Adjustment Factors – What Are They?

If you’re in high school and thinking of going to university, you’ve probably been browsing courses. You might have also come across the terms “Selection Rank” and “Adjustment Factors”. But what do these mean, and how might they affect your chances of getting in to your dream course? In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about adjustment factors, so read on and let’s get started.

Selection Rank vs ATAR

First we need to explain what a selection rank (SR) is. If you’re looking at uni courses, chances are they have a minimum SR listed. Basically, your SR will be your ATAR plus any adjustment factors you’re eligible for. So if your ATAR is slightly lower than the published SR, don’t fret – you could net yourself some bonus points to make up the difference.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors, also known as bonus points, are points that are added on top of your ATAR to make your selection rank. They exist to make the playing field more equal, ensuring that students who are at a disadvantage or who go the extra mile don’t miss out on securing a spot in their chosen course.

There are lots of reasons you might receive adjustment factors, including:

• Performance in certain subjects

• Living in a rural or remote area

• Coming from a low-SES background

• Through schemes such as the Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

It’s important to note that these bonus points don’t actually change your final ATAR – they are applied individually by different unis and institutions, and are only taken into account during applications.

Some adjustment factors are added automatically when you submit an application, so you don’t need to do a thing. Others require a separate application (such as EAS).

And while one uni might award you adjustment factors for certain things, another uni might not. For example, UNSW awards bonus points to elite athletes and performers; UNE on the other hand does not. But UNE offers automatic adjustment factors for rural students, while at UNSW you need to submit a separate application.

Find out more

If you want to know more about adjustment factors, the best place to head is the university’s website, or get in touch with them directly. They will be able to tell you exactly what you can earn bonus points for, and whether or not a separate application is necessary. Also check out your state or territory’s Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) website, as they are also responsible for issuing some adjustment factors.

You can also find more tips on uni applications on our website here.