How is your ATAR calculated?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates your position relative to all the students in your age group (ie all 16 to 20 year olds in NSW). So, an ATAR of 80.00 means that you are 20 per cent from the top of your age group (not just your Year 12 group).

To qualify for an ATAR, you must:

• Complete five General subjects, or a mix of four General subjects plus one Applied subject or VET qualification (Certificate III or higher).
• Achieve a minimum grade of C in an English subject (though this may not be used in your ATAR calculation depending on what state you’re in).

How are your results scaled?

Scaling adjusts raw study scores so that students across different subjects are assessed on a level playing field. This makes sure that students and their ATARs are ranked correctly according to their abilities.

High scaling subjects are those that are perceived as more difficult, and consequently, students may receive higher-scaled marks for achieving the same raw mark compared to subjects considered low-scaling. High-scaling subjects often include math extension, physics, chemistry, and certain languages such as Latin.

How to Optimise your ATAR

If your subjects scale well, great for you! But if it doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world. A general misconception about scaling is that it “punishes” students for taking certain subjects. In reality, it is designed to ensure fairness, not to discourage or favour any particular subject.

Don’t pick subjects based on scaling, but based on what you’re realistically good at and interested in. After all, a raw 50 will still be a scaled 50 (or even more!) no matter which subject you take.

To perform well for the ATAR, it's more than just understanding scaling:

• Balance Interest and Strengths: Choose subjects you enjoy and excel at. Passion often translates into better results.
• Check Prerequisites: Many university courses require specific subjects. For example, engineering might need Mathematical Methods and Physics.
• Diversify Your Selection: Opt for a mix of subjects to keep your options open. For instance, combine sciences with a humanities subject to develop a broader skill set.
• Seek Advice: Consult teachers, career counsellors, and even university course guides to make informed decisions. Also, ask older students for insights—they've been through it all and can offer valuable tips.

At KIS Academics, our tutors are all high-achieving ATAR students who are more than happy to share their experiences with you, as well as work with you to achieve your academic goals. Book a tutor with us now