What if I get a lower ATAR than I expected?

 
Receiving your ATAR can be an exciting and nervous time, but it's a good idea to have a back-up plan. Here are our top three tips to help take the pressure off when deciding what your plan b will be.

1. Understand your options

The first step is to understand your options. Search for courses using our ATAR/IB Course Calculator to find a degree using your exam results, or check which courses have a guaranteed ATAR.

If you had experienced significant disruption during Year 12, one of our admission pathways could help you receive an offer for your dream course.

Some options to consider:

• If you did well in English or maths, you may be eligible for up to five adjustment factors through the Academic Excellence Scheme.
• Apply for a similar course with a lower ATAR, and study what you want through our shared pool of majors and minors.
• Complete the first year of a related course with a lower ATAR then apply to transfer into your preferred course.
• Apply for a graduate entry into postgraduate coursework, such as a master's degree, after you have completed your undergraduate degree.

2. Seek advice

Seek advice from your family, friends and careers advisers and get as much information as you can to help you make an informed decision before preferences close.

Talk to online or in-person at Info Day on 19 December 2020. Our staff and students are on hand to answer your questions on anything from majors to options available via admissions pathways, as well as help you finalise your preferences. Write down a list of questions you have so that you can tick them off on the day. Here are a few suggested questions to ask:

• Which subjects are on offer in my degree?
• What is a guaranteed ATAR, and what happens if I don’t meet it?
• What approximate mark would I need if I wanted to transfer after my first year of study?
• If I don’t get into the undergraduate degree, will there be graduate-entry options available?
  

3. Don't sweat it

It is not the end of your career hopes if you don’t get the marks you were hoping for. Our Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence even thinks so. No matter which pathway you take, remember to work hard and make the most of it.

“ATARs may help students get into their first choice of university course, but there are many pathways into university and your ATAR is just one route.” Dr Michael Spence says. “If you don't do as well as you had hoped – and there are many reasons why people don't – it is not the end of your career hopes. There will be many opportunities and ways to get the education you want for a rewarding career.” 

Last updated 15 December 2020