10 ATAR Facts That Every Student Should Know

Understand how the ATAR works - from scaling and state variations to what counts as a good score. This guide answers 10 key questions every Australian student should know.

Faith Woon
Education Analyst

10 ATAR Facts That Every Student Should Know

Understand how the ATAR works - from scaling and state variations to what counts as a good score. This guide answers 10 key questions every Australian student should know.

Faith Woon
Education Analyst

The ATAR is a percentile ranking used across Australia to determine eligibility for university courses, comparing a student's academic performance relative to their entire state-wide Year 12 cohort.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system used to determine university admissions. It assigns high school graduates a rank between 0 and 99.95. The ATAR reflects a student's academic performance compared to their peers rather than an actual score. Understanding the ATAR helps students leverage their results to make strategic decisions about their tertiary education.

Universities across Australia primarily use the ATAR to assess eligibility for various courses. The process also includes ATAR adjustment factors, which can influence a student's final rank, aiding in a more tailored approach to university admissions. This understanding is vital for students aiming to optimise their educational pathways.

How are ATARs Calculated?

The ATAR is calculated on a percentile basis, increasing in increments of 0.05. For instance, an ATAR of 75.00 signifies that a student is in the top 25 per cent of their cohort, having outperformed 75 per cent of eligible Year 12 students in the state. The cohort includes all students eligible to receive an ATAR, making the rank relative to a broader group than those who ultimately receive a score.

While the exact process varies by state, the fundamental steps for calculating an ATAR remain consistent:

  1. Raw Score: Students receive a raw score for each subject.
  2. Scaling: Raw scores are scaled to account for the relative difficulty and performance of students compared to others across the state.
  3. Aggregation: These scaled scores are aggregated (summed up), sometimes with varying weightings for different subjects.
  4. Ranking: The aggregate is positioned on a state-wide bell curve, determining the student's final ATAR as a percentile rank within the eligible student population.

This rigorous method ensures each ATAR accurately reflects a student's relative academic standing.

output

How Does ATAR Calculation Differ by State?

The ATAR calculation is adapted to the educational frameworks of different Australian states, with each state having its own set of rules and methods for scaling and aggregating scores:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Calculated from the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) manages subject scaling.
  • Queensland (QLD): Managed by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which scales subject results based on the QCE system (internal assessments and external examinations). QLD transitioned from the Overall Position (OP) to the ATAR system after 2020.
  • Western Australia (WA): Derived from the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams. The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) handles the scaling.
  • Victoria (VCE): Based on Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) scores, calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), which uses a statistical process to adjust VCE study scores.

These variations are crucial for students to understand, as the state-specific nuances in ATAR calculation can influence their strategic choices in subject selection and exam preparation.

What is Considered a 'Good' ATAR?

The definition of a 'good' ATAR differs significantly from person to person and should be informed by your goals and circumstances. For some, a 99.95 ATAR may be the ultimate goal, whereas for others, a reasonable rank to aim for may be the ATAR required to get into a specific university course.

output

How Important is Your ATAR?

Ultimately, the importance of your ATAR depends on how much weight you give it. It is simply a way of getting into your desired course and will not define the rest of your life. If you don't get the ATAR you aim for, don't stress - there is always more than one pathway to your dream career!

What is the Average ATAR?

The average ATAR is around 70.00. This is because an ATAR of 70 places a student in the top 70% of Year 12 students, but only places them in the top 50% of students who actually receive an ATAR.

It is important to reiterate that the ATAR is not a score, but a rank. It measures each student's overall academic performance relative to the rest of their cohort.

Is it Hard to Get an ATAR Above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR. This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student, especially with proper study habits and exam preparation.

output

How Many Students Achieve a 99 ATAR?

Students who achieve a 99.00 ATAR make up the top 1 per cent in every state.

  • Large States (VIC, NSW, QLD): Approximately 500 students per year.
  • Smaller States (WA, SA, TAS): Approximately 100 students per year.
  • ACT: Approximately 40 students per year.

Do Year 11 Subjects Count Towards Your ATAR?

No, your ATAR is based entirely upon your performance in your Year 12 studies, unless you decide to take a Year 12 subject early. Much of the content you learn in Year 11 serves as 'assumed knowledge' for the following year, so it is still good to be across everything!

Is the ATAR Rank Equivalent Across States?

Yes, ATAR ranks are treated as equivalent across states. This means that Australian universities will treat every ATAR equally, no matter the state in which it was obtained.

A 'notional ATAR' can also be calculated through standard conversion rates for students completing other courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, and is considered equivalent to a standard ATAR.

output

How Can I Get a High ATAR?

