ATAR Matters — But It’s Not Everything

By Sharon Carr | Global Career Strategist

Across Australia right now, thousands of Year 12s are sitting their final ATAR exams — a milestone that can feel like the most defining moment of their young lives.

For many students (and their parents), the pressure is immense. The tension in the house. The late-night study sessions. The balancing act between encouragement and anxiety. It’s a familiar scene — one I’m living too, as my own son Matthew sits his exams as I write this.

Like so many parents, I want him to do his best. But I also want him to know that his ATAR won’t define his future — his effort, perseverance, and mindset will.

ATAR is one pathway — not the pathway.

When we were their age, the system looked very different. There weren’t portfolio entries, bridging programs, or alternative university routes. You either made the cutoff or you didn’t — and that shaped much of the pressure we still feel today.

But the world has changed. Universities now understand that potential can’t be captured by a single number. From UniReady and early offers to vocational programs and portfolio entry, there are multiple doors leading to the same destination — each suited to different strengths, personalities, and learning styles.

So yes — encourage them to give their all. Effort matters. Follow-through matters. But once they’ve done that, remind them that there are many ways forward. Because exams test more than memory; they test mindset. They build resilience, focus, adaptability, and self-belief — qualities that last far beyond the classroom. For parents, the best thing we can offer right now isn’t pressure — it’s calm perspective. Let your child know that you’re proud of their effort, not just their outcome.

These exams are an important chapter — but they’re not the whole story. Not by a long shot.