The ATAR
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
In 2010 it replaced various state-based ranking systems, including the ENTER in Victoria.
Your ATAR is the score you receive when you complete Year 12. It compares students nationally for each particular year.
Scaling
Scaling adjusts study scores based on the overall performance of all the students taking that study in that year.
Results are scaled because individual study scores are not an absolute measurement of overall performance.
As a result of scaling, some scores are adjusted up, some down, and some remain about the same – this is a reflection of the overall strength of the group taking each study.
Studies are scaled up only when the overall performance is high. Studies are scaled down only when the overall performance is low.
Bonus points
Additional points may be awarded as a part of the selection process.
Some courses apply additional 'aggregate points' for particular subjects.
For example, if you apply for Swinburne's Bachelor of Business and you have completed Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Information Technology (any), Legal Studies and Mathematics (any), you can increase your ATAR score by an aggregate up to 1 point higher per study (up to maximum of 5 points).
Higher Education Studies - how they affect your ATAR score
Higher Education Studies are for students who wish to extend their learning in a particular subject area and complete a first-year university subject in Year 12.
The university study can be counted as your sixth Year 12 subject and will be included in the calculation of your ATAR.
For more information on ATAR scores, scaling, bonus points or Higher Education Studies, speak to your school career adviser or see the VTAC Guide.
