There’s plenty of debate around the “perfect” combination of HSC subjects to maximise your ATAR — and we’re here to break it all down. The truth is: there is no magic formula. Every student is different, and your subject selection should reflect that.
Let’s walk through how to choose the right subjects for you — with real, practical advice (not just what your older cousin did five years ago).
📚 A Quick Breakdown of HSC Units
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand how HSC subjects and units work:
- English is compulsory and will definitely count towards your ATAR. You’ll choose between Standard and Advanced, and possibly Extension English.
- Your ATAR is calculated from 10 units: your two English units plus your best 8 units from your other subjects.
- In Year 11, you need to take at least 12 units. Most students drop to 10 units in Year 12. If you’re taking a 1-unit subject (like Extension), you can drop to 11 units instead.
- There’s no right or wrong number of units in Year 12 — it depends on whether you prefer a buffer or want to focus on fewer subjects.
Manoj Arachige
💡 Choose Subjects That Actually Interest You
We’ve all heard it: “Choose subjects you enjoy.” But it’s not just a cliché — it’s the truth.
The HSC is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re not at least somewhat interested in your subjects, burnout becomes a real risk. Studying something you enjoy makes it easier to stay motivated, especially when things get tough.
So before you ask “What scales well?”, ask this instead: “What will I enjoy studying for the next two years?”
Manoj Arachige
🎓 Consider University Prerequisites (But Don’t Let Them Rule Your Life)
Some university courses have prerequisites (e.g., Advanced Maths for Engineering, Chemistry for Medicine), while others have assumed knowledge — meaning you’re expected to know the content but it’s not mandatory.
A few key points:
- Check the course prerequisites for universities you’re considering (especially USyd — they love their prerequisites).
- If you really don’t want to study a subject for two years just to “keep your options open”, don’t force it.
- Bridging courses are available after Year 12, but they’re very intense (think: two years of content in two weeks).
Bottom line? Don’t commit to a subject you dislike just because you might need it. You have options.
🧠 Play to Your Strengths
This seems obvious — but it's often overlooked.
If you’ve done well in a subject area in earlier years, that’s a good sign you’ll continue to do well in the HSC. For example:
- If you’ve always been strong in science, go for Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.
- If essay writing is your thing, consider Modern History, Legal Studies, or Extension English.
🎨 Aim for Diversity in Your Subjects
Studying all sciences? Or just humanities? Try mixing it up.
Doing a range of subjects (e.g. one essay-heavy, one practical, one mathematical) keeps your workload varied and more manageable. You’re less likely to get overwhelmed when no two subjects feel exactly the same.
And don’t be afraid of creative or major work subjects (like Drama, Visual Arts, or Extension 2 English). While they take time, they can also provide a mental break from exams and essays.
🚫 Don’t Try to Game the System
You’ve probably heard about scaling — the idea that some subjects “scale better” than others. While this is partly true, it only really matters if you don’t perform well.
If you’re good at a subject and enjoy it, you’ll do well — and scaling won’t be a problem. On the other hand, picking a subject just because it scales well can backfire badly if you struggle with it.
One tip: if you’re unsure between Standard and Advanced Maths or English, try starting with Advanced — you can always move down early if needed. But the reverse is much harder later on.
📊 Be Realistic About Your Workload
Extension subjects might only be one unit, but that doesn’t mean they’re half the work. They usually involve a full 2-hour exam and deeper content.
So think carefully about how much time and energy you can realistically commit across the year. Taking too many heavy subjects might leave you stretched thin — and stressed.
Manoj Arachige
✅ Final Thoughts: Your HSC, Your Rules
There’s no “perfect” subject combo. Focus on:
- What interests you
- What you’re good at
- What’s required for your future goals
And remember: you’re allowed to change your mind. Year 11 is the time to try things out. You’ll learn quickly what’s manageable and what you enjoy.
If you're looking for more personalised help choosing subjects or tackling the HSC, our KIS Academics tutors are here to help. We offer tailored support, study resources, and subject-specific tutoring to help you feel confident going into Year 11 and 12.
👉 Book a free study skills consultation with a KIS Academics tutor today and set yourself up for success.
FAQs
What subjects should I choose to get a high ATAR?
There’s no single combination that guarantees a high ATAR. The key is to choose subjects that you enjoy and are good at. Consistent effort and strong performance in your chosen subjects matter more than simply choosing "high scaling" ones.
What is subject scaling and should I worry about it?
Scaling adjusts subject marks to account for differences in difficulty across courses. However, it only really impacts you if you perform poorly. If you do well in a subject, scaling typically works in your favour — so focus on your strengths.
Do universities care about which HSC subjects I take?
Sometimes. Certain degrees require prerequisites or assumed knowledge (e.g., Maths Extension for Engineering, Chemistry for Medicine). It’s best to check the course requirements for any unis you’re considering — especially at places like the University of Sydney.
How many units should I take in Year 11 and 12?
You must take at least 12 units in Year 11. Most students drop to 10 or 11 units in Year 12. Some prefer the safety net of extra subjects, while others want to focus deeply on a smaller set. There’s no right answer — it depends on your study habits and workload.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
