Wondering about the recent HSC ATAR results and how the class of 2022 performed? Or looking for some information about ATAR and ATAR scaling? This article is your one-stop destination for all things ATAR and HSC tutoring. Read on as I break down some pretty important concepts about ATAR scaling and HSC tutoring.
2022 HSC ATAR results
The 2022 HSC ATAR results came out at 9 am on 15th December 2022. Newspapers and social media platforms were full of stories of success. These stories were of students who achieved the ‘perfect ATAR’. Furthermore, were stories of the remarkable resilience shown by the students despite the numerous challenges thrown their way including Covid-19, online learning and the floods which affected several schools in NSW.
The announcement of the ATAR results was welcomed by many students, especially after the unwarranted stress and pressure on already burnt-out students due to the early leaking of the HSC results. If you're interested in brushing up more on exactly how the ATAR works, here is a comprehensive ATAR guide.
Facts and Figures on ATAR results.
- ATARs were awarded to a total of 54,308 students in 2022, which was 533 less than the 2021 results.
- The ratio of male to female ATAR-eligible students was 47% to 53%, maintaining the same gender balance as in 2021.
- The median ATAR was 71.25, which was somewhat higher than the previous year. Males had a median ATAR of 69.85 while girls had a median ATAR of 72.45.
- 17.7% of the students had an ATAR of 90.00 or above, compared to 35.2% who had at least an 80.00, 52.1% who had at least a 70.00, and 67.8% who had at least 60.00.
- 48 students achieved a perfect score of 99.95.
- Of the 48 students with the highest ATAR of 99.95, 19 were female and 29 were male. They were enrolled in a variety of government and non-government institutions and pursued a diverse range of subjects. The courses that have been taken by these students contained 36 different courses out of the 115 courses offered.
- 1,412 students were recognized on the ‘All-round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 780 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
How to find your ATAR result?
You can access your ATAR via the official UAC website. You'll need your Year 12 student number and UAC PIN.
Your Year 12 student number: Your 8-digit student number was issued to you by NESA. If you've lost it, call NESA on 1300 13 83 23.
Your UAC PIN: Your 4-digit UAC PIN will be emailed to you. It is different to your HSC PIN. If you've lost your UAC PIN, contact UAC.
When you view your ATAR you’ll see a list of the ATAR courses you studied, their category, and the number of units of each ATAR course that contributed to the calculation of your ATAR.
You'll also be able to download and save your official ATAR Advice Notice for free until 12 March 2023.
ATAR Scaling explained
The HSC gives a range of subjects for students to choose from. Each student makes chooses a different set of subjects based on their interests. However, comparing the HSC results of these students with each other despite having different subjects is not fair.
Let me break this down with a simple example. Comparing 1 Euro and $1 does not make sense right? That’s because they are two different currencies and have different values. But we can surely compare them by using exchange rates as in this case we scale each currency in a way that it has the same value.
Similarly, the process of scaling is done so that the mean and distribution of marks obtained in the course are consistent with the mean that students obtain in all the HSC subjects. Scaling's guiding idea is that selecting one study method over another shouldn't provide you with an advantage or a disadvantage. The scaling method is done based on the overall performance of the cohort in the particular subject.
Your ATAR will be calculated using your scaled marks rather than your HSC scores; good HSC marks do not always convert to high-scaled values. Your scaled mark will be lower than your HSC mark for the majority of subjects. Your place in the course and the scaled mean for that subject will both have an impact on your scaled mark for that course.
While some subjects like Mathematics Extension 2 get scaled up, that doesn’t guarantee a higher ATAR. No subject will guarantee you a high ATAR, and no subject will condemn you to a low ATAR. Our advice is to start thinking about what you enjoy and what inspires you. For further information on choosing the right HSC subjects refer to this link.
Once you get your ATAR you can compare your ATAR with the state and also see how well the state’s top scorers have done using the preliminary report on scaling of 2022 (). A more detailed analysis with comparisons will be published in May 2023.
