When you look up a university course, you'll often see numbers describing past entry: an "ATAR profile", "lowest selection rank" or similar. These figures are useful but easy to misread. This guide explains what they mean and how to use them.
This guide is general information written in our own words, based on the official sources listed at the end. ATAR rules, scaling, dates and course requirements differ between states and change from year to year, so always check with your admissions centre, institution and school. We don't predict ATARs, publish cut-offs or recommend particular schools, tutors or courses.
Why we don't publish cut-offs
Course entry figures change every year and differ by institution, campus and study mode. To avoid outdated or misleading numbers, we don't publish them here. Always use the admissions centre's course search or the institution's website for current data.
The ATAR profile
VTAC explains that courses that use the ATAR in selection publish an ATAR profile: a summary of selection data from the previous selection round. It shows the highest, median and lowest ATARs of applicants who received offers, both for the raw ATAR before adjustments and for the selection rank after adjustments. Other admissions centres publish similar information, sometimes with different names.
The lowest selection rank
VTAC describes the lowest selection rank as the most useful figure when applying. It represents the minimum selection rank (ATAR plus adjustments) needed to have been sure of selection into the course in that selection period, assuming you also met course requirements such as prerequisites.
Not a cut-off set in advance
A key point: VTAC explains that lowest selection ranks aren't set ahead of selection. They're produced as a result of the selection process, depending on how many places there are, how many people apply and how strong the applicants are. That's why they change from year to year.
Raw ATAR versus selection rank
Profiles often show both. The raw ATAR figures show the ATARs of people who received offers before adjustments. The selection rank figures include adjustments. Many people receive offers with an ATAR below the lowest selection rank because adjustments lift their selection rank. Compare your own selection rank, not just your ATAR, with the published figures. See our selection ranks guide.
Median ranks
The median shows the middle of the range of offers. It gives a sense of where most successful applicants sat, which can be more informative than the lowest figure alone.
Low numbers and missing data
VTAC notes that courses making only a small number of offers based on the ATAR publish "L/N" (low number) or "<5 offers" instead of numbers, to protect applicants' privacy. Courses that don't use the ATAR may show "N/P" or a dash.
Other entry information
Course pages also show other admissions information, such as how many offers went to recent school leavers versus other applicants, and whether entry used ATARs, previous study, work experience or other criteria. This helps you see how many pathways a course uses.
Using the data wisely
- Use it as a guide. Last year's figures give a broad indication of how competitive a course was.
- Don't rule yourself out too quickly. VTAC notes that if your ATAR is below the lowest selection rank, it may still be worth listing the course, because adjustments, interviews, tests, auditions or access schemes might apply, and the rank might be lower in your year.
- Check prerequisites. Meeting the rank isn't enough if you haven't met prerequisites.
- Look at similar courses. Related courses at other institutions or campuses may have different entry patterns.
- Check how offers work. Some courses make offers in several rounds.
Selection criteria beyond ranks
UAC notes that many courses use other criteria such as personal statements, portfolios, auditions, interviews or tests. For these courses, ranks may be only part of the picture.
Asking for help
University admissions offices, open days and careers advisers can explain how a course selects students. If you're unsure, ask before you finalise your preferences. See our preferences and offers guide.
Comparing similar courses
Two courses with similar names can have different entry patterns because of campus, study mode, course structure or demand. Compare course content, career outcomes and entry data side by side, and remember that the most competitive course isn't automatically the best fit for you.
Where to find the data
Admissions centres publish course data in their course search tools, and universities publish it on course pages, often in an "admission criteria" or "student profile" section. Look for the year the data refers to, so you know how recent it is.
Data changes during the year
Figures published after the main offer round may not reflect later offers. VTAC notes that institutions may publish further tables adjusting profiles based on subsequent offers. Check whether you're looking at the main round or later rounds.
Try the study planner
Our free study planner shows how many weeks you have until your first exam, splits your weekly revision hours between your subjects and suggests what to focus on in each phase. It also includes a simple selection rank adder for after results. It runs entirely in your browser, nothing you enter is sent anywhere, and it doesn't try to predict your ATAR.
Where our information comes from
Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC), the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC), healthdirect, the Australian Government's movement guidelines and ReachOut. We link to each source at the end of the page and rewrite everything in our own words.
Rules change every year
ATAR rules, scaling, adjustment schemes, key dates and course requirements are reviewed regularly and can change from one year to the next. A rule that applied to an older sibling or a friend in another state may not apply to you. Treat our guides as a starting point, and confirm anything important with your admissions centre, your school and the institutions you're applying to.
Talk to your careers adviser
Your school's careers adviser is one of the most useful people you can talk to in Year 11 and 12. They know your state's system, current key dates, early offer schemes, access schemes and pathways, and can help you plan subjects and preferences. Book a time early, bring your questions and follow up after results.
For parents and carers
Parents and carers can help most by staying calm, keeping perspective and offering practical support: quiet study space, regular meals, encouragement to sleep and move, and help keeping track of key dates. Learning the basics of how the ATAR and selection ranks work makes it easier to support decisions without adding pressure.
Tell us what you think
We review our guides regularly against their sources. If you notice something out of date, have a question we haven't answered or spot an error, please let us know through our contact page. We read every message and correct mistakes promptly.
A quick checklist
If you remember only a few things from our guides, make them these: the ATAR is a rank, not a mark; choose subjects you enjoy and need for prerequisites; study actively and spread your revision; protect your sleep; check adjustment schemes and key dates; order preferences by what you really want; and remember there's more than one pathway to where you want to go.
Looking after yourself
Doing well in senior school isn't only about study hours. Sleep, movement, food, friends and downtime all affect how well you learn and how you feel. If stress or low mood is building, talk to someone you trust, your school counsellor or your GP. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available 24/7, and in an emergency call 000.
Key points
- ATAR profiles summarise last year's offers: highest, median and lowest ranks.
- Lowest selection ranks result from selection; they aren't set in advance.
- Compare your selection rank, not just your ATAR.
- Use data as a guide, check prerequisites and don't rule yourself out too early.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lowest selection rank?
VTAC describes it as the minimum selection rank needed to have been sure of selection into a course in a selection period.
Are cut-offs set in advance?
No. VTAC explains lowest selection ranks are produced by the selection process, not set ahead of time.
Should I list a course if I'm below last year's rank?
VTAC says it may still be worth listing, since adjustments may apply and the rank might be lower in your year.
What does L/N mean?
VTAC uses L/N (low number) or '<5 offers' where too few offers were made to publish data.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Results and the ATAR — Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
- What is the ATAR? — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
- ATAR year 12 — Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
