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Quick ATAR Facts

There’s a lot to understand about the ATAR system, so we’ve put together a few facts that might interest you.

Your ATAR score is valid for life. You can use it to apply to study at university regardless of your age, provided it meets the entry requirements for your course.
The national median ATAR is around 70.00 but changes every year. That’s because the averages in each state varies too. For example, in 2022 the median ATAR in Queensland was 78.85, in Western Australia it was 82.3, and in New South Wales it was 70.41.
Your ATAR is a nationally recognised number, so if you live in Queensland and your ATAR is 85.00, it’ll be the same no matter which state you apply to study in.
Only 48.57% of students who were admitted to the University of Sydney in 2023 did so solely based on ATAR, regardless of adjustment factors
Getting a low ATAR isn’t the end of the world. These days, universities and other tertiary institutions offer stacks of alternative pathways to get in.
You can still change your preferences after you’ve received your ATAR results. So, if you’ve scored lower or higher than expected you’ve still got time to adjust your preferences to reflect that.
You can’t ‘waste an ATAR’ – if you score 99.95 and choose to study a course with an entry requirement of 80.00 because it’s your top choice, go with it. Scoring a high ATAR simply means there are more courses that you’re eligible to apply for, you’ll have more options.
No ATAR – no problem. Some VET and other tertiary qualifications don’t necessarily require you to have an ATAR. These qualifications also provide nationally recognised qualifications and some universities will accept them as eligibility (sometimes even credit towards first year studies) if you’d like to apply to uni in future.
Once you’ve got into uni or another tertiary institution, nobody is likely to ask what your ATAR was again, let alone use it as criteria for course or job selection.
You aren’t defined by your ATAR and your opportunities in life won’t be limited by that number. You may have to take a different pathway to the one you’d originally planned, and it may take a little longer is all.
Using online “ATAR calculators” aren’t necessarily accurate, as scaling changes every year, so don’t take the results as gospel.
Taking advanced subjects doesn’t mean you’ll get a higher ATAR; only the amount of work and effort you put in can do that.

University disability and inclusion services

For many students living with disabilities or ongoing health issues, heading off to university can seem like a massive challenge. However, universities these days (as well as most other higher education providers) recognise the issues that you might be facing, and are there to help. You’ll find that they offer a range of disability and inclusion services that could help you to transition more easily into university life and succeed once you’re settled in.

What help do university disability and inclusion services offer?

Different universities might offer different services, so it’s worth your time to research what’s available at all the campuses you’re interested in studying at. Then, we recommend that you make contact with the teams working in those departments, ask them questions, or even arrange to meet them. Examples of some of the services offered include:

Accessibility options
Adjustments to assessments
Special arrangements during exams
Provision of specialised equipment and technology
Advice, advocacy, and on-site support

Who is eligible for help from these support services?

Anyone who has a disability or chronic health condition may be eligible to apply for help from these university services. Physical and learning disabilities, mental health issues, and injuries are usually all included in the eligibility categories. You may also be able to apply if you’re the main carer of someone with a disability or long-term health issue.

The best thing to do is contact universities directly. They’ll be able to tell you if you’ll be eligible for assistance, what services and provisions may be offered, and how to make sure you can access them.

Find out what’s available

To see more information about the disability and inclusion services offered in your country or with the university you’d like to study at, visit the following links:

Australia

5 New Year’s resolutions for high school students

The end of the year is nearly upon us, and now is a great time to reflect on everything you’ve achieved over the past 12 months. It’s also a good time to think about what you’d like to achieve in 2024; and many of us like to set New Year’s Resolutions.

A New Year’s Resolution is essentially something you want to do differently over the coming 12 months. Think of it almost like setting a goal. What you decide for your New Year’s Resolution is entirely up to you. It could be anything at all, from eating less chocolate, to learning the violin, or running an ultramarathon. It could even be as simple as resolving to be kinder to your siblings.

If you need some inspo, check out our top 5 New Year’s resolutions for high school students.

“I want to take better care of myself.”

Self-explanatory. Get more sleep, eat more vegetables, try to do some exercise, and be kind to yourself.

Benefits – you’ll just feel better, which is always nice. Plus, when you’re feeling healthy and happy, you’re more likely to do well in all aspects of your life – which in turn will set you up for success post-school.

You can find some great tips on leading a healthy lifestyle here.

“I want to try harder at school.”

Deciding you want to put more effort in is always a great idea. To make your resolution more achievable, being a bit more specific can help – think “I want to stop failing my maths tests” or “I want to achieve above average marks in every subject”.

Benefits – verbally committing to trying harder can be a great incentive. It’ll keep you on track, and give you something to work towards. Plus, hopefully you’ll get better marks.

Need inspiration? Read up about some “famous failures” who refused to give up on their dreams.

“I want to not take on too much.”

You’ve probably heard the phrase “don’t bite off more than you can chew”. This is the same thing.

You’re already studying, and possibly working. You’re probably also playing sport, staying fit, enjoying some extracurriculars, and maintaining a social life. So next year, maybe resolve not to put yourself under too much pressure.

Benefits – you’ll feel happier and less stressed. Trying to do too much at once usually ends in some form of disaster, so look after yourself and learn to say no from time to time.

Here’s an article from the Black Dog Institute about how to deal with burnout (it’s aimed at people in the workforce, but the tips are relevant for anyone).

“I want to try something new each month.”

Trying new things is the way we learn what’s right for us. Now’s your time to try just about everything on offer – and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to make it a long-term commitment. So enrol in new sports, take classes, volunteer, and grab opportunities that come your way.

Benefits – trying new stuff is fun! Just ask any adventurer. And you can build your resume at the same time; don’t forget to add the skills you learned along the way too.

“I want to think positively.”

Banish doubt. It’ll only hold you back. At this stage in life you can do or be almost anything you want if you work hard enough. Yes, you still have to do the work and put in the hours, but thinking positively can change your life. So stop telling yourself you’re not good enough.

Benefits – once again, you’ll just feel better. Don’t forget that while positive thinking alone is a great start, you need to turn that energy into positive action as well. As Tony Robbins says, “You can sit in the garden of your mind telling yourself there are no weeds, but to build a truly fulfilling life, you need to stop covering up the weeds with positive thinking – and pick them instead.”

Start ASAP

Hopefully these New Year’s resolutions for high school students have given you some inspiration. Our top tip? Start thinking about your resolutions as soon as possible. Who knows where you could be in 12 months time?

Remember, breaking or slipping up on your resolutions doesn’t make you a failure. Use it as a chance to take a step back, see how far you’ve already come, and start fresh tomorrow.

You might like to read other wellbeing tips and tricks to start the new year on the right foot, or check out our blog on setting and achieving goals.