Scaling Frequently Asked Questions

My friend got the same overall grade for a subject as I did, but their scaled score was different to mine. Why?
Grades represent a range of scores. For example, a grade of A may correspond to any score between 13.5 and 14.4. These scores are calculated from your individual assessment components, so two students with the same overall grade may still have different raw scores.
is based on the results of these individual assessment components rather than the overall grade itself. As a result, even if you and a friend receive the same final grade for a subject, your scaled scores may differ because the underlying raw scores used in the scaling process were different.
Example:
In English, there are two school-based assessments (30% and 40%) and one external assessment (30%).
- Student A gets an overall grade of B+ with component results of B and B+ for the school-based assessment components, and a raw score of 11.4 for the external assessment.
- Student B also gets an overall grade of B+ but with component results of B+, B+ for the school assessment components, and a raw score of 11.8 for their external assessments.
Because Student B performed slightly better on the individual components, they will receive a higher scaled score than Student A, even though both have the same overall grade.
My friend and I got the same grades for our four subjects plus the Research Project, but they got a better ATAR than me. Why?
There are two main reasons this can happen:
1. You studied different subjects: Even if your overall grades are the same, the scaled scores for each subject can differ depending on the subjects you chose.
2. Same subjects, different results: If you and your friend studied the same subjects, you may have performed differently on the individual assessment components. This can lead to different scaled scores for the same grades (see previous FAQ).
Can SATAC tell me the scaled scores for a particular subject?

No. Scaled scores for individual subjects are not publicly available.
Choosing subjects based on historical scaled scores is not recommended, as it could result in a lower and . You should choose subjects based on your skills, interests, abilities, and life goals.
Should I study Mathematical Methods rather than General Mathematics? I've heard that Mathematical Methods is 'scaled up' and General Mathematics is 'scaled down'.

You should choose subjects that are the right level for your abilities or that prepare you for the courses you want to study.
Scaling is designed to reflect your true academic ability, no matter which subjects you choose.
Choosing a subject simply because it is traditionally “scaled up” is unlikely to increase your ATAR. For example, if you earn a C+ in Mathematical Methods but a B in General Mathematics, the effect of scaling on your university aggregate and ATAR is likely to be similar.