ATAR or an Alternative Pathway? Making the Right Call for Your Child’s Future

As a career coach working with hundreds of teenagers and their parents each year, one of the most common questions I get is: “Should my child do ATAR or follow an alternative pathway?”

It’s a big decision — and the right answer isn’t the same for every student.

When ATAR Isn’t the Right Fit

If your child is genuinely struggling — and I don’t mean just lacking motivation, but truly finding the academic load overwhelming — it may be time to consider a different pathway. Continuing down the ATAR track when a student is not coping can lead to a sense of failure, poor mental health, and, most damaging of all, a loss of confidence in their ability to succeed at all.

Here’s the hard truth: if your child doesn’t meet the minimum ATAR requirements for university entry, not only are they left without a clear next step, but they’re often left doubting their own potential. That’s a heavy cost for a pathway that may not have been right for them in the first place.

The Power of Alternatives

What many parents don’t realise is that there are many students who perform exceptionally well at university — yet never followed the ATAR route.

Programs like UniReady, OnTrack, or the Curtin UniPrep are designed to give students a second chance at university entry. And pre-apprenticeships or VET in Schools programs can launch students into skilled, high-paying, and meaningful careers — without the emotional toll of an ATAR they were never suited to.

In fact, many of these students thrive once they are placed in the right learning environment. One that plays to their strengths, rather than exposing their vulnerabilities.

What About Students Who Just Aren’t Trying?

Now, let’s not ignore the other group — those who appear to be struggling but are actually just disengaged. These students may be capable of ATAR-level work but have switched off from the school environment. In my experience, this group can sometimes surprise everyone by excelling at university, where there is more independence and subjects aligned to their passions.

The key is to assess realistically: Is your child truly capable of succeeding in ATAR if they put in the effort? If the answer is yes, and they have a clear goal that requires it, then it’s often worth pushing through. But if the answer is no — not just because they don’t want to do the work, but because it’s not their best mode of learning — forcing them down the ATAR road is unlikely to produce a positive outcome.

A Message to Parents

As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to let go of the idea that ATAR is the only “real” path to success. But it’s simply not true. There is no shame — and in fact, there is often great wisdom — in choosing a pathway that better suits your child’s strengths, wellbeing, and long-term goals.

Whether your child takes the ATAR route or an alternative one, what matters most is that they move forward with confidence, a sense of direction, and belief in their own potential.

If you’re unsure what the best path is for your teen, I’d be happy to help. A single session can often bring the clarity both you and your child need.Sharon Carr – Career Smart Consultingsharon@careersmartconsulting.com.au | www.careersmartconsulting.com.au