2020 has been difficult for everybody due to the outbreak of COVID-19, especially for students studying their HSC who have had to overcome a number of obstacles during what can be a very important checkpoint in life.

From online learning and changes to exams to limitations in practical learning, students have been focused and adaptive when trying to achieve their best results.

While it has been a challenging year, Year 12 graduates are set to take the next step with a range of opportunities available.

Kim Paino, General Manager of Marketing and Engagement at the Universities Admission Centre, said that this year finding out ATAR results might not be as daunting as previous years.

"There has been quite a proliferation of early offers from universities this year," she said.

"A lot of the early offers are being based on Year 11 results to help overcome any COVID-related performance issues.

"Universities also use a lot of other criteria such as bodies of works, projects, performances, school recommendations and practical experience when considering applications, so ATAR results are not everything.

"There are many options and pathways available to you and sometimes Plan B's and C's turn out even better than Plan A."

Ms Paino said that there might even be a positive to be gained for local students.

"With the restriction on international students set to continue next year, it might diminish competition for university places," she said.

"It will be interesting to see which universities increase their domestic cohort, as you can imagine it is a busy time for them with planning and budgets still be worked out."

Charles Sturt University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Germov, agreed with Ms Paino saying that high precedent is no longer being put on ATAR rankings.

"ATAR is now just one measurement Australian universities use to gauge a prospective student's suitability to a field of study," he said.

"ATAR scores do not necessarily reflect the skills and attributes that many occupations and professions require, and which students might possess when they apply for entry to university.

"My message to the Year 12 class of 2020 is simple and, I hope, optimistic: is a high ATAR beneficial? Yes, absolutely but is it the only path to the courses and career you have your heart set on? Absolutely not."

University studies are certainly not the only option for school leavers with many students set to join the workforce, undertake apprenticeships or complete other training.

A spokesperson for TAFE NSW said they were encouraging school leavers and job seekers to explore their options for 2021 at the upcoming TAFE NSW InfoFest held from January 18 to 22.

"School leavers can hear firsthand from industry-expert teachers about the hands-on skills and career outcomes available, join interactive workshops and experience the practical facilities available," she said.

"Courses for the most in demand jobs will be the focus at the event at all TAFE NSW campuses and through online sessions.

"There has never been a better time to consider vocational education and training options with the range of NSW Government's subsidies and fee-free courses available under the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs."

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