ATAR Scores Are Rolling Out… Here's Some Options If You Aren’t Stoked with Yours

Spoiler alert: you’re an absolute legend and everything’s gonna be okay.

ATAR scores have been trickling out across Australia with Victoria the latest to get theirs, meaning result time is on the horizon for the rest of the country.

Let’s not beat around the bush. It’s probably been the trickiest time in recent history to be a student in your final years of high school.

And, although the end may come as a relief and celebration for some, it can also bring with it disappointment if you don't get the mark you wanted.

We’re here to remind you that it's okay. You’ve been dealt a pretty awful card in the form of a literal pandemic, and although an ATAR is a pathway to the university course you want, it isn’t the only one…

When you're ready, here are your options...

Enrol in a similar course and transfer later.

If you aimed super high and didn’t quite meet your own expectations, that’s okay.

TikToker Sarah Rav summed it up pretty well here…

@sarahrav

Getting a low ATAR isn’t the end of the world!! So don’t stress over it too much 🙏🏽👏🏽 ##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner ##ATAR ##VCE ##HSC

♬ SOL SAN JUAN - Nomad & Lola

And hey, giving the more general course a go could also give you a taster of whether you like it or not. It’s a win-win!

Portfolio entry.

Depending on the uni you want to go to, portfolio entry is an awesome option.

Instead of using your ATAR, you can create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities and showcases your skills.

Perhaps you slogged it out at your casual job, did some extracurriculars or copped an award or two around the place. This is when those come in handy.

We broke down the ins and outs of portfolio entry here.

We also have you covered on how to put one together and make it stand out. You’re welc!

Bridging courses

It’s pretty likely the uni you were hoping to get into runs them.

Plus, they’re also a pretty great way to suss whether uni life is for you or not.

VET Studies.

How about studying a lower-level course with fewer entry requirements like a TAFE certificate or an advanced diploma?

Usually, they slice time off your eventual uni degree anyway, which sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Especially if you’re wanting to gain more practical skills over yawning during theory, lectures, and readings.

Check out your local TAFE/VET providers for their range of offerings. We've got you covered with all the benefits of choosing TAFE here.

Take a gap year (or two).

University has been around for a long time and it’s not about to disappear. 

A gap year is a perfect opportunity to take a breather after the whirlwind two years we’ve had and learn about yourself instead.

Although we may not be able to explore the world during our gap years quite as easily as we could pre-pandemic there are still heaps of options to design your dream gap year and build yourself up to your next step.

Take a breath.

Alright, I know you’re probably sick to death of hearing “your ATAR doesn’t define you!” by now.  

But if you do one thing, let it be reminding yourself that you got out of the other side, and life is truly just about to start getting awesome, no matter what pathway you choose.

And, heck, let us be another person to tell you: your ATAR doesn’t determine your value in society or your value at all. Amen sis.

For exclusive pathways and courses on critical life skills you don’t need to go to class for, head over to Student Edge Plus.

Happy ATAR results day! Congrats if you did well! ATAR is born!
But if you didn’t, just a reminder that I did VERY badly and got a hugely low score and now I do a job that makes me happy and at times ludicrous sums of money. That number ain’t you bby. Don’t stress about it hey. pic.twitter.com/FaK2Ka07Kx

— Rhys Nicholson (@rhysnicholson) December 16, 2021

Header Image: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels