ATAR Calculator

Subjects are scaled to account for differences in difficulty and competition. Scaling ensures that students aren't advantaged or disadvantaged based on their subject choices.

Scaling factors are determined by statistical analysis of student performance across different subjects and are adjusted annually.

Generally, mathematics, sciences, and languages scale higher than humanities and arts subjects.

All Australian states require satisfactory completion of an English subject for ATAR eligibility.

In most states, English must be included in your ATAR calculation, even if it's not one of your highest-scoring subjects.

The specific English requirements vary by state, so check with your state's tertiary admissions center.

Many universities offer bonus points for certain subjects, geographical locations, or equity reasons.

Bonus points are typically added to your ATAR for admission purposes but don't change your actual ATAR.

Common bonus point schemes include:

• Subject-specific bonuses (e.g., for mathematics or science subjects)
• Regional bonuses for students from rural areas
• Equity bonuses for disadvantaged students
• Elite athlete or performer programs

While the ATAR is nationally recognized, each state has slight variations in how it's calculated:

• NSW (HSC): Based on the average of the best 10 units, including at least 2 units of English
• Victoria (VCE): Calculated from the primary four studies (each worth 50 points) plus 10% of the next best two studies
• Queensland (QCE): Based on the best five general subjects completed for the QCE
• Western Australia (WACE): Calculated from the scaled scores of the best four subjects, which must include English
• South Australia (SACE): Based on the best 80 credits of study at Stage 2 level, with specific subject requirements

A "good" ATAR depends on your university and course preferences:

• 95.00+: Highly competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Dentistry)
• 85.00-94.95: Competitive courses (Engineering, Commerce, Psychology)
• 70.00-84.95: Many popular courses (Education, Nursing, Arts)
• 50.00-69.95: Entry to many universities with a range of options
• Below 50.00: Pathway programs and alternative entry options available

Generally, subjects that are more difficult and have more academically competitive cohorts scale higher. These typically include:

• Mathematics Extension 2
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Languages (especially less commonly taught languages)
• Economics

However, it's important to choose subjects you're good at and interested in, as performing well in a lower-scaling subject often yields better results than performing poorly in a high-scaling subject.

English plays a crucial role in ATAR calculation:

• All states require satisfactory completion of an English subject for ATAR eligibility
• In most states, English must be included in your ATAR calculation, even if it's not one of your top subjects
• Different English levels (Standard, Advanced, Extension) have different scaling factors
• Performing well in English can significantly boost your ATAR, as it's a mandatory component

Medicine is one of the most competitive fields in Australia. Typical ATAR requirements:

• Undergraduate Medicine: 99.00+ ATAR typically required, plus UCAT exam and interview
• Graduate Medicine: Requires completion of any bachelor's degree, plus GAMSAT exam

Specific requirements vary by university, and most use a combination of ATAR, entrance exams, interviews, and sometimes portfolio assessments.

Yes, there are several pathways to improve your ATAR or gain university entry:

• University Pathway Programs: Foundation studies or diploma programs that lead to degree admission
• TAFE/VET Courses: Completing a Certificate IV or higher can provide entry to university
• Bridging Courses: Short courses to meet specific subject prerequisites
• Mature Age Entry: For students over 21, different entry criteria often apply
• Retaking Subjects: Some states allow you to retake subjects to improve scores