Decoding the ATAR: Understanding Australia’s University Entrance Ranking

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a number that shows how well a student did in their last year of high school, compared to other students. It’s used in Australia to help universities decide who gets into their courses.

The ATAR score ranges from 0 to 99.95, with higher numbers meaning a student performed better. For example, if you get an ATAR of 80, it means you performed better than 80% of students. Different university courses ask for different ATARs, so the higher your score, the more options you might have.

Understanding how the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is calculated can be confusing for many students and parents. In this blog post, we’ll break down the process in simple terms, explain the role of scaling, and how students are ranked against their peers. 

How Is the ATAR Calculated? 

Your ATAR is based on your best five subjects. This usually includes English, which is a requirement, and four other subjects that you’ve chosen to study. Your final marks in these subjects will be used to work out your score. The idea is that you are judged on the subjects where you perform the best, so if you do well in five subjects, it will help boost your final ATAR score.

This might seem straightforward, but not all subjects are treated equally. To make the process fairer for all students, your marks are adjusted through a process called “scaling.” Scaling takes into account that some subjects are harder than others. For example, a subject like advanced mathematics might be seen as more challenging than a general subject. Because of this, students who take more difficult subjects may see their marks scaled up. Students in easier subjects, on the other hand, might have their marks scaled down. 

Why Are Subjects Scaled?

Scaling doesn’t mean one subject is better than the other, but it’s a way to balance things out. So even if you score well in an easier subject, it might not contribute as much to your ATAR as a more challenging subject that’s scaled up. The goal is to ensure students from different schools or with different subject choices are compared fairly.

Another key factor is how well you do compared to other students. Your ATAR isn’t just about your marks; it’s about your rank. This means even if you get a high score in your subjects, if many other students also get high scores, your ATAR could be lower. ATAR ranks you against all other students, so it’s about where you stand compared to others in the same year.  it’s not just your marks but also how well everyone else performs that affects your final ATAR.

Tips To Maximise Your ATAR

  • Choose the right subjects: Pick subjects you enjoy and do well in, but also keep in mind which ones are scaled higher. Doing well in challenging subjects can help your score.
  • Stay consistent: Consistent effort throughout the year helps. Final exams are important, but your performance all year counts.
  • Focus on strengths: Play to your strengths. Work hard in subjects where you’re naturally good to boost your overall score.
  • Time management: Create a study plan, balance your workload, and avoid burnout by taking regular breaks and staying organised.
  • Practice exams: Doing past papers can help you prepare and get familiar with exam formats, which can boost your performance on the day.

How Tutor Doctor Can Help With the ATAR

Our tutors can assist with subject selection to ensure students choose the best subjects for them, based on their abilities and interests. Through our individual learning programs, we can pinpoint areas where students need improvement and provide personalised support. 

We also teach time management and help students set goals, ensuring they’re better prepared for their final exams. Working with our tutors helps students develop the academic discipline required to achieve an excellent ATAR.

Contact us for a free home consultation today!