What Is the ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile ranking that indicates your position relative to all Year 12 students in Victoria. It ranges from 0 to 99.95 and is used by universities for course selection.
How Is the ATAR Calculated?
Your ATAR is derived from a calculation called the aggregate. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Study Scores
For each VCE subject, you receive a study score between 0 and 50, with a mean of 30. This score reflects your performance relative to other students in that subject.
Step 2: Scaling
Study scores are scaled to account for the differing difficulty levels of subjects. This means a score of 35 in one subject may be worth more or less than 35 in another.
Step 3: The Aggregate
Your aggregate is calculated by taking:
- Your best English study score (or English equivalent)
- Plus the next three highest scaled study scores
- Plus 10% of up to two additional scaled study scores
Step 4: Ranking
Your aggregate is ranked against all VCE students to produce your ATAR percentile.
Key Factors
Subject Selection Matters
Choosing subjects with higher scaling (like Specialist Maths or Physics) can boost your aggregate, but only if you perform well in them. A high score in a lower-scaled subject often beats a mediocre score in a higher-scaled one.
English Is Compulsory
Your English (or equivalent) score always counts. Since it's mandatory, a strong English score provides a solid foundation for your ATAR.
Common Misconceptions
- Myth: A higher-scaled subject always gives you a higher ATAR
- Fact: Your raw performance matters more than scaling
- Myth: The ATAR is out of 100
- Fact: The maximum is 99.95
How ATARise Helps
Our ATAR prediction tool uses your mock exam results and historical data to provide an estimated ATAR range, helping you track your progress and set realistic goals.