If you’ve got your heart set on a music career and you’ve already started your UAC application, you’ve probably got a few questions about how the preference system works and what order gives you the best shot at securing your place at AIM.
We’ve answered the most common ones below.
How do UAC preferences work?
UAC lets you rank up to five course choices across tertiary institutions in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The order you rank them matters. It’s not just a reflection of what you want most; it directly affects when and whether you receive an offer.
UAC works through a series of offer rounds. In each round, you can only receive an offer for your highest-ranked course that you’re eligible for. So if AIM isn’t sitting at the top of your list and you’re eligible for an offer, that offer won’t come through until your higher-ranked preferences have been resolved.
TL;DR: once you’ve completed your AIM audition or submission and you’re ready to commit, move AIM to your number one preference so you don’t miss out on an offer round.
Can you change UAC preferences after submitting?
Yes, you can update your preferences as many times as you like, right up until the deadline for each offer round. You can even reorder your preferences after you’ve already received an offer, which gives you time to weigh up your options before committing.
For the most current offer round deadlines, check the UAC Key Dates page. UAC updates this each year.
What if I’m still waiting on my audition result?
You don’t need to wait to start thinking about your preferences. If your audition or submission is in progress, you can keep AIM in your preferences list in whatever position feels right for now, and then move it to the top as soon as your outcome comes through.
Audition results are typically communicated directly by AIM, so keep an eye on your email. Once you hear back with a positive outcome, that’s your cue to log in to UAC and lock in AIM as your first preference before the next round closes.
What if I don’t get into AIM in the first round I apply?
Missing out in one round doesn’t mean missing out on AIM altogether, and it doesn’t put your other options at risk either. If AIM isn’t able to make you an offer in a given round, UAC will automatically consider your next-ranked preferences in the rounds that follow. You won’t be left without options.
Offer rounds run from November through to March, so there are multiple opportunities to receive an offer. The important thing is that your preferences are in the right order before each round’s deadline, so you’re in the best position each time.
What if I’ve already received an offer from another institution?
If you’ve received an offer elsewhere but want to be considered for AIM in an upcoming round, log in to your UAC account and move AIM to the top of your preferences before the next round’s deadline.
You don’t need to withdraw from your existing offer to do this. You can hold an offer while still being considered for your updated first preference. If AIM then makes you an offer, you can choose which one to accept.
How do I apply to AIM?
If you’re ready to make your mark on the music industry, you can submit your application to AIM through UAC, or you can apply directly through our website.
