Your mother is right. You should always try to aim for a masters, however if money is an issue you should reconsider and/or contact the University about the issue. Good luck _rakeIt.
I don't believe COVID will change the ATAR drastically. International Students will usually get exemptions regardless; so just ring up the University themselves and ask them yourself.
anondudu, what is the suggested word-limit? If it is below 3500 words, choose a specific topic and not a broad essay question. If it is over then be careful to choose a topic that isn't too broad. The more concise the question the easier and better. The Tulsa massacre would be an interesting...