Should I use ATAR Calculators?

As you near the end of your final year 12 exams, the ATAR becomes a closer reality. Like many, you might have come across the old trusty ATAR calculator: an online tool that predicts your final ATAR based on your expected marks in each subject you are studying. If you're still unsure about what exactly the ATAR is, check out this comprehensive article where we dive deep into the intricacies of the ATAR score.

Now, on to the topic of the day … what is an ATAR calculator? How do they work? Are they even accurate? Which calculator should you use?

Table of Content:

• What is an ATAR Calculator?
• How do they work?
• Where do ATAR Calculators get their data from?
• What is the Best ATAR Calculator?
• What to do with the Estimated ATAR you get?
• FAQs

What is an ATAR calculator?

An ATAR calculator is an online tool that predicts your final ATAR based on expected marks. While there are many calculators on the market, most have two simple functions:

1. Calculating your ATAR from either your HSC or VCE marks
2. Calculating the marks needed to obtain your desired ATAR

In each case, the numbers are based on data from previous cohorts, and are therefore only estimations. It is important to remember that the ATAR calculator is not a crystal ball that perfectly predicts your ATAR. It is a useful tool to provide some clarity about your position, but should only be used as a rough guide.

How do they work?

When using the calculator, you can enter your subjects and the marks you expect (or wish) to obtain. The calculator will then generate a predicted ATAR by comparing the scores you input with data from previous years.

Alternatively, you can start with your ATAR goal and work backwards, entering the marks you believe are attainable and comparing those to target marks that generate your ATAR goal.

If you are using the tool prior to completing exams, it is important that you focus on strengthening the subjects that need improvement. The calculator can be very helpful in realising that incremental improvements in each subject can significantly boost your ATAR overall.

Where do ATAR Calculators get their data from?

The calculations come from historical data based on previous scaling reports. Many calculators will use the data from the previous year to estimate the ATAR you might have received in that year with your current results. With this in mind, you must remember that scaling changes each year based on the performance of the cohort in a given subject.

Another factor that adds to the ambiguity is that you don’t yet know your external exam marks when you are punching the numbers into the calculator. External marks are obviously based on how you perform on the day, so they may very well be higher or lower than your current internal marks. Since you are predicting those external marks, the data obviously will not be bang on.

So, the calculator will not produce a perfectly accurate result, but it will give you an good indication of what your final ATAR might be.

What is the Best ATAR Calculator?

As you have likely discovered by now, there are many calculators out there, some of which might generate slightly different results (even if that is only 0.5 of a point). Since 0.5 can indeed determine whether or not you make it into your dream university course, it might be useful to use a few different calculators and compare the results.

You can try KIS Academics' ATAR calculator here !

What to do with the Estimated ATAR you get?

As you punch those numbers in, it is important that you do not remain complacent, even if the calculator indicates that you’ve got this in the bag. In the same breath, do not let it stress you out if the calculator indicates that more work is needed to receive your desired ATAR.

Remember, the valuable time you spend entering (or stressing about) marks can be better used actually studying for your subjects. While the ATAR calculator might help to motivate you and set individual subject goals, it has no use unless you actually use that motivation to study and improve your results.

If you do feel you need help with how to study for a particular subject, you can book a free 30 minute study skills consultation with a KIS Academics tutor.

Conclusion

So, you can continue to use the ATAR calculator, but remember that its calculations are by no means perfect. While helpful in offering some sense of guidance, the calculator is only there to provide a general indication of your results. Do not be too focused on it, and instead, be focused on what you have control over.

For more study resources and tips, check out these KIS Academics articles:

FAQs

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