How is the ATAR Calculated and What’s a Selection Rank?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a crucial part of the university admission process in Australia. It provides a standardized measure of academic achievement for Year 12 students, helping universities compare applicants from different schools and regions.

Let’s explore how the ATAR is calculated and what a selection rank entails.

The ATAR is not a score but a rank that ranges from 0 to 99.95, reflecting a student’s performance relative to their peers.

It is calculated using scaled scores from a student’s best subjects during their final year of secondary school. This ranking system allows universities to assess the academic merit of applicants consistently.

How is the ATAR Calculated?

1. Subject Selection and Scaling: To be eligible for an ATAR, students must complete at least four VCE studies, including one English subject. Each subject provides a raw score, which is scaled by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) based on the difficulty of achieving high scores in that subject[1][5].
2. Aggregate Calculation: The ATAR calculation begins with an aggregate score, which includes:

• The highest scaled study score in one English study.
• The highest scaled scores for three additional subjects.
• 10% of the scaled scores for up to two more subjects[5].

1. Ranking and Conversion: Students are ranked based on their aggregate scores, and this rank is converted into an ATAR, indicating the percentage of students they outperformed[1][5].

What is a Selection Rank?

A selection rank is an adjusted version of the ATAR used by universities to determine eligibility for specific courses. It includes additional factors like adjustment points for performance in certain subjects, equity considerations, or special entry schemes[2][4].

Key Differences Between ATAR and Selection Rank

Feature	ATAR	Selection Rank
Definition	A rank based on academic performance	An adjusted rank including additional factors
Purpose	Standardized measure for university	Determines eligibility for specific courses
Adjustments	None	Includes adjustments like bonus points

The ATAR plays a significant role in university admissions as it provides a transparent way to compare academic achievements across different educational systems. However, selection ranks offer flexibility by considering individual circumstances, ensuring fair access to higher education opportunities[2][4].

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