The ATAR: Run your own race

WHILE Year 12 students wait patiently for their results, a new video released by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) offers a quick and simple explanation of how the ATAR works.

In just two minutes, ‘Everything you need to know about the ATAR’ uses the analogy of a fun run to explain how a student’s rank is simply a number that places them amongst the group of students who did Year 12 with them – similar to running the City2Surf.

In the lead up to the event you train to try and improve your fitness and time – just like studying. Then on the day you set off with the other 80,000 participants to run the course – its exam day. At the end you receive your time and your place in the field – your results and your rank compared to everyone else who started the race.

The focus in both these scenarios is on striving to achieve your personal best result.

Remember that the ATAR has only one purpose – as a measuring tool that unis use to make sure you’re well prepared for your chosen course. Most universities also use other criteria when selecting students, such as a personal statement, a questionnaire, a portfolio of work, an audition, an interview or a test.

Watch the video.

Read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ATAR.

ATARs will be released at 1pm on Tuesday 17 December – the same day as HSC results this year. UAC will be operating its ATAR Enquiry Centre for students who have queries about the calculation of their ATAR from Tuesday 17 December to Friday 20 December.

In the meantime they can contact UAC’s Customer Service on 1300 MY UAC (1300 275 822) or (02) 9752 0200 from mobiles.

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For further information (media only) email media@uac.edu.au or contact:
Diane Jardine, Communications Officer, UAC on (02) 9752 0775
Kim Paino, General Manager, Marketing and Engagement, UAC on (02) 9752 0760 or 0409 155 112.