It's okay to feel disappointed and work out ways to manage your feelings but, after that, it is important to set your eyes firmly towards your plans for the future."
It is ok to change your mind
School leavers are not the only ones faced with the challenge of deciding which course to choose. It may have been years since you studied but now you are ready to switch careers or chase the job of your dreams and apply for university.
ECU Professor of Psychology and mental health expert Joanne Dickson said the path you decided on a year or more ago does not need to be the direction you decide to head today.
"Research shows us that being flexible around achieving our goals has a significant positive impact on our wellbeing and our ability to achieve them," she said.
"It's not about tenacity, it's about accepting that it's okay to shift the goal posts, so you can keep working at it or adjusting your approach to pursue meaningful outcomes consistent with inner values."
Flexibility is key to mental wellbeing
Professor Dickson said having the flexibility to adapt to changing situations or obstacles is a strength that will see you grow and sustain a sense of wellbeing.
"Be reflective rather than judgemental," she said.
"Don't let that inner critical, judgemental voice drag you down – try and turn your thinking around, so you can reflect constructively.
"Reflection gives you an opportunity to learn from your experiences and identify strategies to improve and to move forward."
Choose 5-star experience at ECU
ECU's focus on putting students first has been recognised in The Good Universities Guide 2024, which awarded ECU a five-star rating for teaching quality for 17 straight years.
By choosing ECU, you are choosing to study at WA's top-ranked university for undergraduate overall experience, skills development, student support and learning resources.
ECU also provides a range of study options including full-time, part-time or online, plus flexible entry pathways, including university preparation courses that equip you with the academic skills needed to succeed at university.
For more information, visit ecu.edu.au/choose
Need to switch your preference?
Students can change their preferences for main round offers up until 11:59pm on Monday, 18 December via TISC at www.tisc.edu.au
