Why would I study an optional eighth paper?
The aim of the eighth paper option is to foster critical thinking and analysis, by giving you the opportunity to explore areas outside of the seven HSFY papers.
Optional eighth papers may also be used towards the scoring for admission to Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy.
How would any optional eighth paper be scored?
HSFY students can enrol in an optional eighth paper in semester 2, selected from an approved list.
In this instance, the results in the best seven papers will be counted for the purposes of admission to Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy, provided that the compulsory seven papers are passed at or above the required minimum standards.
What should I consider before enrolling in an optional eighth paper?
- In first semester, did you meet the minimum academic requirements for the professional programme(s) you want to apply to?
- How did you find your first semester workload? Do you feel you can you handle four papers in semester 2?
- What would your time commitment be?
- Or would you prefer to focus on just the three compulsory papers instead?
- Have you seen the list of optional eighth papers?
- Have you contacted department(s) to learn more about the paper(s) you're interested in?
- Have you considered possible timetable clashes? (Your optional eighth paper may need to change if there's a clash.)
- Do you need to take ENGL 128 in semester 2? (If so, you will need special approval to also enrol in an optional eighth paper.)
How do I enrol in an optional eighth paper?
Please see the Changing your course page for details. Remember that Friday 14 July 2023 (5pm) is the last day to add a semester 2 paper.
Who can I contact if I need further advice?
What are the dates for adding / deleting / withdrawing from a paper in semester 2?
- Friday 14 July 2023 (5pm): Last day to add a semester 2 paper
- Friday 28 July 2023 (5pm): Last day to delete a semester 2 paper with a refund of fees
- Friday 15 September 2023 (5pm): Last day to withdraw from a semester 2 paper