What is the ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a rank, not a percentage mark. It runs from 0.00 to 99.95 and describes your relative position in the Year 12 age group, including people who did not complete Year 12. See VTAC’s guide to the ATAR.
Some people may say, “Your ATAR defines who you are” – others might say “Your ATAR is not important” – but how should you view ATAR?
What is ATAR used for?
The ATAR is one factor used in selection for many tertiary courses. Institutions may consider adjustment factors, prerequisites and other selection requirements. A published previous-year selection rank is a guide, not a promise of an offer. Check the current requirements for each course.
With this in mind, should you just aim for your minimum ATAR requirements?
ATAR reflects on how well you did for your final subjects in VCE – the Victorian Certificate of Education, however, it is also an opportunity for you to create good habits for your studies, cultivate efficient work ethic, punctuality and an excellent way to deal with things under pressure.
You could also gain real life skills for your future career, including creativity, resilience, leadership, empathy, and problem-solving – these of which are not measured by ATAR but are crucial in life and careers.
Does that mean I HAVE to get a high ATAR?
Not necessarily, there are plenty of people around Victoria who don’t get an 80+ or 90+ ATAR but have fruitful careers.
There are several options after school, including vocational education, apprenticeships and further study. Some universities also offer pathway courses or alternative entry routes. Availability and eligibility vary, so check with the institution and talk to your school’s careers adviser.
Not just that. There are countless people who did not get a high ATAR, but are still successful at their University, due to their hard work and great habits that they formed when they were in VCE.
ATAR should not be viewed as a key to one door, rather a key that unlocks a ton of golden opportunities for you in the future.
Don’t pressure yourself
Not many talk about this, but ATAR stress is a large one of the many problems that VCE students face throughout their VCE journey. Students would often think that their worth is tied to their scores, which induce stress and anxiety, leading to making unfortunate mistakes in their final exams. Students also often feel lost about what to do during their VCE journey. These psychological weights could potentially affect the type of students you are and the hard work you’ve been putting in since the start of VCE.
With that said, the key takeaway is to try your absolute best to build up your work ethics and habits to get the scores you want, while also maintaining your physical health, mental health and relationships. Your options remain open after Year 12. VCE units can be repeated, and other study pathways may be available. Talk to your school about your circumstances and read VCAA’s guidance on repeating units.
ATAR may open doors, but it doesn’t define you. It’s a starting point, not a finish line. Your passions, values, relationships, and experiences ultimately shape your identity and success.
