When it comes to Year 11 and 12 in Western Australia, one of the most common questions students ask is: “Which subjects scale the best for WACE ATAR?”
The truth is that not all subjects contribute equally to your ATAR. That’s where scaling comes in. Scaling ensures fairness between subjects, but it also means some subjects end up counting more than others.
This blog will explain how scaling works in WA and outline the best scaling WACE ATAR subjects for 2025.
Still unsure which WACE subjects will give you the best chance at your dream ATAR? At KIS Academics, our experienced WA tutors can help you choose wisely, plan strategically, and succeed in Years 11 and 12. Book a free consultation today and take the stress out of ATAR planning!
How Scaling Works in WA
The scaling process is handled by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC). Its goal is to make sure your ATAR fairly reflects your performance, no matter which subjects you take.
Here’s the process in simple terms:
- Students receive raw exam and school marks for their subjects.
- TISC compares how students in each subject perform across all their other subjects.
- If a subject attracts high-achieving students (like Specialist Maths), it tends to scale up.
- If a subject has a weaker cohort on average, it tends to scale down.
👉 Important: scaling doesn’t change your school report mark—it only affects how much your subject contributes to your ATAR.
The Best Scaling WACE ATAR Subjects (2025)
1. Mathematics Specialist
- The strongest scaling subject in WA.
- Taken alongside Methods, it’s essential for advanced maths, physics, and engineering pathways.
- Even average results in Specialist often contribute more than strong results in lower-scaling subjects.
2. Mathematics Methods
- The “core” maths subject required for many university courses.
- Scales well due to a strong cohort and heavy problem-solving focus.
3. Physics
- Consistently a strong scaling science.
- Highly recommended for students interested in engineering, physical sciences, or advanced STEM fields.
4. Chemistry
- Scales strongly, especially since it’s a prerequisite for medicine, pharmacy, and many health sciences.
- Often preferred over Biology in terms of scaling strength.
5. Literature
- While all students must take an English subject, Literature generally scales better than ATAR English because it attracts stronger cohorts.
- Choose it if you enjoy reading, analysis, and writing.
6. Other Sciences (Biology, Psychology, Human Biology)
- Biology and Human Biology are popular but typically scale lower than Chemistry or Physics.
- Psychology has grown in popularity and can scale moderately well depending on the year’s cohort.
Key Reminder: Scaling Isn’t Everything
It’s tempting to choose only high-scaling subjects, but this can backfire.
- A high raw score in a moderate-scaling subject contributes more than a low score in a high-scaling subject.
- Passion and confidence matter—choosing subjects you enjoy usually leads to better results.
- Don’t ignore university prerequisites—Methods, Chemistry, or English may be essential for your desired degree.
How to Choose Your WACE Subjects Wisely
- Check prerequisites – Look at the requirements for your preferred university courses.
- Play to your strengths – Pick subjects you’re confident in, not just the ones that scale high.
- Balance your choices – A mix of passion, prerequisites, and scaling awareness is best.
- Get expert advice – Career advisors, teachers, and tutoring services like KIS Academics can help you plan strategically.
Final Thoughts
Scaling is a big factor in ATAR success, but it’s only part of the picture. While subjects like Specialist Maths, Methods, Chemistry, and Physics often scale the best in WA, the smartest strategy is to pick subjects that you enjoy and perform well in—because strong raw marks will always beat weak results in “high scaling” subjects.
Looking for more study tips to get through WACE? Check out more of our WACE study guides.
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
Does scaling mean my school grade changes?
No—your raw marks stay the same. Scaling only affects how they’re weighted in ATAR calculations.
Is Specialist Maths worth it just for scaling?
Only if you’re confident in maths. A weak score in Specialist can drag your ATAR down.
Which English subject should I choose?
Literature usually scales higher, but choose the English subject that best suits your skills.
Can Applied/VET subjects count towards ATAR?
No. Only ATAR courses contribute directly to your ATAR.
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