ATAR - Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Subject Scaling and Moderation Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of subject scaling in the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that a student's final rank is not unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by their choice of subjects.

Answer

To reward students for choosing subjects that are perceived as more difficult.

Answer

To adjust a student's raw exam scores based on their school's historical academic performance.

Answer

To combine a student's internal assessment marks with their final exam mark for each subject.

Question 2

A student performs exceptionally well in a subject that historically scales down. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the impact on their ATAR?

Accepted Answer

A high raw mark in a lower-scaling subject can still contribute more to their ATAR than a poor mark in a high-scaling subject.

Answer

Their high mark will be significantly reduced, negatively impacting their ATAR regardless of their performance.

Answer

The subject will automatically be excluded from their top aggregate score.

Answer

Scaling will be waived for this student because they are an outlier.

Question 3

Which process is used to adjust the internal assessment marks from a school to align them with the standards of the external state-wide examination?

Accepted Answer

Moderation

Answer

Aggregation

Answer

Percentile Ranking

Answer

Scaling

Question 4

In the context of ATAR, how is the 'strength of the competition' in a particular subject primarily determined for scaling purposes?

Accepted Answer

By the overall academic performance of the students in that subject across all their other subjects.

Answer

By the ATARs achieved by students who took the subject in previous years.

Answer

By the average number of hours students report studying for that subject.

Answer

By university feedback on which subjects best prepare students for tertiary studies.

Question 5

A student is deciding between two subjects for their final year. Subject A historically scales very well, but the student finds it extremely difficult and uninteresting. Subject B scales moderately but aligns with the student's strengths and interests. What is the most strategic advice for this student to maximise their ATAR?

Accepted Answer

Choose Subject B, as they are more likely to achieve a higher raw mark, which is crucial for a good scaled score.

Answer

Choose Subject A, as the high scaling will compensate for a potentially lower raw mark.

Answer

Choose both subjects and drop the one with the lower mark after the first assessment period.

Answer

The choice is irrelevant as scaling ensures all outcomes are equalised.

Question 6

What is the key difference between moderation and scaling in the ATAR process?

Accepted Answer

Moderation adjusts internal school assessments for fairness across schools, while scaling adjusts subject scores for fairness across different subjects.

Answer

Moderation compares students within the same school, while scaling compares students across different states.

Answer

Moderation is applied to exam marks, while scaling is applied to internal assessment marks.

Answer

Moderation is done by the school, while scaling is done by the national Tertiary Admissions Centre.