This paper discusses the trial of Portfolio Entry, an alternative method of entry to the University of South Australia for year 12 students. In 2004 the University invited ten schools in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, a region with one of the lowest rates of university participation in Australia, to trial a student selection process involving the development of a portfolio of evidence for consideration for entry in 2005. The evidence was required to address a set of specified entry criteria which demonstrate potential for success at university. The paper outlines the rationale for the approach in terms of the literature, describes the rigorous design of Portfolio Entry and reports on the results of the trial and its evaluation.

Keywords: university participation, socio-economic disadvantage, equity