FAQ Sheet 11:
What is a Australian Tertiary Admission Rank score?
How is my Australian Tertiary Admission Rank score used to get me into university?
Admission to university based on a student's Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score is the most common pathway for school leavers. Here are some basic details about the ATAR and the admissions process based on ATAR scores. This information is based on the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) Pty Ltd's 'UAC 2006 Guide'.
What is the ATAR?
- ATAR gives a numerical measure to the overall academic performance of a Higher School Certificate (HSC) student compared to other HSC students across Australia.
How is the ATAR used to gain admission to university?
- Most university course places are offered to applicants based on those with the highest ATAR. Some courses also consider additional criteria including interview, personal statement, audition and/or portfolio.
- There are alternative entry pathways that use considerations additional to or other than the ATAR. See 'Getting into a uni course' in this resource for further information.
How is an application based on my ATAR made?
- Students must elect to receive their ATAR score when they apply through their school for their HSC.
- Students must then make an application for their preferred university course(s) (up to nine preferences are allowed) through UAC.
- See the UAC Guide or UAC website for instructions on how to make your application via UAC. Teachers and careers advisers at school can also help you with your application.
Important dates for ATAR applications
| Date | Item |
|---|---|
| Early August 2007 | Applications for semester 1 2008 open |
| Fri 28 September 2007 | On-time applications close |
| Wed 31 October 2007 | Late applications close (processing charge + late fee) |
| Fri 30 November 2007 | Late applications close (processing charge + late fee) |
| Fri 1 February 2008 | Final closing date for applications (processing charge + late fee) |
2007 year 12 applicants
Apply-by-web applications must be submitted by midnight on the relevant closing date.