What were the Best Scaling WACE ATAR Subjects in 2025?

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.

Table Of Contents:

• How Does WACE ATAR Scaling Work In Western Australia?
• The Best Scaling WACE ATAR Subjects (2025)
• How To Select WACE ATAR Subjects Wisely?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

How Does WACE ATAR Scaling Work In Western Australia?

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.

The Best Scaling WACE ATAR Subjects (2025)

1. Specialist Mathematics

• The highest 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 highly, 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 higher than 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 Select WACE ATAR Subjects Wisely?

1. Check prerequisites: Look at the requirements for your preferred university courses.
2. Play to your strengths: Pick subjects you’re confident in, not just the ones that scale high.
3. Balance your choices: A mix of passion, prerequisites, and scaling awareness is best.
4. Get expert advice: Career advisors, teachers, and tutoring services like KIS Academics can help you plan strategically. Book a free 30-minute study skills session with a KIS Academics tutor today:

Conclusion

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. After all, strong raw marks will always beat weak results in “high scaling” subjects!

Looking for more study tips to get through WACE? Check our complete WACE Guide or the the following resource! 👇

FAQs

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!