ATAR FAQ

[Gloamglozer]

It is only a name change from ENTER to ATAR. Like in Victoria, we undergo the VCE system and receive an ENTER score. In NSW, they undergo the HSC system and receive a UAI score. In other states they already have the ATAR name. Though a UAI and ENTER are calculated slightly differently, they are still very similar. Aka a 99 UAI and ENTER are practically the same score. I believe they brought the ATAR in to minimise confusion when applying for interstate unis

The only states that had the ATAR before anyone else was NSW and ACT.  Now pretty much every other state and territory except QLD because they run on a totally different system is changing just their name to ATAR.

Would they still do the exams separately as a state, or is it going national?

Right now, the exams will be separate.  Nothing else will change except the name at the moment.  On the VCAA website, I've just noticed that most courses end in 2012, so maybe that's a hint for all the teachers, perhaps?

Or maybe that in 2012, the world is really going to end and VCAA is also responsible in it and wants to make sure all the courses are not ending prematurely? 

[brightsky]

Lol. I got a relative who will be doing VCE in 2012, finishing at 2013. I give him my sincere sympathy...

[Glockmeister]

Lol. I got a relative who will be doing VCE in 2012, finishing at 2013. I give him my sincere sympathy...

They'll probably have some sort of transition period... hopefully.

[Studyinghard]

Thanks all for info.

That would be so bad. Having that change. You think you've got your goals all planned but there comes a change.

[Collin Li]

As confirmed by Rob Hyndman (Professor of Statistics, Monash University. Member of VTAC scaling committee which is reponsible for calculating the ENTER, moderator of Merspi) here: http://merspi.com/questions/627/atar-vs-enter-score

"It's just a name change; the calculation is identical. Currently, we have ENTER in Victoria, UAI in NSW, TER is South Australia, etc., and they are all equivalent. So the various states decided to adopt a common name. Unfortunately, no state wanted to use the name from another state, so an entirely new name was adopted."

[amirite?]

As confirmed by Rob Hyndman (Professor of Statistics, Monash University. Member of VTAC scaling committee which is reponsible for calculating the ENTER, moderator of Merspi) here: http://merspi.com/questions/627/atar-vs-enter-score

"It's just a name change; the calculation is identical. Currently, we have ENTER in Victoria, UAI in NSW, TER is South Australia, etc., and they are all equivalent. So the various states decided to adopt a common name. Unfortunately, no state wanted to use the name from another state, so an entirely new name was adopted."

Shameless plug. Haha.

[Collin Li]

As confirmed by Rob Hyndman (Professor of Statistics, Monash University. Member of VTAC scaling committee which is reponsible for calculating the ENTER, moderator of Merspi) here: http://merspi.com/questions/627/atar-vs-enter-score

"It's just a name change; the calculation is identical. Currently, we have ENTER in Victoria, UAI in NSW, TER is South Australia, etc., and they are all equivalent. So the various states decided to adopt a common name. Unfortunately, no state wanted to use the name from another state, so an entirely new name was adopted."

Shameless plug. Haha.

And... credible source

If I only did it for the shameless plugs I'd post a lot more here!