21 May 2020

Trying to think about ATARs often leaves you scratching your head.

Which courses require a high ATAR? What are your other options if your ATAR isn’t strong enough to get into the course you want? What are your options for paying for uni?

These are just some of the many frequently asked questions that our mates over at UAC have all the answers to.

So, who are UAC?

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) covers all things related to the ATAR, including available degrees and the uni application process for students in NSW and ACT. They are your #1 source of truth for any q’s you need a’s to.

You can apply to over 2000 courses through UAC, and the process is made simple. All you really have to do is enter your personal details, the details of your studies and qualifications, and your course preferences! Some courses also have an additional selection criterion such as a personal statement, questionnaire, portfolio, audition, interview or test, which are considered either instead of, or together with, your ATAR. Each institution sets its own admission requirements and most offer pathway options to applicants who don't meet the general requirements.

So, what does your ATAR have to do with anything?

As we’re sure you know, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is that special number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the other students in their age group. Universities use the ATAR to help them select students for their courses, and admission to most tertiary courses is based on your selection rank. By having that nifty number, UAC is able to offer you admissions to 26 different institutions like the University of Wollongong, UNSW, University of Canberra and University of Newcastle just to name a few. You’re spoilt for choice!

UAC also has three main schemes to help make entry more accessible, because everyone deserves to study at university if they desire!

These schemes include:

Educational Access Schemes (EAS)

EAS aims to help the students whose educations have been negatively affected during Year 11 and/or Year 12 (or equivalent) to receive an offer to university.

If you were negatively affected for a period of at least six months as a result of circumstances beyond your control or choosing, then you could be eligible for EAS.

Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)

SRS incorporate early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. How good’s getting into uni before you’ve even finished Year 12!

Equity Scholarships (ES)

ES are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those who receive Centrelink income support payments such as ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Disability Support Pension…etc. Meeting scholarship eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship. There are more applicants than available scholarships, but it’s 100% worth a try!

UAC isn’t just a resource that applies to Year 12 students. UAC can help with things like subject selection for Year 10 students.

In Year 10, the thought of selecting the courses that you will study for the next two years can seem super daunting. You may be left a little frazzled, what with all the myths you would’ve heard from the crew in the grade above you. UAC has tonnes of information and worksheets to help you map your interests and skills to some possible career paths and study options and to select useful HSC courses. And if you're after something a bit more hands on and immediate, try out our Post-School Plan. It'll help you figure out how to align your personality to a career you're keen on with all the pathways laid out for ya. Neat, right?

So if you’re sick of hearing rumours about the ATAR and just want some solid answers, head over to UAC now and you can find out everything you need to know, or even ask a few questions yourself!