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Understanding ATAR Scaling & How It Affects Your Score

Mathews 0 Comments

If you’re in Year 11 or 12 in Australia, you’ve probably heard the term ATAR more times than you can count. It’s a big deal when it comes to getting into university. But what many students don’t always understand is how scaling works and how it can change your final result.

This guide will explain what ATAR scaling is, how it works, and why it matters, without confusing words or complicated math.

What Is ATAR?

ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It’s not a percentage or a score. It’s a rank that shows how you performed compared to all other students in your state or territory.

So if you get an ATAR of 85, that means you’ve done better than 85% of your year group. If you get a 99.95 (the highest possible ATAR), then you’re in the top 0.05%.

Universities use your ATAR to see if you’re eligible for certain courses. Some degrees have high entry requirements, so a higher ATAR gives you more options.

What Is ATAR Scaling?

Scaling is the process used to make sure all subjects are treated fairly. Some subjects are harder than others, and some attract students who tend to perform very well overall. Because of this, raw scores from different subjects can’t be compared directly.

So, the education system adjusts the marks—this is what we call scaling. It helps balance out the difficulty levels and the strength of the group taking the subject.

For example, if one student gets 85 in Maths Advanced and another gets 85 in General Maths, those two 85s won’t carry the same weight when it comes to calculating ATAR. Maths Advanced often gets scaled up because it’s more challenging and usually taken by strong academic students.

Why Do We Need Scaling?

Without scaling, some subjects would be seen as easier paths to a high ATAR. That wouldn’t be fair for students who challenge themselves with more demanding courses.

Scaling protects fairness. It means your choice of subject won’t hurt or help your ATAR just because it’s considered easy or hard. It ensures that students who take on tough subjects aren’t at a disadvantage.

How Does Scaling Actually Work?

It can get technical, but here’s a simplified version:

  1. You get raw marks for each subject—these come from your school assessments and final exams.

  2. Each subject’s marks are adjusted based on how hard the subject is and how well the group of students in that subject performs overall.

  3. Your best 10 units (usually 5 subjects, including 2 units of English) are selected.

  4. These scaled marks are used to rank you and calculate your ATAR.

One thing to keep in mind—English is compulsory, and at least two units of it must count towards your final ATAR.

A Simple Example

Let’s say you took the following subjects and got these raw scores:

Subject Raw Score Scaled Score
Physics 88 92
Maths Advanced 85 90
English Standard 91 83
Legal Studies 86 82

Here, Physics and Maths Advanced are scaled up because they’re considered harder subjects and taken by stronger students. English Standard is scaled down because it’s more commonly taken and tends to have a wider range of results.

Your ATAR will be calculated based on the scaled scores, not your raw scores.

Should You Choose Subjects Based on Scaling?

It’s something to think about, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a subject. Picking subjects just because they scale well can backfire if you don’t enjoy them or find them too hard.

It’s better to choose subjects that:

  • You like

  • You’re good at

  • Match your plans or uni course requirements

A high raw score in a subject you enjoy is usually more valuable than a low score in a subject that scales well.

Tips for Picking Your Subjects

  1. Check course prerequisites. Some uni courses require you to take specific subjects in high school.

  2. Play to your strengths. If you’re good at something, you’re more likely to do well in it.

  3. Think long-term. Your choices now can affect what options you have after school.

Common Misunderstandings About Scaling

“Scaling always brings your marks down.”
Not true. Some subjects scale up, especially if the average student in that course performs well.

“I should avoid creative or practical subjects.”
Also false. Subjects like Music, Visual Arts, and Drama are all treated fairly through scaling. If you’re strong in them, they can help your ATAR.

“If I do easy subjects, I’ll automatically get a low ATAR.”
Not necessarily. If you do really well in those subjects, your ATAR can still be strong. Your rank is based on how you perform compared to others.

Final Thoughts

ATAR scaling sounds complicated, but it exists to keep the system fair for everyone. Don’t stress too much about it. Focus on doing your best in subjects that suit you and fit your future goals. If you stay consistent, work hard, and get help when you need it, your ATAR will reflect your effort.

If you’re not sure which subjects to choose or want help with study planning and assignments, you’re not alone. There are resources out there that can make it easier.

Need Some Extra Help?

At OnlineAssignmentsHelp.com, we help high school and uni students with assignments, subject support, and study strategies. If you have questions or need help staying on track, reach out anytime.

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