91É«ÇéƬ

Getting your ATAR can feel exciting and nerve-wracking but it’s not the only way into university. If you don’t receive the ATAR you’re expecting, that’s completely normal. Your ATAR is just the starting point. What matters most is how you use it to move forward. Keep reading to find out what you can do if you don’t receive your desired ATAR and how you can still apply for university.

5 things to do if you don’t get your desired ATAR

If you didn’t receive your desired ATAR, it’s not the end of the world. Many students take different pathways before finding the right degree and career for them.

Here are five practical steps you can take.

1. Talk to someone

If you're worried about your ATAR or next steps, you can speak to your school careers adviser. They can help you explore alternative options and pathways.

You can reach out to future student advisers at universities. They can help talk you through admission pathways, support options and study choices that match your interests and long-term goals.

2. Update your UAC preferences

You can select up to five course preferences across different universities in your UAC application. The order you list your course preferences affects which offers you may receive.   

You can update your preferences as often as you’d like before the UAC  for each offer round. Keep in mind that universities may not participate in every offer round. 

If your ATAR is below the entry requirements, consider adjusting your preferences to a course with a lower ATAR that still aligns with your career goals. You may be able to transfer into your preferred course later, once you’ve built a strong academic foundation.

3. Check if you’re eligible for adjustment factors

Adjustment factors add extra points to your selection rank. This can help you enter your preferred degree if you don’t meet the ATAR requirements. These schemes recognise that achievement looks different for everyone.

Some adjustment factors are applied automatically, whereas others you must apply directly to the university or through UAC. Note, you may need to have applied for some of these schemes prior to receiving your ATAR.

At 91É«ÇéƬ, we have three adjustment factor schemes where you can gain up to 10 points:

• HSC Plus
• Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
• ACCESS Scheme (Educational Access Scheme)

Visit our adjustment factors page for more information including eligibility criteria.

4. Consider different pathways 

Universities offer different admission pathways to help you enter your chosen degree. It’s best to check the eligibility criteria with the university you’re applying to before ATARs are released. 

At 91É«ÇéƬ, these pathways are designed to help you succeed at university and beyond, not just gain entry. Some of our pathways include:

5. Take a gap year

A gap year can give you time to explore your interests and plan your next steps. Many students return to study with a clearer sense of purpose, practical experience and a stronger understanding of how they want to make an impact. It can provide you with invaluable life and work experience either locally or abroad. The skills and experience you gain during your gap year can help you get a headstart when you commence your studies. 

If you plan to study at TAFE or acquire a VET qualification during your gap year, you may also be eligible to use this to apply to 91É«ÇéƬ. You may receive credit for your completed TAFE or VET courses (known as Recognition of Prior Learning).

If you plan to study other qualifications during your gap year, you can check our accepted qualifications page to see how these can count towards your undergraduate degree. Learn more about how you can apply to university after a gap year.

Your ATAR doesn’t define your future

If you don’t receive the ATAR you’re expecting – you're not alone. Your ATAR is just one part of your higher education journey. At 91É«ÇéƬ, there are many ways to move forward. Our flexible entry options are designed to help you build skills, confidence and momentum, no matter where you start. Our admissions pathways can help you progress into your chosen 91É«ÇéƬ degree, with the right support to keep you moving towards your goals.