The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is not a score but a rank representing your position relative to all students in your age group. It is calculated from your aggregate score, which is the sum of your top scaled marks. Since the exact scaling changes yearly based on cohort performance, the precise aggregate required fluctuates, but the 2020 data provides a reliable benchmark.Continue reading on, because at Tutero, we are experts in online education solutions for students, parents, and teachers.

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What is the minimum aggregate required for an ATAR of 85?

Achieving an ATAR of 85 means performing better than 85% of your age cohort, a common and competitive goal that often opens pathways to many university courses.

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• NSW (HSC):
  • Aggregate Required: Just above 340.
  • Equivalent Score: This corresponds to an average scaled score of 34 per unit across 10 units (including two English units).
  • Context: In NSW, the aggregate is calculated from the best 10 units of scaled results. The scaling process adjusts raw exam marks to reflect the level of competition within a subject, ensuring a fair and comparable overall aggregate.

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• VIC (VCE):
  • Aggregate Required: Just over 146.
  • Example Breakdown: An aggregate of 146.2 (yielding an 85 ATAR) could be achieved with four scaled study scores of 35 (including an English subject) and two scaled study scores of 31 (each contributing a 3.1 increment).
  • Context: The VCE aggregate is calculated by summing the best four scaled study scores, plus 10% of the scaled study scores from the fifth and sixth subjects (if applicable). This structure emphasises performance in the primary subjects.

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What is the minimum aggregate required for an ATAR of 90?

An ATAR of 90 (placing you in the top 10% of the state) is highly sought after and requires consistent, high performance across your subjects.

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• NSW (HSC):
  • Aggregate Required: Approximately 370.
  • Equivalent Score: This equals an average scaled score of 37 per unit across 10 units.
  • Tip: If you are looking to achieve this score in your HSC, you might want to explore our different NSW tutoring options, including our online tutoring in Sydney.

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• VIC (VCE):
  • Aggregate Required: Approximately 157.
  • Example Breakdown: An ATAR of 90.20 could be achieved with an average scaled study score of 37.5 in the top four subjects and an average scaled study score of 35 in the bottom two subjects.
  • Tip: Achieving an aggregate of 157 is obviously very challenging. If you need help, you may want to consider some of our Victorian tutoring solutions.

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What aggregate is needed for the top ATAR of 99.95?

The ATAR of 99.95 represents the highest possible rank, indicating that you outperformed 99.95% of your age cohort. This requires near-perfect scaled results.

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• NSW (HSC):
  • Aggregate Required: Approximately 476.
  • Equivalent Score: This requires an average scaled score of just under 48/50 per unit across 10 units.

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• VIC (VCE):
  • Aggregate Required: Approximately 210.
  • Breakdown: An aggregate of 210 is equivalent to scaled study scores of 50 in all six subjects. Note that some students may score even higher due to the scaling of certain subjects, which allows study scores to exceed 50.
  • Observation: Achieving this is incredibly challenging, and many students who reach such a high score often have the assistance of an academic coach or an online tutor.

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Thanks for reading! We hope you've found this helpful. For a set of strategies that you can use to maximise the chance that you reach your ATAR goals, have a look at our guide on how to achieve your dream ATAR. For more information on everything ATAR-related, check out our collection of articles on the topic.