The fine-grained ATAR calculation

The formula used to calculate IB students’ notional ATAR changed for the graduating Class of 2022 (commencing university in 2023). Rather than converting students’ IB score (out of 45) to an ATAR, their performance in each subject, and subsequent score, is now taken into account before an IB Admission Score is calculated. The IB Admission Score now adds decimal places to a student’s diploma score based on their average performance within each subject. The IB Admission Score does not change a student’s IB result nor dramatically change their ATAR, it simply gives VTAC and universities the ability to distinguish between students at the lower, mid or upper range of an IB score.

The ATAR conversion table is not published until early Term 2 of students’ final year of the Diploma. The table (on page 13) is simply a guide, which has been adapted from resources published by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), to indicate how the fine-grained ATAR looked for the IB Class of 2022.

Figure 3 (page 13) Column key:

A IB score

B IB Admission Score

C Example of the fine-grained ATAR based on the Class of 2022's conversion

Figure 3 Source:

Improving Uni Entry for IB Students (follow the link to ‘Presentation for Schools’ at the bottom of the page);

URL: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/ ib-applicants/improving-uni-entry-ib-students

Will Smith (Class of 2017)

The IB is a great program that prepares you for university in a way that VCE can’t. You have to be willing to put in the work, but the rewards are more than worth it.