If you’re in Year-12, you don’t need anyone to tell you it’s getting close to crunch time. Before you know it, those exams you’ve been working towards for so long will be over. While it will be a relief to have those behind you, you may sense something else lurking on the horizon. That’s right. The ATAR.
What is the ATAR anyway?
Those four scary capital letters stand for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. So, the first thing to remember is that it’s a rank, and not a mark. It reveals your position against the rest of your peers. An ATAR of 70, for example, doesn’t mean you got 70 percent. It means you’re in the top 30 percent of your year group.
How do they calculate this number?
Your ATAR will be calculated using the sum of the scaled marks from your top ten scoring units (these include your best two units of English, and the best eight remaining units). Each unit is worth 50 points, which gives the top ten units a value of 500 points. After aligning and scaling, the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) ranks students in order. The result is a number between zero and 99.5.
What ATAR do I need for UTS?
The specific ranking required for each course will vary each year, so it’s best to check the website for the latest information. Certain courses also have special requirements.
What if my ATAR isn’t high enough for the course I want?
Don’t panic if you don’t get the ATAR required for the course you want. You still have options. There are many ways to get into your chosen degree. For example, you could enrol in a course that doesn’t need such a high ATAR and then switch to your preferred degree after completing a year. Other students take time out for a year or try to get some work experience to find their true calling. It’s also a good idea to check whether you’re eligible for any special consideration.
Is there another pathway to UTS?You can always look at non-ATAR pathways like UTS College, the pathway to UTS. A Diploma of Animation, Business, Communication, Design and Architecture, Information Technology, Engineering, or Science could be the perfect backup plan to help you into your dream degree. Instead of your ATAR, admission to UTS College is based on your results in English plus your best three board-developed courses. It’s the perfect back-up plan. Why wait till after the exams? Give yourself some peace of mind and lock it in now.