The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) can be a confusing concept for many high school students in Western Australia. It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed when trying to understand how your scores will shape your future. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down for you! This guide will explain what the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is, how your scores are converted into an ATAR, and provide practical tips to help you succeed in your journey. Let’s dive in!
What is WACE?
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is the official certification awarded to students who successfully complete their senior secondary education in WA. It’s the first step toward achieving an ATAR.
To earn your WACE, you need to meet specific requirements:
- Breadth and Depth: You must complete a minimum of 20 units across Year 11 and Year 12. These must include at least 10 Year 12 units. You’ll also need to complete courses from both List A (arts, languages, and social sciences) and List B (mathematics, science, and technology).
- Achievement Standard: Achieve a minimum grade of C in at least 14 units across Years 11 and 12, with at least six of these units in Year 12.
- Literacy and Numeracy: Meet the minimum standard in literacy and numeracy, either through the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) or by achieving Band 8 or above in your Year 9 NAPLAN.
WACE is essentially your ticket to university eligibility, so meeting these requirements is crucial.
How Are WACE Scores Converted into an ATAR?
Your ATAR is essentially a ranking, not a score. It compares your academic performance to other students across Australia and gives you a percentile rank from 0.00 to 99.95. But how do your WACE results translate into this rank?
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Raw Exam Scores: After sitting your ATAR courses, you receive raw scores for each subject. These are the initial marks you achieved.
- Moderation and Scaling: Your raw scores are moderated and scaled by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to account for differences in subject difficulty. For example, if a subject is considered more challenging, scaling ensures that students are not disadvantaged.
- Best Four Scores: Your top four scaled scores are added together to calculate your Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA).
- Conversion to ATAR: Your TEA is then compared to all other students’ TEAs in WA and converted into an ATAR percentile. For instance, an ATAR of 85 means you performed better than 85% of students in your cohort.
Example Calculation
Let’s say your scaled scores in your top four WACE ATAR subjects are:
- English: 78
- Chemistry: 84
- Mathematics Methods: 91
- Biology: 80
Your TEA is the sum of these four scores: 78 + 84 + 91 + 80 = 333.
TISC will then use your TEA to determine your ATAR based on the ranking of all students. If 333 corresponds to the 90th percentile, your ATAR will be 90.00.
To explore your own scenarios, check out the KIS Academics WACE ATAR Calculator and experiment with different score combinations!
Why Does Scaling Matter?
Scaling is a critical part of the ATAR calculation process. It ensures that students are not disadvantaged by taking more challenging subjects. For instance, high-level subjects like Physics or Specialist Mathematics might scale higher compared to general subjects. This adjustment ensures fairness across the board, allowing students to focus on subjects they’re genuinely interested in without worrying about being penalized.
Tips for Choosing Subjects and Staying Organised
Your subject selection and study habits play a huge role in achieving your ATAR goals. Here are some tips to help:
Choosing the Right Subjects
- Play to Your Strengths: Select subjects you enjoy and excel in. You’re more likely to stay motivated and achieve higher marks.
- Keep Your Options Open: Choose a mix of List A and List B subjects to ensure you meet WACE requirements.
- Consider Scaling: While it’s important to pick subjects you’re good at, keep in mind how scaling might affect your final scores.
Study and Organisation Tips
- Create a Study Schedule: Plan your time effectively and stick to a consistent study routine.
- Practice Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with exam formats and identify areas to improve.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek support from teachers, tutors, or friends if you’re struggling.
- Prioritise Balance: While academics are important, don’t forget to take breaks, stay active, and look after your mental health. A healthy mind leads to better learning outcomes.
For tailored support, consider connecting with a KIS Academics Tutor who can help you excel in your subjects and prepare for success.
FAQs
What is the minimum ATAR required for university entry in WA?
Most universities in WA require a minimum ATAR of 70 for standard entry. However, alternative pathways and bridging courses are available if your ATAR falls short.
How can I improve my scaled scores?
Focus on subjects you perform well in and ensure consistent effort throughout the year. Practice exams, seek feedback from teachers, and consider additional tutoring if needed.
What happens if I don’t meet WACE requirements?
If you don’t meet WACE requirements, you won’t receive your certificate or qualify for an ATAR. However, alternative pathways, such as TAFE or foundation programs, can help you achieve your goals.
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE, Simran Vaishnav. Simran is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at Bond University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Simran's profile here and request her as a tutor.
