Ideally yes, if you just scrape 85 across all your subjects, that should get you a into the 6.0-7.0 GPA which would be better for transfer requirements.
On your point on how different high school is from uni, I would say significantly different. There are a few aspects where uni is different is from high school (which I outline below):
Friends
For me personally I was a bit extroverted and went around getting acquainted with anyone I met (none of my high school friends went to the same uni as I did), and now I have a solid friend group at uni (which I am really lucky to have). But I see other people tend to be shy in class and don't have really anyone to associate with. So if you don't have many friends going to the same uni as you it tends to get difficult (although there are some people who are completely fine being alone
). Nonetheless, people are kind once you get to know them and you can find similar interests really quick.
Learning
I am sure you have heard this many times and it is true. University professors will not force you to study, hence you need to be motivated yourself to study and tackle your assignments either by yourself or connections that you already have or you make in class or at uni. Each degree has different ways in which they teach students and the assignments (i.e Some business degrees and subjects have regular quizzes and in class tests on a weekly basis compared to criminology or science degrees where there are reflections and quizzes on a fortnightly basis).
Uni Clubs/Societies
Clubs are where the most fun is at (at least in my perspective once you attend them either with friends or people you are comfortable with). Many clubs at wsu hold regular weekly events which range from 1-4 hours (although the clubs/societies at wsu are not partnered with the ones at other unis, the executives still to their best to make it worth while for students). Yearly events and parties are also fun with free drinks, music and the vibes are the best.
Most universities have some form of club portal, wsu has WesternLife which is where you can officially join clubs, sign up to events (where there would be information about them). So from here you can sign up to various clubs and events
Attendance & Timetable selection
Attendance requirements fluctuates between universities and degrees. At wsu you have some degrees require compulsory attendance (the minimum attendance rate required should be around 80% (from what I know)), however, at all uni's you are given the opportunity to make your own timetable (compared to high school where you are given one). You are able to set up your timetable in a manner that may sometimes require you to go to uni once or twice a week which is completely beneficial because then you can allocate time to work, study, family time, hobbies, and other activities that you prefer.
Assignments/Assessments and Subject Marks
I sort of touch on this in the 'Learning' paragraph but I'll elaborate more. Assignments and assessments vary across degrees such as law having take home 24 hour exams (open book) or on campus handwritten exams (open book as well) compared to science degrees which tend to have essays, quizzes & reflections. But when it comes to final marks for each subject it is somewhat similar to the hsc (not in terms of scaling or anything more so in how it is accumulated). Some degrees and subjects have 50 marks for quizzes, assignments/assessments and then the final exam is 50 marks itself (similar to hsc 50% internals and 50% externals). It is best for you to maximise as many marks as possible for the 50 marks for quizes & assignments/assessments as it would only then require you to try less for the final exam when trying to aim for a HD (a mark of 85 and above see below for the way marks get categorised)
Grade | Notation | % | Descriptors |
---|
High Distinction | H | 100-85 | Work of outstanding quality, broadly speaking, which may be demonstrated by means of criticism, logical argument, interpretation of materials or use of methodology. This grade may also be given to recognise particular originality or creativity. |
Distinction | D | 84-75 | Work of superior quality demonstrating a sound grasp of content, together with efficient organisation and selectivity. |
Credit | C | 74-65 | Work of good quality showing more than satisfactory achievement. |
Pass | P | 64-50 | Work showing satisfactory achievement. |
Satisfactory | S | | Student has met defined criteria at an appropriate level within a specified time.
Only used for ungraded assessments. |
Fail | F | 49-0 | Unsatisfactory performance |
Unsatisfactory | U | | Student has not met defined criteria at an appropriate level within a specified time.
Only used for ungraded assessments. |
Practicum Fail | PF | | Student has failed to satisfy criteria for practicum assessment and will not progress further in the subject (and program if the subject is compulsory). A PF grade must be approved by Head of School and submitted with supporting documentation. |
Compulsory Fail | CF | | Student has failed a threshold assessment component(s) of the subject other than the practicum, but has achieved a total mark of 50 or more for the subject. |
Withdrawn (without academic penalty) | W | | Student provides evidence of serious illness or misadventure experienced after the relevant census date. |
Fail Non Submission | FNS | | Student has not officially withdrawn from the subject and has not completed one or more of the mandatory assessment requirements for the subject, as specified in the Learning Guide. |
For example, if you get 48/50 for assignments (hence your 'internals') then you would only need to get 37/50 for the final exam which gets you a flat 85 which is a High Distinction (HD). (Note: there is no difference between a 95 HD and an 85 HD - they are considered the same)
Overall, there are many aspects that uni is different from high school (i.e social life, sports, opportunities, internships, support services etc). But you just have to try your best and find out what works best for you.
Hope this helps