Achieving a high ATAR requires consistent effort and strategic planning. Key strategies include:

  • Strategic Subject Selection: Select subjects based on personal interests and strengths, while also considering how they align with your academic goals and the scale of your studies. High-scaling subjects, often considered more challenging, can boost an ATAR if performed well.
  • Consistent Effort: Maintain consistency in study habits throughout the school year. Thoroughly understand the content and stay on top of coursework to avoid last-minute cramming. Regular revision and practice are essential.
  • Quality Resources: Utilise high-quality study materials, such as official syllabi, past exam papers, and reputable revision guides, to ensure you are studying the most relevant and accurate information.
  • Skill Development: Master compelling study and exam techniques, including essay writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills, depending on the subject requirements. Time management during preparation and in exams also plays a critical role.\

Is it hard to get an ATAR above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR (i.e., the top 25% of ATAR scores). This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student. Especially if you have the right study habits and preparation for your exams.


Your ATAR Is a starting point, Not a final score

The ATAR is the cornerstone of Australia’s university admissions system. It provides a consistent, comparable measure of student achievement across all states and territories, ensuring fairness in tertiary entry. While it can open doors to competitive courses, it does not define a student’s potential or limit their options. Many alternative pathways—such as bridging courses, vocational qualifications, or mature-age entry—lead to the same destinations. Understanding how the ATAR works, how it is calculated, and how to plan strategically around it empowers students to make informed, confident decisions about their educational futures.


The ATAR is a percentile ranking used across Australia to determine eligibility for university courses, comparing a student's academic performance relative to their entire state-wide Year 12 cohort.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system used to determine university admissions. It assigns high school graduates a rank between 0 and 99.95. The ATAR reflects a student's academic performance compared to their peers rather than an actual score. Understanding the ATAR helps students leverage their results to make strategic decisions about their tertiary education.

Universities across Australia primarily use the ATAR to assess eligibility for various courses. The process also includes ATAR adjustment factors, which can influence a student's final rank, aiding in a more tailored approach to university admissions. This understanding is vital for students aiming to optimise their educational pathways.

How are ATARs Calculated?

The ATAR is calculated on a percentile basis, increasing in increments of 0.05. For instance, an ATAR of 75.00 signifies that a student is in the top 25 per cent of their cohort, having outperformed 75 per cent of eligible Year 12 students in the state. The cohort includes all students eligible to receive an ATAR, making the rank relative to a broader group than those who ultimately receive a score.

While the exact process varies by state, the fundamental steps for calculating an ATAR remain consistent:

  1. Raw Score: Students receive a raw score for each subject.
  2. Scaling: Raw scores are scaled to account for the relative difficulty and performance of students compared to others across the state.
  3. Aggregation: These scaled scores are aggregated (summed up), sometimes with varying weightings for different subjects.
  4. Ranking: The aggregate is positioned on a state-wide bell curve, determining the student's final ATAR as a percentile rank within the eligible student population.

This rigorous method ensures each ATAR accurately reflects a student's relative academic standing.

output

How Does ATAR Calculation Differ by State?

The ATAR calculation is adapted to the educational frameworks of different Australian states, with each state having its own set of rules and methods for scaling and aggregating scores:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Calculated from the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) manages subject scaling.
  • Queensland (QLD): Managed by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which scales subject results based on the QCE system (internal assessments and external examinations). QLD transitioned from the Overall Position (OP) to the ATAR system after 2020.
  • Western Australia (WA): Derived from the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams. The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) handles the scaling.
  • Victoria (VCE): Based on Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) scores, calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), which uses a statistical process to adjust VCE study scores.

These variations are crucial for students to understand, as the state-specific nuances in ATAR calculation can influence their strategic choices in subject selection and exam preparation.

What is Considered a 'Good' ATAR?

The definition of a 'good' ATAR differs significantly from person to person and should be informed by your goals and circumstances. For some, a 99.95 ATAR may be the ultimate goal, whereas for others, a reasonable rank to aim for may be the ATAR required to get into a specific university course.

output

How Important is Your ATAR?

Ultimately, the importance of your ATAR depends on how much weight you give it. It is simply a way of getting into your desired course and will not define the rest of your life. If you don't get the ATAR you aim for, don't stress - there is always more than one pathway to your dream career!

What is the Average ATAR?

The average ATAR is around 70.00. This is because an ATAR of 70 places a student in the top 70% of Year 12 students, but only places them in the top 50% of students who actually receive an ATAR.

It is important to reiterate that the ATAR is not a score, but a rank. It measures each student's overall academic performance relative to the rest of their cohort.

Is it Hard to Get an ATAR Above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR. This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student, especially with proper study habits and exam preparation.

output

How Many Students Achieve a 99 ATAR?

