Hi, after reading this topic I understand a bit better how it all works, thanks!
But can anyone advise on the school choice?
I will be in year 9 next year, so school choice is kind of important. The problem is that there is no very good public school in my area and parents are unlikely to pay top private school fee. So my choice would be between average public and average private school.
If I understood correctly, in a weak cohort it will be easy to get high rank and keep your good exam mark to yourself, which is good.
However, if average cohort results are bad this will negatively affect my score.
Does it all even out in the end?
Do you know anyone who got high ATAR (>99) while attending average public school?
Sine and Joseph41 answered super well but also thought I'd mention that I attended a low SES school ranked pretty poorly (around 450, maybe even lower) and I ended up getting a 93.75– I know friends with 97 and 98 as well in my cohort. It comes down to your individual rank, results, and ultimately your drive to do well over what school you go to.