ERIN Cooper is one of 45 lucky school leavers who have already been given the opportunity to study at Charles Sturt University's (CSU) Orange campus in 2016 after early round offers were released on Thursday.
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CSU offered 741 places to undergraduate students through the Universities Admissions Centre's (UAC) Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).
Miss Cooper received early entry into the bachelor of pharmacy course and is relieved she doesn't have to wait until her HSC results are released.
"Once I realised it was an actual offer I was really excited because pharmacy is what I have wanted to do for a long time now and the fact I can do it in Orange makes it that much easier," she said.
"At first I didn't actually think it was real.
"It takes huge amount of pressure off because you don't have to sit around and wait and wonder if you are going to get the call.
"It is really another two months before anyone else finds out.
"It's pretty much set in stone which is exciting."
Miss Cooper said it was always her preference to remain to study in her home town after hearing positive feedback about the Orange campus.
"I've had a look at other universities across the state but a lot of the other places have said Orange is pretty good," she said.
"I like the idea that it is a much smaller campus and a lot more personalised and you are not just a number in an institution."
The SRS program enables students, in consultation with their schools, to secure a place at university before the commencement of the new year.
"Today's SRS offers recognise those students who have achieved well at school and who have the support and encouragement of their high school to commence further study," deputy vice chancellor (academic) Professor Toni Downes said.
"Charles Sturt University prides itself on being an open and accessible university, and SRS is just one of the many pathways students can take to study here."
CSU offers a broad range of courses through the SRS scheme and the Orange campus accepted students into the bachelor of pharmacy, bachelor of dental science, bachelor of clinical science and bachelor of general studies (science).
HSC results are released on Wednesday, December 16, before UAC's main round of university offers are released on Wednesday, January 20.
ellen.dunger@fairfaxmedia.com.au