Future goals
Sydney Swan Dylan McNeil's game plan includes a commerce degree. This week he received an offer from UNSW through the Elite Athletes and Performers Program.
Published on the 21 Jan 2011
Sydney Swans player Dylan McNeil was among more than 4,500 school leavers to receive an offer to study at UNSW this year.
He gained entry to the Bachelor of Commerce degree through the Elite Athletes and Performers Program, which awards successful applicants up to five bonus entry points.
The program helped boost his selection rank to 98.95. The ATAR for commerce increased this year to 96.7, after a jump in demand - first preference applications were up 3.2 percent on last year.
The Elite Athletes and Performers Program allows students like McNeil to study part-time and integrate their academic and sporting pursuits through flexible study option.
Dylan says the Swans football club encourages its players to gain work experience or study at TAFE or university.
''It's a bit of a fallback,'' McNeil told the Sydney Morning Herald.
''I'm looking forward to something away from footy this year. Once I have finished with the Swans I'll have a commerce degree. An office job will be easier on the body.''
Professor Joan Cooper, UNSW Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students), said the program, now in its third year, had proved very successful.
''I think it's been excellent in attracting the type of students we are looking for at UNSW; the leaders of the future,'' she told the SMH.
"Students who come through the elite athlete program are happy to be mentors and ambassadors for the university.''
Professor Cooper said overall demand for UNSW courses was up, with a 2.4 percent increase in first preferences. UNSW made more than 7,000 Main Round offers this week.
For more information on second and final round offers, contact the Enrolment Support Centre.
Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office, 9385 8920