Students who achieve a 99.00 ATAR make up the top 1 per cent in every state.

  • Large States (VIC, NSW, QLD): Approximately 500 students per year.
  • Smaller States (WA, SA, TAS): Approximately 100 students per year.
  • ACT: Approximately 40 students per year.

Do Year 11 Subjects Count Towards Your ATAR?

No, your ATAR is based entirely upon your performance in your Year 12 studies, unless you decide to take a Year 12 subject early. Much of the content you learn in Year 11 serves as 'assumed knowledge' for the following year, so it is still good to be across everything!

Is the ATAR Rank Equivalent Across States?

Yes, ATAR ranks are treated as equivalent across states. This means that Australian universities will treat every ATAR equally, no matter the state in which it was obtained.

A 'notional ATAR' can also be calculated through standard conversion rates for students completing other courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, and is considered equivalent to a standard ATAR.

output

How Can I Get a High ATAR?

Achieving a high ATAR requires consistent effort and strategic planning. Key strategies include:

  • Strategic Subject Selection: Select subjects based on personal interests and strengths, while also considering how they align with your academic goals and the scale of your studies. High-scaling subjects, often considered more challenging, can boost an ATAR if performed well.
  • Consistent Effort: Maintain consistency in study habits throughout the school year. Thoroughly understand the content and stay on top of coursework to avoid last-minute cramming. Regular revision and practice are essential.
  • Quality Resources: Utilise high-quality study materials, such as official syllabi, past exam papers, and reputable revision guides, to ensure you are studying the most relevant and accurate information.
  • Skill Development: Master compelling study and exam techniques, including essay writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills, depending on the subject requirements. Time management during preparation and in exams also plays a critical role.\

Is it hard to get an ATAR above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR (i.e., the top 25% of ATAR scores). This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student. Especially if you have the right study habits and preparation for your exams.


Your ATAR Is a starting point, Not a final score

The ATAR is the cornerstone of Australia’s university admissions system. It provides a consistent, comparable measure of student achievement across all states and territories, ensuring fairness in tertiary entry. While it can open doors to competitive courses, it does not define a student’s potential or limit their options. Many alternative pathways—such as bridging courses, vocational qualifications, or mature-age entry—lead to the same destinations. Understanding how the ATAR works, how it is calculated, and how to plan strategically around it empowers students to make informed, confident decisions about their educational futures.

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The ATAR is a percentile ranking used across Australia to determine eligibility for university courses, comparing a student's academic performance relative to their entire state-wide Year 12 cohort.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system used to determine university admissions. It assigns high school graduates a rank between 0 and 99.95. The ATAR reflects a student's academic performance compared to their peers rather than an actual score. Understanding the ATAR helps students leverage their results to make strategic decisions about their tertiary education.

Universities across Australia primarily use the ATAR to assess eligibility for various courses. The process also includes ATAR adjustment factors, which can influence a student's final rank, aiding in a more tailored approach to university admissions. This understanding is vital for students aiming to optimise their educational pathways.

How are ATARs Calculated?

The ATAR is calculated on a percentile basis, increasing in increments of 0.05. For instance, an ATAR of 75.00 signifies that a student is in the top 25 per cent of their cohort, having outperformed 75 per cent of eligible Year 12 students in the state. The cohort includes all students eligible to receive an ATAR, making the rank relative to a broader group than those who ultimately receive a score.

While the exact process varies by state, the fundamental steps for calculating an ATAR remain consistent:

  1. Raw Score: Students receive a raw score for each subject.
  2. Scaling: Raw scores are scaled to account for the relative difficulty and performance of students compared to others across the state.
  3. Aggregation: These scaled scores are aggregated (summed up), sometimes with varying weightings for different subjects.
  4. Ranking: The aggregate is positioned on a state-wide bell curve, determining the student's final ATAR as a percentile rank within the eligible student population.

This rigorous method ensures each ATAR accurately reflects a student's relative academic standing.

output

How Does ATAR Calculation Differ by State?

The ATAR calculation is adapted to the educational frameworks of different Australian states, with each state having its own set of rules and methods for scaling and aggregating scores:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Calculated from the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) manages subject scaling.
  • Queensland (QLD): Managed by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which scales subject results based on the QCE system (internal assessments and external examinations). QLD transitioned from the Overall Position (OP) to the ATAR system after 2020.
  • Western Australia (WA): Derived from the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams. The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) handles the scaling.
  • Victoria (VCE): Based on Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) scores, calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), which uses a statistical process to adjust VCE study scores.

