Should I Choose ATAR Subjects in Year 11 and 12?

To uni or not to uni?

So, you’re finishing up Year 10 and need to choose your subjects for the next two years but aren’t sure if the ATAR pathway is the right one for you.

There are heaps of different routes that you can take when nearing the end of your high school experience but if you’re struggling to decide here’s what you should consider.

**Do you actually want to go to uni?**

When it comes to choosing whether you should do ATAR subjects in Year 11 and 12, the first question you will want to answer is whether or not you actually want to go to uni.

Of course you don’t have to do ATAR classes to get into university because there are several different pathways available but if you’re not keen on going to university at all and instead have plans to do a trade or study at TAFE, ATAR subjects are not necessary.

While you don’t need to do ATAR subjects if you’re not planning on going to uni, you can still choose to study one, or some, if you want. If, for example, you are really interested in human biology, choose it as one of your classes so you don’t miss out.

If you’re really keen on studying at university but aren’t sure if you’re up for ATAR classes, you can instead choose another route. Many students get into university through a certificate, portfolio entry, bridging courses or as a mature aged student, so this definitely isn't the last chance you have to decide.

What is the workload like?

You may have heard from your older friends at school that ATAR can be a lot of work and/or very high stress.

It's important to remember that everyone’s experience in high school can be very different and you may find ATAR classes a breeze. On the flip side, you may struggle with the amount of work that is expected from you.

When you’re choosing your classes for the following year, take the time to consider your time management skills, how much work you can individually complete and whether or not you struggle with stress.

In reality, you won’t completely know if ATAR classes are right for you until you start them. While it is always good to challenge yourself, if you find that it's too much for you or you’re not enjoying your experience, you can always change your mind.

What subjects you should pick.

When it comes to choosing your ATAR subjects there is no one who can or should tell you exactly what to pick. It's most important to seek out classes that you are passionate about and enjoy.

The last thing you want to do is let someone else influence your decision because in the end it is your education. While you can get advice from parents, teachers and friends, choose classes that work to your strengths and future study plans.

That said, keep in mind some schools require all their students to complete a certain class, like mathematics for example, and all students are required to complete an English class to achieve an ATAR score, so consider if these apply and how they will affect your studies.

Another thing to consider is whether all your combined class choices meet ATAR eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for an ATAR you need to complete 10 units of ATAR courses including eight units of category A courses, two units of English, three Board Developed courses of two units or greater and four subjects (within each subject there may be several courses).

In basic terms, you will need to complete a minimum of four ATAR classes including an English class over both Years 11 and 12.

Once you have chosen your minimum four ATAR classes you will have two spots left to fill. With this you can choose another two ATAR classes, or you could try out a certificate or a school-based traineeship.

Because the ATAR system works by using the marks from your top four classes, a lot of students will choose a fifth ATAR class as a backup if they are worried about struggling with another class.

In the end, it's best to go with your gut, you can always change your mind later on down the track if things don’t work out.