Yager, responsible for scaling HSC results and calculating students’ ATARs, has noticed a gap between final exam marks and assessment marks. This may be due to students slacking off towards the end of year 12 after working steadily earlier in the year. Jordan Ho, who achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95, studied mathematics, English, chemistry, and biology. He advises students to choose subjects they are passionate about, as this can make studying more enjoyable and lead to better results.
Robin Nagy from Academic Profiles, an education consultancy, suggests choosing subjects one is passionate about when aiming for a high ATAR. However, English and mathematics require additional considerations. Nagy describes mathematics advanced as a competitive course where students are assessed against those in mathematics extension 1, who have spent more time studying mathematics. In some cases, certain subjects may scale better depending on the year. For example, students who do well in English advanced may have their marks scaled better than those in English Extension 1.
To receive an ATAR, students must study at least 10 units in year 12, including at least two units of English. Most individual HSC subjects count for two units, while extensions and smaller subjects count for one unit. Students who achieved a 99.95 ATAR enrolled in an average of 12.1 units, with over half enrolling in 12 or 13 units. The highest number of units taken by any of these students was 16. This highlights the importance of balancing a challenging course load with achieving top results.
It is essential for students to choose subjects they enjoy and are passionate about when aiming for a high ATAR. Jordan Ho’s success in achieving a perfect ATAR of 99.95 was fueled by his love for math and chemistry. Nagy advises students to carefully consider the competitiveness and scaling of subjects like mathematics advanced when planning their course load. Understanding the dynamics of scaling and subject competitiveness can help students optimize their academic outcomes and achieve their desired ATAR.
Yager’s observation of a gap between final exam marks and assessment marks highlights the importance of maintaining consistency in academic performance throughout year 12. Students who let their efforts slip towards the end of the year may see a decrease in their final exam results compared to their assessment marks. This emphasizes the need for students to stay focused and dedicated throughout their studies to ensure they achieve the best possible outcomes.
In conclusion, achieving a high ATAR requires careful planning, subject selection, and dedication to one’s studies. Students should choose subjects they are passionate about, balance their course load effectively, and understand the dynamics of scaling and subject competitiveness. By maintaining consistency in academic performance and seeking support from educators and educational consultants, students can increase their chances of achieving their desired ATAR and pursuing their academic goals.