These variations are crucial for students to understand, as the state-specific nuances in ATAR calculation can influence their strategic choices in subject selection and exam preparation.

What is Considered a 'Good' ATAR?

The definition of a 'good' ATAR differs significantly from person to person and should be informed by your goals and circumstances. For some, a 99.95 ATAR may be the ultimate goal, whereas for others, a reasonable rank to aim for may be the ATAR required to get into a specific university course.

output

How Important is Your ATAR?

Ultimately, the importance of your ATAR depends on how much weight you give it. It is simply a way of getting into your desired course and will not define the rest of your life. If you don't get the ATAR you aim for, don't stress - there is always more than one pathway to your dream career!

What is the Average ATAR?

The average ATAR is around 70.00. This is because an ATAR of 70 places a student in the top 70% of Year 12 students, but only places them in the top 50% of students who actually receive an ATAR.

It is important to reiterate that the ATAR is not a score, but a rank. It measures each student's overall academic performance relative to the rest of their cohort.

Is it Hard to Get an ATAR Above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR. This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student, especially with proper study habits and exam preparation.

output

How Many Students Achieve a 99 ATAR?

Students who achieve a 99.00 ATAR make up the top 1 per cent in every state.

  • Large States (VIC, NSW, QLD): Approximately 500 students per year.
  • Smaller States (WA, SA, TAS): Approximately 100 students per year.
  • ACT: Approximately 40 students per year.

Do Year 11 Subjects Count Towards Your ATAR?

No, your ATAR is based entirely upon your performance in your Year 12 studies, unless you decide to take a Year 12 subject early. Much of the content you learn in Year 11 serves as 'assumed knowledge' for the following year, so it is still good to be across everything!

Is the ATAR Rank Equivalent Across States?

Yes, ATAR ranks are treated as equivalent across states. This means that Australian universities will treat every ATAR equally, no matter the state in which it was obtained.

A 'notional ATAR' can also be calculated through standard conversion rates for students completing other courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, and is considered equivalent to a standard ATAR.

output

How Can I Get a High ATAR?

Achieving a high ATAR requires consistent effort and strategic planning. Key strategies include:

  • Strategic Subject Selection: Select subjects based on personal interests and strengths, while also considering how they align with your academic goals and the scale of your studies. High-scaling subjects, often considered more challenging, can boost an ATAR if performed well.
  • Consistent Effort: Maintain consistency in study habits throughout the school year. Thoroughly understand the content and stay on top of coursework to avoid last-minute cramming. Regular revision and practice are essential.
  • Quality Resources: Utilise high-quality study materials, such as official syllabi, past exam papers, and reputable revision guides, to ensure you are studying the most relevant and accurate information.
  • Skill Development: Master compelling study and exam techniques, including essay writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills, depending on the subject requirements. Time management during preparation and in exams also plays a critical role.\

Is it hard to get an ATAR above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR (i.e., the top 25% of ATAR scores). This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student. Especially if you have the right study habits and preparation for your exams.


Your ATAR Is a starting point, Not a final score

The ATAR is the cornerstone of Australia’s university admissions system. It provides a consistent, comparable measure of student achievement across all states and territories, ensuring fairness in tertiary entry. While it can open doors to competitive courses, it does not define a student’s potential or limit their options. Many alternative pathways—such as bridging courses, vocational qualifications, or mature-age entry—lead to the same destinations. Understanding how the ATAR works, how it is calculated, and how to plan strategically around it empowers students to make informed, confident decisions about their educational futures.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.


The ATAR is a percentile ranking used across Australia to determine eligibility for university courses, comparing a student's academic performance relative to their entire state-wide Year 12 cohort.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking system used to determine university admissions. It assigns high school graduates a rank between 0 and 99.95. The ATAR reflects a student's academic performance compared to their peers rather than an actual score. Understanding the ATAR helps students leverage their results to make strategic decisions about their tertiary education.

Universities across Australia primarily use the ATAR to assess eligibility for various courses. The process also includes ATAR adjustment factors, which can influence a student's final rank, aiding in a more tailored approach to university admissions. This understanding is vital for students aiming to optimise their educational pathways.

How are ATARs Calculated?

The ATAR is calculated on a percentile basis, increasing in increments of 0.05. For instance, an ATAR of 75.00 signifies that a student is in the top 25 per cent of their cohort, having outperformed 75 per cent of eligible Year 12 students in the state. The cohort includes all students eligible to receive an ATAR, making the rank relative to a broader group than those who ultimately receive a score.

