Students may be awarded bonus points for some subjects in the SACE. SATAC’s participating institutions have two schemes that provide adjustment factors to applicants:
- the Universities Equity Scheme
- the Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme
These adjustment factors are meant to encourages students to pursue further studies. Let us dive into what these adjustment factors are, and how they can help you.
- What are Subject Adjustment Factors?
- Do all Universities Accept these Adjustment Factors?
- What if I want to apply to Universities in Other States?
- FAQs
Manoj Arachige
What are Subject Adjustment Factors?
SATAC will adjust your aggregate up to a maximum of 9 points:
- 5 points under the Universities Equity Scheme
- either 2 or 4 points under the Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme.
How does the Adjustment Factor work under the Universities Equity Scheme?
The Universities Equity Scheme will apply adjustments in two ways:
- To all applicants in certain specified schools.
- If your school qualifies for equity adjustments, you will automatically have your ATAR adjusted; you do not have to apply for anything.
- To eligible applicants in other schools:
- If you meet these requirements, you can apply for individual adjustments:
- you or your parents received a Commonwealth means-tested income support payment in the year you gain your ATAR
- you or your parents are the holders of a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card in the year you gain your ATAR
- You are the holder of a School Card (under the Government of South Australia’s School Card scheme) in the year you gain your ATAR
- If you meet these requirements, you can apply for individual adjustments:
These applicants receive 5 adjustment points in the calculation of their university aggregate.
If you do not qualify for the scheme, you will simply have to work extra hard to get the ATAR you want. If you need some extra help, get a private tutor from KIS Academics!
How does the Adjustment Factor work under the Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme?
SATAC will adjust student's aggregate by either 2 points (for one eligible subject) or 4 points (for 2 or more eligible subjects). To be eligible you must:
- Successfully complete a subject in any one of these four categories:
- 20 credits of a LOTE in the Languages Learning Area (not including the subject Language and Culture). You can substitute a 20 credit LOTE subject for two 10 credit Australian Indigenous language subjects
- 2ESH20 English or 2ELS20 English Literary Studies
- 2MHS20 Mathematical Methods
- 2MSC20 Specialist Mathematics
- Successful completion means gaining a minimum grade of C- or better in the subject. Extra adjustments are not awarded for higher achievement
- Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Australia, or other Australian senior secondary certificates, are also eligible for subject-based adjustments.
For further information, feel free to check out information on adjustment factors from SATAC at: https://www.satac.edu.au/adjustment-factors.
Do all University Courses Accept these Adjustment Factors?
While the majority of university courses accept these adjustment factors, there are some courses that do not accept them:
- Charles Darwin University
- 104661 Bachelor of Clinical Sciences
- Flinders University
- 214941 Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine
- The University of Adelaide
- 354552 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine
- 354553 Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (Bonded Medical Program)
- 324491 Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience)
For more information on adjustment factors, it is best to check the entry requirements of the university course you are applying for on the University’s website. You can also speak to a staff member from the University by phone, email or at a University open day.
Manoj Arachige
What if I want to apply to Universities in Other States?
If you want to study at a university that is not in South Australia, you will not be able to rely on SATAC adjustment factors.
For example, the UAC from NSW does not accept the adjusted ATAR. However, the UAC has schemes such as the Educational Access Scheme to help the students who experienced a disadvantage during their schooling years.
If you are thinking of studying a course in another state, it is best you find out the admission requirements from that University directly.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, adjustment factors are meant to ensure fairness, especially if you were studying for your ATARs under difficult circumstances. Check that you meet the requirements for the SATAC schemes, and also check if the University you want to get into accepts these adjustment factors.
For further help with boosting your ATAR, you can always find your best local private tutor. Our tutors here at KIS Academics understand how stressful this time of year can be and are always more than happy to support you!
FAQs
Are Adjustment Factors added to my ATAR or Selection Rank?
- Adjustment factors are added to your university aggregate, not your raw ATAR.
- SATAC uses your adjusted aggregate to calculate your selection rank, which is used for university offers.
How do I check if I am Eligible for the adjustment factors?
- You can log in to your mySATAC application to see your selection rank for each preference. If adjustment factors apply, your displayed rank will include them.
- Check out the SATAC website for more information.
Are International or Interstate Students Eligible?
- International and interstate students may be eligible for equity or subject-based adjustments if they meet the criteria.
Written by Charlotte Kenning who pursued a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University.
Looking for some extra help to guide you through your SACEs? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals.
