The facts about cut-off scores and university entry
As a parent, there’s a lot to take in when your child starts Year 12. One of the main sources of concern is their final mark (ATAR) and, consequently, if they will get into their course. We discuss the ins and outs of cut-off scores, pathway options and what your child can do to improve their chances.
What is a cut-off score?
Put simply, cut-off scores are determined by the:
- popularity of a course
- number of places available
- academic performance of students applying.
Students are ranked by their ATAR when they apply for a course. If there are 100 places available, the top 100 students will receive an offer and the cut-off score will be the ATAR achieved by the last-admitted student (number 100 on the list, with the lowest score). Cut-off scores will then vary year on year depending on how many people apply for the course and the performance of those who do.
Of course, the process is more complicated once you factor in non-school leavers, special-entry schemes and courses that employ alternative selection criteria, such as an interview, portfolio or audition. There are also courses that are always in high demand (medicine and law, for instance), meaning there is little variance in cut-offs in these fields — no matter who applies.
Cut-off scores for 2016 entry can be sourced from The Good Universities Guide. See the Course search for more information.
What if my child doesn’t get into uni or has to take a different route?
The first thing to keep in mind is that not all students commence university straight after Year 12. In fact, only 48 per cent of domestic undergraduate students are school leavers.
Data from TheGood Universities Guide shows that school leavers are the minority in nine of the 30 fields of study. This includes creative arts (49 per cent), dentistry (48 per cent), education and training (48 per cent), health services and support (44 per cent), languages (43 per cent), medicine (20 per cent), nursing (39 per cent), paralegal studies (43 per cent) and social work (39 per cent). The remainder commence study after vocational study, as a mature age student, with work experience or on any other criteria determined by the institution.
The next important step is to consider pathways. This means determining alternative ways to get into a course if they don’t achieve the required cut-off score, such as completing a lower-level course (a diploma before a degree, for example), studying at a lower-demand institution or a lower-demand course at the same institution with the intention to transfer, or taking the postgraduate route after a generalist undergraduate degree. Bridging and foundation courses are another option, allowing students to gain the preparatory skills required for higher education — often with credit and direct entry to the second year of a bachelor degree.
How can my child improve their chances of university entry?
Because most courses admit students based on their ATAR, this comes down to being fully informed about course options, entry procedures and access schemes. With course applications typically due in September, this makes early research crucial.
If your child has their heart set on a particular institution or course, they will need to take time to find suitable alternatives.
Next, it’s important to look at scholarships and equity schemes. There is a great range of scholarships and government allowances targeting tertiary students, offered by institutions, private organisations and government. They may cover or contribute to tuition fees, living costs or both, ranging from thousands of dollars or fee remission each semester to small stipends to pay for textbooks or accommodation.
Equity schemes make study more accessible for students from recognised equity groups. This includes people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent; people with disabilities; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people from rural or isolated areas; people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; and women in non-traditional study. Students may be able to access special consideration, bonus point schemes or other access programs, such as additional support or mentoring.
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