The ATAR, or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, is the golden ticket for high school students looking to enter university. But how is it calculated in Queensland, and what do you need to know to ace your QCE journey? Let’s break it down.
What is the QCE?
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) certifies a student’s senior schooling achievements. To earn a QCE, you need to complete a set amount of learning, at the right standard, in a set pattern, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements. This involves accumulating 20 credits from various subjects, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, or other recognised studies.
Structure of QCE:
- General Subjects: Academically rigorous and contribute to ATAR calculations.
- Applied Subjects: Practical in nature and less academic.
- VET Qualifications: Includes Certificates III or higher.
You can mix and match these options to meet your QCE requirements, but to get an ATAR, the combination needs to meet specific criteria.
ATAR Calculation in Queensland
Your ATAR is not a mark but a percentile rank that compares your overall achievement with other students. For instance, an ATAR of 80.00 means you outperformed 80% of the Year 12 cohort.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an ATAR, you must:
- Complete five General subjects, or a mix of four General subjects plus one Applied subject or VET qualification (Certificate III or higher).
- Achieve a minimum grade of C in an English subject (though this may not be used in your ATAR calculation).
Step 2: Scaled Scores
Each subject has a raw score, but these are scaled to ensure fairness. Scaling accounts for how challenging a subject is based on the performance of students across all subjects. For example, a raw score of 85 in Specialist Mathematics might scale higher than the same score in another subject due to the cohort’s competitiveness.
Step 3: Best Five Subject Aggregate
Your ATAR is derived from your best five scaled scores from eligible inputs. This can include:
- Five General subjects.
- Four General subjects plus one Applied subject or VET qualification.
Step 4: TEA and ATAR Bands
The Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA) is calculated by summing your best five scaled scores. This aggregate is then compared with others to assign you an ATAR. TEA scores typically range from approximately 250 to 500, with higher TEAs placing students in higher ATAR bands. QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) uses this ranking system to assign students into one of 2000 ATAR bands, from 99.95 (highest) to 0.00, with increments of 0.05.
What Does Your ATAR Actually Mean?
Your ATAR is a ranking system, not a reflection of your overall academic percentage. For instance:
- ATAR 99.00: You rank in the top 1% of Year 12 students in Queensland.
- ATAR 80.00: You rank in the top 20% of students.
- ATAR 50.00: You rank in the middle of the cohort.
Universities use ATARs as a standardised way to assess applicants for competitive courses. However, your ATAR doesn’t define your intelligence or potential; it’s just one pathway among many to further education and career success.
Want to understand the ATAR better? Read our guide here!
Example ATAR Calculation
Imagine you studied these subjects (not accurate scaling):
- Mathematical Methods: Raw score 80, scaled score 78.
- English: Raw score 85, scaled score 73.
- Biology: Raw score 75, scaled score 70.
- Chemistry: Raw score 70, scaled score 65.
- Modern History: Raw score 90, scaled score 77.
Your best five scaled scores: 78, 77, 73, 70, 65.
TEA = 78 + 77 + 73 + 70 + 65 = 363.
This TEA places you in a certain ATAR band, depending on how it compares with others in the state.
Choosing Subjects Wisely
Selecting the right subjects is crucial for both ATAR success and personal growth. Here’s how to make smart choices:
- Understand Scaling: Subjects like Specialist Mathematics and Physics often scale well, but don’t pick a subject solely for scaling. Ensure you can perform well in it.
- Balance Interest and Strengths: Choose subjects you enjoy and excel at. Passion often translates into better results.
- Check Prerequisites: Many university courses require specific subjects. For example, engineering might need Mathematical Methods and Physics.
- Diversify Your Selection: Opt for a mix of subjects to keep your options open. For instance, combine sciences with a humanities subject to develop a broader skill set.
- Seek Advice: Consult teachers, career counsellors, and even university course guides to make informed decisions. Also, ask older students for insights—they’ve been through it all and can offer valuable tips.
Check out the top-performing schools in Queensland to see where you stand!
Study and Organisation Tips
- Plan Your Time: Use a study planner to allocate time for revision, assignments, and breaks.
- Master the Criteria: Understand QCAA’s marking schemes for internal and external assessments.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with exam formats.
- Stay Consistent: Small, consistent efforts often lead to better outcomes than last-minute cramming.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, peers, or tutors for support.
Get inspired by a 99+ ATAR student’s study routine here!
The QCE ATAR Calculator
Curious about your potential ATAR? Experiment with the KIS Academics QCE ATAR Calculator. It’s a fantastic tool to explore how different subject combinations might affect your final rank.
FAQs
Do I need to ace maths to get a good ATAR?
Not at all! Your ATAR is based on your best five scaled scores, so excelling in subjects you’re passionate about can make up for lower maths scores.
What happens if I fail English?
While English is required for ATAR eligibility, your score doesn’t have to be included in your best five results.
How are scaled scores determined?
Scaling reflects the competitiveness of a subject cohort and adjusts scores to allow fair comparisons.
Want more personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by Aaron Nelbin. Aaron is a recent high school graduate, receiving state academic commendations as one of Queensland’s top students in 2024. Passionate about empowering others, Aaron now shares insights to help students excel in their academic journey.
