It is recommended that you access the resources on the VTAC website for comprehensive information about Scaling and the ATAR.
Example program only:
How is my ATAR calculated? All students completing scored assessments (exams etc.) in their Unit 3/4 Studies will receive a mark out of 50. This is provided by VCAA. When a student has a MINIMUM of 4 scored subjects (including English/English Language/Literature/ESL), then VTAC will scale these (see examples below) and a TERTIARY ENTRANCE RANK or ATAR is calculated. This is not a score (despite what people call it) but a ranking of a student amongst his/her cohort. This rank will fit into the range of 0.5 (lowest) to 99.95 (highest). A maximum of 6 scored Unit 3/4 subjects will contribute to the ATAR– regardless of which year the study was completed.
The ATAR is calculated using English (or Literature, ESL, or English Language), and the 3 next best (after scaling). These are known as the Primary Four. Up to 2 increments (2 extra subjects) can be used - 10% of each scaled score.
Therefore, for the scenario above, the ATAR would be calculated as follows; Primary Four
However, If you averaged 35 (pre‐scaled)…with the same subjects:
Myth Busting • “My subjects “get scaled down”… I can’t get a high ATAR”…WRONG! A 50 in, say, Chemistry, is the same as a 50 in Business Management.
• “Only students doing LOTEs and “hard” maths and sciences can get ATARs in the 90’s”. NOT TRUE. (see dot point 1 above). However, it is a fact that certain subjects (including LOTEs, “hard” Maths and Sciences) are “scaled up” and scaling movements (up or down) are generally greatest around the Mean (30).
You should choose your subjects based on the following:
• Does the course I’m interested in have prerequisites?
The scaling of a subject should not be the sole reason for choosing it.
• Am I good at the subject and do I enjoy it? Thank you to Bendigo Senior Secondary College Careers Team for the original collation of this information.
ATAR Calculators
You may notice various "ATAR Calculators" on the internet. Click here to access the one that many students have used recently. Please be aware that the calculation of your ATAR, and scaling in particular, is a lengthy and complicated process. Therefore, the results of these calculators is to be used a general guide only. They can not predict your ATAR accurately.
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