Aiming for a high Atar

[Azza98]

Can aiming for a high Atar in itself be harmful in the sense that if you don't achieve what you set out to aim it could have an effect on you?

While I understand there are other avenues into the course you want, you'd obviously rather get the Atar you were aiming for.

[Superfruit]

Can aiming for a high Atar in itself be harmful in the sense that if you don't achieve what you set out to aim it could have an effect on you?

While I understand there are other avenues into the course you want, you'd obviously rather get the Atar you were aiming for.

I think that it is good to aim for a high atar, because it is only when you aim really high that you get at least close to what you wanted. But sometimes aiming over what you are capable of can be harmful because you will never have a sense of achievement. Many times during year 12, I found myself crying myself to sleep because I felt that I could never achieve as high as I wanted to because I set the bar too high for myself. I know that this may seem very extreme to a lot of people, but the ATAR is something that meant a lot to me at the time. So I would recommend to aim high and work hard with no regrets... and even if you  didn't meet your expectations you can be satisfied knowing that you put in your all.

[VPos42]

Can aiming for a high Atar in itself be harmful in the sense that if you don't achieve what you set out to aim it could have an effect on you?

While I understand there are other avenues into the course you want, you'd obviously rather get the Atar you were aiming for.

If you don't achieve the ATAR for your desired course, then yes, undoubtedly you'd be disappointed. But there's always a way to get where you want to go. Your ATAR is relevant for two/three months. If you don't get your first preference you get in somewhere else, and what happens then is squarely on you as you're not being ranked against others.

Personally though, I think it comes down to realistic expectations (based on the grades you get, how hard you're willing to work to get the grades you want, etc.) Having a goal isn't a bad thing, but if someone's unrealistic they're setting themselves up for a fall, a lot of stress, and as Superfruit said, missing out on the sense of achievement.

[nerdmmb]

Hmm I actually think otherwise. While you may be a bit disappointed, if you aimed higher than what you think you're capable of, you'll still be proud. Let's say you need a 98 but you aim for a 99.95 but make it to 99, you'll still be content. Not sure if that makes sense but if you've heard of the saying "aim for the stars and if you don't get there, you'll land on the moon", then you'll understand my point.

Eitherway, aim for the stars and keep going!