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ATAR Information

More ATAR Information is on Compass > HSSC Curriculum > Pathways > Year 12 Pathways

Adjustment factors explained

If you’re heading into your final high school exams this year and thinking about university, you've probably been browsing courses. You might have also have come across terms like "ATAR cut-off", "Selection Rank", and "adjustment factors".

But what do these mean, and how might they affect your chances of getting in to your dream course? Don't stress - we'll explain everything you need to know about adjustment factors in this article. Let's get started.

 

Selection Rank vs ATAR 

Your ATAR is a number that illustrates your overall academic performance when compared to everyone else in your year group across the whole country. It's simply a numerical value that universities use to easily see how your results compare to other Year 12 students.

So why do you sometimes see a minimum Selection Rank (SR) listed for a course instead of a minimum ATAR?

Well, each university is its own independent body, so they decide the minimum requirements for entry into their courses. And Selection Ranks are how they do this.

To calculate your SR, the university will take your ATAR (a set number that will never change), then add any adjustment factors - formerly called bonus points - that they think you're eligible for. The final total equals your Selection Rank.

To put it super simply, ATAR + adjustment factors = SR.

How to universities set Selection Ranks? 

Each year, universities set the minimum SR for each course based on a few key factors, such as:

  • the number of places available (the quota),
  • how many people apply, and/or
  • the overall competitiveness of applicants.

Because of this, the minimum SR required for entry to a course can change from one year to the next. These thresholds aren’t set in advance, so when you're researching courses, last year’s minimum should only be used as a general guide, not a guarantee.

And if your ATAR is slightly lower than the published SR, don't fret - you could be eligible for adjustment factors that will make up the difference.

 

Adjustment factors: What are they? 

Now let's talk adjustment factors. These are the little pots of gold, the points that are added to your ATAR which make up your selection rank.

Adjustment factors exist to make the playing field more equal, ensuring that students who are at a disadvantage or who go the extra mile during their studies are given the best chance of securing a spot in their chosen course.

There are lots of reasons you might receive adjustment factors, including:

  • Performance in certain subjects
  • Living in a rural or remote area
  • Coming from a low-SES background
  • Diversity
  • Through schemes such as the Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
  • Elite athletes and performers

Remember, these bonus points don't actually change your final ATAR - they are applied individually by different institutions, and are only taken into account during applications.

 

How do I access adjustment factors? 

Some adjustment factors are added automatically when you submit an application, so you don't need to do a thing. Others require a separate application (such as EAS).

While one university might award you adjustment factors for certain things, another university might not. For example, UNSW awards bonus points to elite athletes and performers; UNE on the other hand does not. But UNE offers automatic adjustment factors for rural students, while at UNSW you need to submit a separate application.

As selection rank adjustments vary between institutions, and even between courses at the same university, it’s always worth checking the specific criteria for each before applying. The most reliable place to get information is from the universities themselves, so check on the course requirement pages, contact future students, or attend open days or information sessions.

You can also check with your state or territory's Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) about which adjustment factors will be applied automatically and which ones you'll need to apply for.

 

Which universities offer adjustment factors? 

Want to know if your chosen university offers adjustment factors? The good news is pretty much all of them do. We've gathered links for each university across Australia so you can find out more.

 

Adjustment factors in New South Wales 

Adjustment factors in the Australian Capital Territory 

Adjustment factors in Victoria 

Adjustment factors in Queensland 

Adjustment factors in South Australia 

Adjustment factors in Western Australia 

Adjustment factors in the Northern Territory 

Adjustment factors in Tasmania