While the exact process varies by state, the fundamental steps for calculating an ATAR remain consistent:

  1. Raw Score: Students receive a raw score for each subject.
  2. Scaling: Raw scores are scaled to account for the relative difficulty and performance of students compared to others across the state.
  3. Aggregation: These scaled scores are aggregated (summed up), sometimes with varying weightings for different subjects.
  4. Ranking: The aggregate is positioned on a state-wide bell curve, determining the student's final ATAR as a percentile rank within the eligible student population.

This rigorous method ensures each ATAR accurately reflects a student's relative academic standing.

output

How Does ATAR Calculation Differ by State?

The ATAR calculation is adapted to the educational frameworks of different Australian states, with each state having its own set of rules and methods for scaling and aggregating scores:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Calculated from the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) manages subject scaling.
  • Queensland (QLD): Managed by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which scales subject results based on the QCE system (internal assessments and external examinations). QLD transitioned from the Overall Position (OP) to the ATAR system after 2020.
  • Western Australia (WA): Derived from the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) exams. The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) handles the scaling.
  • Victoria (VCE): Based on Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) scores, calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), which uses a statistical process to adjust VCE study scores.

These variations are crucial for students to understand, as the state-specific nuances in ATAR calculation can influence their strategic choices in subject selection and exam preparation.

What is Considered a 'Good' ATAR?

The definition of a 'good' ATAR differs significantly from person to person and should be informed by your goals and circumstances. For some, a 99.95 ATAR may be the ultimate goal, whereas for others, a reasonable rank to aim for may be the ATAR required to get into a specific university course.

output

How Important is Your ATAR?

Ultimately, the importance of your ATAR depends on how much weight you give it. It is simply a way of getting into your desired course and will not define the rest of your life. If you don't get the ATAR you aim for, don't stress - there is always more than one pathway to your dream career!

What is the Average ATAR?

The average ATAR is around 70.00. This is because an ATAR of 70 places a student in the top 70% of Year 12 students, but only places them in the top 50% of students who actually receive an ATAR.

It is important to reiterate that the ATAR is not a score, but a rank. It measures each student's overall academic performance relative to the rest of their cohort.

Is it Hard to Get an ATAR Above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR. This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student, especially with proper study habits and exam preparation.

output

How Many Students Achieve a 99 ATAR?

Students who achieve a 99.00 ATAR make up the top 1 per cent in every state.

  • Large States (VIC, NSW, QLD): Approximately 500 students per year.
  • Smaller States (WA, SA, TAS): Approximately 100 students per year.
  • ACT: Approximately 40 students per year.

Do Year 11 Subjects Count Towards Your ATAR?

No, your ATAR is based entirely upon your performance in your Year 12 studies, unless you decide to take a Year 12 subject early. Much of the content you learn in Year 11 serves as 'assumed knowledge' for the following year, so it is still good to be across everything!

Is the ATAR Rank Equivalent Across States?

Yes, ATAR ranks are treated as equivalent across states. This means that Australian universities will treat every ATAR equally, no matter the state in which it was obtained.

A 'notional ATAR' can also be calculated through standard conversion rates for students completing other courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, and is considered equivalent to a standard ATAR.

output

How Can I Get a High ATAR?

Achieving a high ATAR requires consistent effort and strategic planning. Key strategies include:

  • Strategic Subject Selection: Select subjects based on personal interests and strengths, while also considering how they align with your academic goals and the scale of your studies. High-scaling subjects, often considered more challenging, can boost an ATAR if performed well.
  • Consistent Effort: Maintain consistency in study habits throughout the school year. Thoroughly understand the content and stay on top of coursework to avoid last-minute cramming. Regular revision and practice are essential.
  • Quality Resources: Utilise high-quality study materials, such as official syllabi, past exam papers, and reputable revision guides, to ensure you are studying the most relevant and accurate information.
  • Skill Development: Master compelling study and exam techniques, including essay writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills, depending on the subject requirements. Time management during preparation and in exams also plays a critical role.\

Is it hard to get an ATAR above 85?

An ATAR of 85.00 means that you are in the top 15% of the state, or around the top 25% of students who receive an ATAR (i.e., the top 25% of ATAR scores). This is an impressive accomplishment, but it is certainly achievable for every student. Especially if you have the right study habits and preparation for your exams.


Your ATAR Is a starting point, Not a final score

The ATAR is the cornerstone of Australia’s university admissions system. It provides a consistent, comparable measure of student achievement across all states and territories, ensuring fairness in tertiary entry. While it can open doors to competitive courses, it does not define a student’s potential or limit their options. Many alternative pathways—such as bridging courses, vocational qualifications, or mature-age entry—lead to the same destinations. Understanding how the ATAR works, how it is calculated, and how to plan strategically around it empowers students to make informed, confident decisions about their educational futures.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.


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