Practice Test Geeks(ATAR) Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Practice Test
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Selection Rank vs. ATAR Flashcards

7 cards from real ATAR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A student achieves an ATAR of 72.00 and applies to a course with a selection rank cutoff of 75.00. What is the minimum EAS bonus they would need to receive an offer based on rank alone?

    Answer: 3.00 points

    To reach a selection rank of 75.00 from an ATAR of 72.00, the student needs at least 3.00 bonus points.

  2. Which of the following is a key difference between an ATAR and a selection rank when applying to university?

    Answer: The ATAR is a standardised national score; the selection rank is institution-specific and may include adjustments

    The ATAR is a standardised percentile rank; selection ranks are derived by individual universities by adding adjustment factors to the ATAR.

  3. A student hears that a course had a selection rank cutoff of 95.00 last year but enrolments are expected to double this year. What should the student anticipate?

    Answer: The cutoff will likely drop because more students are being accepted

    If a university doubles its intake, more students are accepted and the selection rank cutoff typically falls as the course becomes less competitive.

  4. An institution offers a 'bridging course' to a student whose selection rank is slightly below the cutoff. This is best described as:

    Answer: A structured academic preparation route that can lead to entry into the main degree

    Bridging or enabling courses are alternative pathways that allow students below cutoff to demonstrate readiness for tertiary study and potentially progress to a degree.

  5. Why might two students with the same ATAR receive different selection ranks at the same university?

    Answer: Because different EAS adjustments may apply to each student based on individual circumstances

    EAS adjustments are assessed individually, so two students with the same ATAR can receive different bonus points and thus different selection ranks.

  6. A student who left school early and gained work experience applies to university five years later. Which pathway most directly bypasses the ATAR selection rank requirement?

    Answer: Applying as a mature-age applicant assessed on work and life experience

    Most Australian universities have mature-age entry pathways that assess applicants on criteria other than the ATAR, such as work experience, interviews, or portfolio.

  7. A student's ATAR is reported as 65.00. What does this tell us about their academic standing relative to their age cohort?

    Answer: They performed better than 65% of all students in their age cohort

    An ATAR of 65.00 means the student performed better than 65% of their entire age cohort, not just those who sat the exam.