Achieving a high ATAR is a goal for many Year 12 students across Australia since it determines university entry and course eligibility. The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is the system used to compare students' academic performance. It is one of the key factors universities consider when applying for competitive bachelor's degrees.
Understanding the ATAR and How It Works
The ATAR ranking system assesses Year 12 students for university entry. It provides universities with a standardised way to compare students across different schools, subjects, and states based on their academic performance.
The ATAR is reported as a number between 0.00 and 99.95 and is more a percentile rank than a score (though many people call it a score). For example, an ATAR of 85.00 would indicate that a student performed better than 85% of Year 12 students across Australia.
This isn't exactly true since not everyone gets an ATAR. The score is actually calculated for a theoretical cohort of every Year 12 student in the country, even those who don't complete Year 12.
How the ATAR is Calculated
The ATAR combines scaled scores from a student's subjects and their relative performance against other students in their state. Here's a simplified version of how it works:
- Raw Marks Collection: Students receive raw marks from their final exams and school-based assessments.
- Scaling: Raw marks are adjusted using a scaling process based on each subject's difficulty and performance trends.
- Aggregate Calculation: The best-scaled marks from a set number of subjects (like English, Maths, and Science) are combined into an aggregate score.
- Ranking: The aggregate score is converted into a percentile rank, determining the final ATAR.
Subject scaling is how ATAR results are adjusted across different subjects since the raw assessment scores would otherwise skew the results. For example, mathematics extension and physics are often scaled up due to their relative difficulty (results are often lower than other subjects). Conversely, General English may be scaled down.
Focus on subjects you excel in rather than trying to game the system with scaled subjects.
Why the ATAR Is Important
The ATAR is essential for universities and the admission process. Universities can more fairly compare students for spots on degree programmes.
- Competitive Courses: Higher ATARs are often required for Medicine, Law, and Engineering courses.
- Course Eligibility: Some universities use minimum ATAR requirements for admission into specific degrees.
The ATAR is important for the admissions process, but remember that it doesn't define a student's intelligence or long-term success. We'll see how to maximise your ATAR with good study habits and preparation techniques so you can get on your dream course.
Subject Selection for a High ATAR
Choosing the right subjects is key to achieving a high ATAR. Your subject choice can influence your ATAR score due to how well you do in the subjects and how scaling affects different subjects.
However, you should remember that it's very difficult to game the system by choosing subjects based on their scale.
- Scaling Impact: Some subjects are scaled differently based on their difficulty and the performance trends of students taking them.
- University Requirements: Certain degrees require specific prerequisites, so choosing the wrong subjects can limit your study options.
Balancing scaling with your strengths is essential for ATAR success.
Considering Core Subjects
Remember that many universities have core subject requirements that are factored into ATAR calculations and rankings. Some of the most common core subjects include:
- English: Almost all states require English as a mandatory subject for ATAR eligibility. Performing well in English Advanced or English Extension can positively impact your scaled score.
- Mathematics: Subjects like Mathematics Extension 1 & 2 often offer higher scaling.
- Sciences: Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology tend to scale well due to their difficulty and popularity in STEM pathways.
- Humanities: Subjects like History, Economics, and Legal Studies can be beneficial depending on your strengths and career goals.
Check the university entry requirements for your desired course to ensure you meet all prerequisites.
Choose Subjects That Match Your Strengths
Rather than attempting to use scaling to boost your ATAR, it's much wiser to choose subjects that align with your strengths.
Why?
Excelling in a lower-scaled subject often provides a better result than doing poorly in a positively scaled one. Consistent academic performance typically matters more than subject difficulty.
A student passionate about English may score better in English Advanced than struggling with Physics just for the scaling benefits.
How Many Subjects Should You Take?
The number of subjects a student should take can affect your ATAR. Remember that different states have different minimum requirements.
- NSW (HSC): Minimum of 10 units, including 2 units of English.
- Victoria (VCE): 4 units of English, with an aggregate score based on your best subjects.
- Queensland (QCE): 5 general subjects, including English.
Aim for a balanced subject load with a mix of core subjects and electives you're confident in.
Generally, look to choose subjects you enjoy and excel in. You can consider scaling, but don't let it dictate your choices.
It's more important to meet the prerequisite requirements for your desired university course rather than simply trying to game the system. Choose the subjects that align better with your career goals and strengths and remember that there are adjustment factors and bonus points available for certain students and subject choices.
Strategic subject selection can help you achieve a high ATAR, but studying will help you perform your best in your chosen subjects.
Effective Study Techniques for a High ATAR
Since ATAR is a ranking, you need to outperform your fellow students to beat the average ATAR. You'll do better in assessments and exams by implementing proven study techniques.
1. Active Learning Strategies
Practice Exams: Regularly attempt past papers and timed practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam structure and question styles.
Teach Back Method: Explain concepts to a friend, teacher, or yourself. Teaching reinforces understanding and exposes areas needing improvement.
Question and Answer Sheets: Write down questions from your study notes and attempt to answer them without reference materials.
Focus on HSC or VCE past papers to align with your state's syllabus and exam style.
2. Effective Note-Taking Methods
Cornell Method: Divide your notes into three sections: main ideas, key points, and a summary.
Mind Maps: Use visual diagrams to link related concepts, which are especially helpful for subjects like science and history.
Digital Tools: Apps like OneNote, Notion, and Google Keep allow you to create digital notes with built-in organisation tools.
Keep your notes concise and review them regularly rather than cramming before exams.
3. Spaced Repetition for Long-Term Retention
- How It Works: Review content immediately after learning, then again after 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month.
- Flashcards: Use digital tools like Anki or Quizlet to create digital flashcards for regular review.
- Why It Works: This technique prevents information decay and improves long-term retention for final exams.
4. Subject-Specific Study Techniques
- English: Focus on essay writing, text analysis, and practising past questions.
- Maths: Prioritise problem-solving and practising equations from previous papers.
- Science: Break complex theories into smaller concepts and focus on practical applications.
- Humanities: Create timelines, fact sheets, and focus on critical thinking skills for subjects like History and Legal Studies.
Identify the learning style that works best for you (e.g., visual, kinesthetic, or auditory).
5. Group Study and Collaboration
- Peer Quizzing: Test each other on key concepts.
- Divide Topics: Split the syllabus among group members and teach the sections back to each other.
- Accountability: Set group goals and hold each other accountable for completing tasks.
Keep study groups small (3-5 people) to maintain focus.
6. Avoid Multitasking: Focus on One Task at a Time
- Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle.
- Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for each subject during your study schedule.
Turn off notifications and create a distraction-free study environment.
7. Self-Assessment and Feedback
- Mark Your Own Practice Exams: Use marking rubrics to evaluate your answers and pinpoint weaknesses.
- Seek Feedback: Request teachers or tutors to review your work and offer constructive criticism.
Use feedback to adjust your study strategies for continuous improvement.
✅ Tip: Use feedback to adjust your study strategies for continuous improvement.
In all this, however, don't forget to take care of your health and well-being during Year 12. This means balancing academic work with your personal life and staying on top of your sleep, nutrition, and stress management. You can easily undo all of your hard work by burning yourself out.
Just remember that if you need more help with any of your subjects or assessments, you can always enlist the help of a private tutor.
Just search for what you need help with on the Superprof website!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
