After years of diligent study and anxious anticipation, school leavers have now received their ATAR results. As some hopefuls find their scores falling short of their dream university courses, education services are reassuring students that their career prospects do not start and end with that number.
“There are so many ways for a person to be able to pathway into a desired degree, should they not quite get the ATAR they needed,” said Pauline Stewart, Director of Future Students at Griffith University. Since Queensland’s ATAR results were released at midday on Thursday, Stewart’s team has been inundated with messages from prospective students worried about securing a place in their preferred degree.
Understanding the ATAR System
The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank, or ATAR, ranks students against the state’s entire Year 12 cohort, assigning a score between 0.00 and 99.95. This ranking system, while crucial, is not the sole determinant of a student’s academic future.
Stewart advises students that they may be able to slightly increase their scores through “adjustment factors.” She explained, “We like to surprise and delight in a way. Many students and their parents are not aware that we have these things called adjustment factors.”
“QTAC actually adds those ranks onto their ATAR, enhancing their eligibility for some programs.” — Pauline Stewart
These adjustment factors can include bonus ranks for subjects studied at school or proximity to campus. Stewart encourages school leavers to contact their preferred universities to explore these options.
Beyond the Numbers
Chris Verra, CEO of the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which calculates ATAR scores, emphasizes that ATAR is “just a number.” He encourages families to reach out for assistance, highlighting that alternative pathways are available.
The Assessing ATAR Report, released by Victoria University in partnership with the Mitchell Research Institute, found that one in ten school leavers did not use their ATAR to gain university entry. While 93% relied on a combination of ATAR and other criteria, 7% used overseas rankings, special considerations, portfolios, or school recommendations.
Alternative Pathways
Kris Ryan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academics at the University of Queensland, suggests that students could start one degree and work their way towards a higher-ranking course. “You apply for a related course with a lower ATAR, and then after your first year, you can transfer into your desired study,” Ryan explained.
By completing a year of a related degree, students can adjust their ATAR score based on their university performance. “The way we teach is different from high school, and it generally takes a year or so to get acquainted and comfortable,” he added.
Stewart also mentions that undergraduate diplomas offer an easier entry point. “Usually, they are five ATAR ranks lower than bachelors,” she said. “It enables you to get into that first year, and by the second year, you can move on to your bachelor’s.”
Exploring Vocational Pathways
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre reported that of the 57,909 students completing Year 12 in Queensland, 53% received an ATAR. With nearly half the cohort opting out, Brent Kinnane, interim CEO of TAFE Queensland, notes the growing interest in jobs that do not require a degree.
“Young people are much more informed now that a university pathway is not everyone’s pathway straight out of school,” Kinnane said. “There are options for students that include vocational education pathways.”
“Construction, electrical, automotive, engineering, health workers, cybersecurity — all those programs you can get through a practical training option.” — Brent Kinnane
A report by Victoria University for Jobs and Skills Australia predicts that over the next decade, 42.6% of employment growth will come from jobs in the VET space. Kinnane advises Year 12 students feeling overwhelmed by options to focus on aligning their interests with potential career paths.
“You’re more focused and have a genuine desire to do what’s required,” he remarked.
As students navigate their post-school options, the message from educational leaders is clear: an ATAR score is just one of many pathways to a successful career. The evolving landscape of education and employment offers diverse opportunities for all students to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