For more information on how ATAR works for HSC students, refer to this link
How can I calculate my ATAR?
In NSW, the ATAR is calculated from the scaled marks scored in 2 units of English (even if they are your lowest units) plus the next best 8 units (to make 10 units in total). The scaled marks in these subjects are added to find your total mark out of 500. Then the whole cohort’s performance is ranked based on each student’s score out of 500. Your ATAR is a rank as a percentage of your cohort.
This link provides more information about the NSW year 12 ATAR system.
You can calculate your ATAR using an ATAR calculator. An ATAR calculator is an online tool that predicts your final ATAR. While there are many calculators online, most have two simple functions:
- Calculating your ATAR from your HSC marks
- Calculating the marks needed to obtain your desired ATAR
In each case, the numbers are based on scaling data from previous cohorts and are therefore only estimations. Although the tool is useful to provide some clarity about where you are sitting, ATAR calculators should only be used as a rough guide.
NOTE- Scaled marks are not provided to students.
Read our blog post ‘Should I be using an ATAR calculator?’ for further information about using this tool
But don't let all this information stress you out! At the end of the day, your mental health is what counts - check out our tips on how to destress during your HSC years.
Is HSC Tutoring important?
This is for those who might be thinking- How can I maximize my potential and score well in my HSC exams and score a top ATAR? Well, try HSC tutoring. HSC tutors can be very helpful as they can direct you to the right path. Tutoring offers a unique and individualized learning experience that improves study habits and improves academic performance.
Moreover, tutors also play the role of mentors and would help you in balancing your study/social life and might also help in your journey beyond ATAR including choosing subjects at university and taking care of your mental health.
At KIS, we provide you with the best tutors who have achieved the top ATARs with a passion to help out other students. While you work hard to achieve your goals, remember that your ATAR is not your identity. Your strengths and capabilities extend far beyond what can be formally assessed. KIS is here to support you on your Year 12 HSC journey.
If you are interested in tutoring for 2023, here is a link to our Find a Tutor page-. Here is an infographic giving some statistics about private tutoring.
FAQs
How do I access my HSC result and ATAR result?
HSC results will be delivered via email and text message. You will also be able to access your results by logging in to your Students Online account. Your HSC credentials will include an HSC Testamur, a Record of Achievement detailing your Year 12, 11 and 10 results, and personalised course reports for relevant HSC courses. You can also download your free VET credentials.
ATAR results can be accessed through the UAC website. You'll need your Year 12 student number and UAC PIN.
Ok! Now what is ATAR and how is it different from my HSC result?
Pretty confusing? Let’s break this down further...
While both HSC marks and ATARs are derived from raw examination marks and moderated school assessments, they are calculated separately and are two very different measures of achievement. HSC marks provide a measure of your performance against performance bands. The HSC results are used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to calculate a rank order of students known as the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
The ATAR is not a mark, nor is it a summary of the HSC. It is a ranking system used to allocate university placements. So an ATAR of 80 doesn’t mean you got 80 per cent – it means that you’re in the top 20 per cent of your year group. The ATAR ranks you among your entire age group (i.e. you're ranked among all 16 to 20-year-olds in NSW). For example, if you are enrolled in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics (methods), the ATAR would rank your performance in the HSC exam among all the students in your age group in the state irrespective of the subjects they have chosen. This is done by scaling your HSC results so that the ATAR calculation is fair.
This link provides more information on the importance of internal exam marks in your HSC result (HSC Internal ranks blog).
Is tutoring online worth it?
The truth is that it depends on the student's requirements and preferences. For some people, in-person tutoring is necessary to retain motivation, focus, and a positive relationship with the tutors. Others may still be able to benefit from these advantages as well as the improved convenience, flexibility, and choice that come with online coaching. We have a separate blog post enlisting the pros and cons of online tutoring.
"Written by KIS Academics Tutor Aakrati Sathish Shetty. Aakrati tutors primary and secondary students in science, mathematics and English. She also tutors high school students in the following subjects- Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Aakrati is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Aakrati's profile and request her as a tutor."
