Looking to boost your ATAR in 2025? This KIS Academics guide breaks down the 2024 HSC scaling report, explaining how scaling works and which subjects performed best. Learn how subjects like Mathematics Extension 2, Physics, and English Advanced are scaled, and discover actionable tips on subject selection, study strategies, and exam preparation to help you maximise your ATAR in 2025. Perfect for students planning their Year 11 and 12 studies.
What Is Scaling?
Scaling is the process used by the University Admissions Centre (UAC) to standardise marks across different HSC subjects to ensure fairness when calculating the ATAR. Different subjects have varying levels of difficulty and competitiveness, so scaling adjusts raw HSC marks to account for these differences. The goal is to ensure that a student’s ATAR reflects their performance relative to other students, regardless of the subjects they chose.
How Scaling Works:
- Raw HSC Marks: These are the marks you receive for your HSC assessments and exams.
- Aligned Marks: NESA adjusts your raw marks to align with performance bands (e.g., Band 6 for scores above 90).
- Scaled Marks: UAC applies scaling to aligned marks, adjusting them based on subject difficulty and the performance of students in those subjects.
Manoj Arachige
Key Trends from the 2024 Scaling Report
The 2024 scaling report highlighted several important trends:
- STEM Subjects Continue to Scale Well: Subjects like Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Physics, and Chemistry maintained high scaling due to the strong performance of students who typically choose these courses. For example, Mathematics Extension 2 had an average scaled score of 92.3, while Physics recorded an average of 81.7, reflecting the high calibre of students in these courses.
- English Advanced vs. Standard: English Advanced once again scaled significantly higher than English Standard. In 2024, the average scaled score for English Advanced was 80.5 compared to 70.2 for English Standard, making Advanced a better choice for students aiming for a competitive ATAR.
- Languages and Continuers: Many language subjects scaled well, particularly those studied by smaller, high-performing cohorts. For instance, French Continuers had an average scaled score of 85.4, while beginner courses, such as Japanese Beginners, averaged 72.6, highlighting the performance gap.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Economics and Legal Studies remained strong performers, with Economics achieving an average scaled score of 79.3 and Legal Studies 76.5. Meanwhile, Modern History and Ancient History saw moderate scaling, with average scores of 73.2 and 70.8, respectively.
- Practical Subjects: Subjects like Visual Arts and Drama often scale lower. In 2024, Visual Arts had an average scaled score of 66.4, while Drama scored slightly higher at 68.7. However, if these align with your strengths, they can still contribute positively to your ATAR.
How to Interpret the Scaling Report
The scaling report is a detailed document showing how each subject was adjusted in the scaling process. To make sense of it:
- Focus on the Average Scaled Score: This indicates how well students performed in the subject after scaling.
- Look at the Cohort Strength: Subjects with stronger cohorts generally scale better.
- Check Your Strengths: High scaling doesn’t guarantee success if the subject isn’t your strength. Play to your academic abilities.
Tips to Maximise Your ATAR in 2025
1. Choose Subjects Strategically:
- Pick subjects that scale well but also align with your strengths and interests. A strong performance in a moderately scaled subject often outweighs a poor performance in a high-scaling one.
- Consider taking at least one high-scaling subject, like Mathematics Extension or Physics, if you’re confident in your abilities.
2. Focus on Your Weaknesses Early:
- Identify your weakest subjects and dedicate extra time to improving them. Consistency in all subjects is critical for a high ATAR.
- Seek tutoring or additional resources for challenging areas.
3. Develop Effective Study Habits:
- Use techniques like spaced repetition and active recall to retain information better.
- Plan your study schedule using the SMART goal framework to ensure efficient time management.
4. Stay Consistent Across All Subjects:
- Your ATAR is calculated from your top 10 units. This means even your lower-scaling subjects can significantly impact your ATAR if you score well.
5. Prepare for High-Impact Assessments:
- Excelling in assessments that contribute heavily to your HSC mark can make a substantial difference. Practice past papers and focus on improving exam techniques.
Get personalised support from expert tutors who understand HSC scaling and strategy. Book a free trial lesson with KIS Academics today and start studying smarter, not harder!
Popular Subjects: Scaling Insights for 2025
- Mathematics Extension 1 & 2: High scaling but requires mastery. Focus on problem-solving skills and consistent practice.
- English Advanced: Essential for strong scaling. Prioritise essay writing and textual analysis.
- Economics: Scales well, especially for high performers. Stay updated on current events and refine your data interpretation skills.
- Biology vs. Chemistry: Chemistry typically scales better but is more challenging. Choose based on your aptitude and career goals.
- Legal Studies: A mid-scaling subject with high utility for students interested in law and humanities. Focus on case studies and essay practice.
Final Thoughts
Maximising your ATAR requires a combination of strategic subject selection, consistent effort, and smart study techniques. While scaling is an essential factor, remember that your interest and aptitude in a subject are just as important. By aligning your strengths with the insights from the 2024 scaling report, you can set yourself up for success in 2025.
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
1. Does choosing high-scaling subjects guarantee a higher ATAR?
Not necessarily. While high-scaling subjects can boost your ATAR, your individual performance matters most. A strong mark in a lower-scaling subject can contribute more than a weak mark in a high-scaling one. Choose subjects that align with your strengths.
2. How many units should I take in Year 12 to maximise my ATAR?
You need a minimum of 10 units, but many students take 11 or 12 to give themselves flexibility. Taking extra units allows you to drop your weakest subject, but only if you can manage the workload without compromising performance.
3. Is it better to choose subjects I enjoy or ones that scale well?
Ideally, a mix of both. Enjoying a subject often leads to better results, which is more valuable than struggling in a high-scaling course. Aim to choose subjects that you’re both interested in and confident you can perform well in.
Want more personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor, Subham Pyakuryal. Subham is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce/Advanced Studies at USYD. You can view Subham’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
