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Successful EAP Applicants

Early Achiever: Jessica McCarthy
Strathfield Campus

SydneyJessica McCarthy from St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown, commenced a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the Strathfield Campus in the inaugural Early Achievers’ Program in 2009. The 18-year-old helped organise McHappy Days at her local McDonalds and worked at a school for disabled children.

“The Early Achievers’ Program is a really great opportunity and relieved some of the pressure I felt about getting into university and my Higher School Certificate,” she said. “It was nice to know that marks aren’t the only thing that this University was looking for in students.”

Jessica said it had always been her goal to become a primary school teacher. “I chose ACU National because of its reputation as the best facility for education,” she said.

Early Achiever: Katie Jayne O’Brien
Canberra Campus

CanberraFormer school captain and boarding school captain of Trinity Catholic College Boarding School in Goulburn, Katie Jayne O’Brien of Braidwood, had far more on her mind in 2008 than the HSC.

She was juggling her studies, a captain’s responsibilities, helping promote the Red Cross Blood Service in Goulburn, hosting World Youth Day pilgrims from France and helping organise bush dances, the Braidwood Show and a children’s’ Christmas party.

Katie was one of the first successful applicants for Australian Catholic University’s (ACU National) Early Achievers’ Program (EAP).

Not only did Katie receive an early offer to study education at the Canberra Campus, but she was also awarded a Canberra-Goulburn Catholic Education Office scholarship.

“The EAP is a fantastic opportunity to let young people show what they are about,” Katie said. “It takes the pressure off the HSC.”

Early Achievers: Annabel Pike, Rania McKendry and Larissa Livermore
Brisbane Campus

BrisbaneStudents from St Rita’s College, Clayfield, were among those accepted into Australian Catholic University’s (ACU National) new Early Achievers’ Program in 2009. Annabel Pike, 18, began a Bachelor of Nursing degree this year, while Rania McKendry and Larissa Livermore, both 18, began studying education.

The friends have been involved in everything from raising money for charities and organising school formals to representing Australia in sport at an international level.

Annabel said it was great to be given the opportunity for more than her marks to be considered during the university application

“Lots of girls from my school will be attending ACU National this year and we are all really looking forward to getting started with our studies,” Annabel said.

Larissa’s mother, Leanne Livermore, said her family had been impressed with the personal care and attention her daughter had received from ACU National staff throughout the selection process.

“Even from that first meeting at the Open Day we really felt that Larissa wasn’t just a number,” Mrs Livermore said. “Social justice issues are very important to her and we know she’ll get the chance to pursue these interests here.”

Early Achiever: Hollie Chamberlain
Melbourne Campus

Hollie-ChamberlainHollie Chamberlain, 27, of Oakleigh was accepted in Australian Catholic University’s Bachelor of Midwifery course through the Early Achievers’ Program.

Having demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm towards her volunteer work and studies, Hollie was eager to start her midwifery degree. Hollie volunteered at a refuge for teenagers, and worked as a ‘soul sister’ helping young adults build self esteem, she was excited to be accepted into the program.

“It’s such an honour and privilege to be part of this,” she said. “It’s also great for those people who are not coming straight from Year 12. It gives them a chance to represent themselves and acknowledges who they have become since school. It’s fantastic.”

Early Achiever: Claire Foster
Ballarat Campus

ballaratDemonstrating commitment and enthusiasm towards her studies, successful EAP applicant Claire Foster, of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown, said the program made applying to university so much easier.

“I’ve been working in the local nursing home since I was 15,” she said. “The Early Achievers’ application allowed me to give more information about myself and show what I was capable of and that I am committed to working in the nursing field.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven said he was delighted to welcome such bright and enthusiastic students to the University.

“The program is unique in that it takes into consideration a student’s contribution to society as part of the application process,” he said. “The response we had was wonderful – with more than 1,000 applicants from across Australia.

“Taking into account a student’s character is vital to the service and social justice obligations of a Catholic university, and we look forward to watching their progress over the next few years.”