How did QCAA Scale ATAR Subjects in 2023?

Manoj Arachige -

You’ve heard about subject scaling, but how can it make or break your ATAR? How can you use it to your advantage? Let’s take a deep dive into the 2023 scaling report and break it down so we can understand that magic number you get at the end of year 12!

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Article Summary:

- What is Scaling?
- How to Understand the 2023 QCAA Scaling Report?
- FAQs

What is Scaling?

Scaling takes into account how competitive subjects are and what kinds of students do them, then making adjustments so that students are ranked more fairly. If you want a detailed explanation of how scaling works, check out this KIS Academics article:

The ATAR Explained: What is Scaling and How Does It Work?
In this article, we’ll break down what scaling actually is, why it exists, and how it affects your ATAR – so you can make smarter subject choices and study with confidence.
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

It is important to choose subjects based on what you will excel in, regardless of scaling. Using your previous performances across subjects to inform your subject decisions is key. A good tool for working out how to maximize your ATAR is the QCE ATAR Calculator.

ATAR Calculator

How to Understand the 2023 QCAA Scaling Report?

1. The Three subjects with the Most students

  • 26,530 students completed English. In the 50th- 90th percentiles, English scaled upwards.
  • 19,994 students completed General Mathematics, and this subject scaled down across all percentiles. Maths Methods, however, scaled pretty highly even in the lower percentiles:
  • 13, 672 students completed Biology. Across all percentiles, this subject scaled down, but in the higher percentiles it only scaled down by ~4 points:

2. Which Subjects only Scaled Up?

  • Most impressive were the Spanish and Engineering scaling, which both jumped up ~5 points in the 90th percentile!
  • It is worth noting that whilst scores for Arabic scaled up, the 99th percentile of students only received a scaled score of 83.18. Compared to subjects where individuals scored 100, Arabic would be unlikely to contribute positively to an 90+ ATAR score.

3. The Suicide Six

The suicide six subjects are:

The scaled scores for 99th percentile for all of these subjects are pretty high! Competitive students who wish to get the highest ATAR possible tend to do these six subjects, which is why the suicide six scales well. If you’re a competitive academic star, it is likely that you will find these subjects beneficial.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article helps with your scaling questions! If your subject isn’t covered here, you can read the 2023 QCAA scaling report in detail on your own. While some subjects scale well, it is still important to study for them. If you are struggling with some subjects right now, a private tutor from KIS Academics can help you!

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FAQs

Will I get a good ATAR if I choose a Subject that Scaled Up?

  • Not necessarily. You still have to do well in that subject.
  • Do not choose subjects based on how they scale, but on how much you like them, and how good you are at those subjects.
  • That way, you are more motivated to study for them, and can actually perform well to benefit from scaling!

Do subjects always scale the same way?

  • No, subjects scale differently depending on how the cohort performs that year.
  • So just because a subject scales up this year does not mean it will scale up next year too.
  • Take scaling reports as a guide, not a rulebook.

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!