VCE results 2024: What you need to know about scaling, cut-off scores and more

Now that ATAR scores are out, what happens next? Here’s what you need to know about scaling, university course cut-off scores, changing preferences and more.

The big day is here, capping off a turbulent year, so what happens next? Despite widespread leaks in 65 VCE subjects, results have come out on time. The VCAA has committed to generous grading, not taking off any marks, even from students who have abnormally high results in the most affected subjects.

SEE THE UPDATED LIST OF LEAKS

The impact may be felt more when first round uni offers come out on December 23, given that all grading and cut-off scores are on a scale. The higher the marks overall, the higher the cut-off scores.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, contact the Post Results and ATAR Service on 1800 653 080 (free call).

Scaling adjusts for differences in difficulty in VCE subjects.

How has scaling affected my ATAR?

In calculating the ATAR, VTAC scales study scores. This ensures fair comparison of students’ achievements over all their studies, regardless of what they have studied. Scaling adjusts for the fact that it is more difficult to obtain a high VCE study score in some subjects than others.

This is not because some studies are inherently harder or easier, it is because some subjects attract a more competitive cohort of students.

The 2024 scaling report shows the most highly scaled subjects include Algorithmics (20 up to 26, 30 up to 38), Specialist Maths (20 up to 28, 45 up to 54, 50 up to 55) and languages such as Latin (20 up to 34, 30 to 46, 50 up to 55).

Some of those going down include Applied Computing Data Analytics (20 down to 16, 30 down to 26), Industry and Enterprise (20 down to 12, 30 down to 21) and Foundation Maths (20 down to 12, 35 down to 25).

Search the 2024 scaling report here.

What courses can I get into?

The 2024 list of cut-off scores has not yet been released. We’ll know more after first-round offers come out on December 23 as the cut-offs are determined by the offers made by unis.

But the 2023 cut-offs can give you a guide, with some institutions taking students with ATARs as low as 40.

A number of courses are designated N/P, or not published, because they do not use the ATAR in selection.

Others are L/N, which stands for low number, as less than five the privacy of applicants.

Last year there were 88 courses with minimum ATARs in the 90s, and 50 courses with minimum cut-off scores of less than 50.

Search the 2023 cut-off scores

How to change your preferences

VCE graduates applying for tertiary study can update their course preferences via their VTAC account after receiving their results, and should confirm or change preferences by 12pm (noon), Saturday 14 December for consideration in the December offer round.

December offers will be released to students at 10am on Monday 23 December. Students can check the VTAC website for further information about the offer round, and will also be eligible to receive further offers made in January and February of 2025.

1. Log in to your VTAC account

To access change of preference you must log in to your VTAC account using your VTAC ID and PIN.

2. Open your course preference list

You can open your course preference list from the link on the home page of your VTAC account, or under Course application.

3. Add, delete or reorder your course preferences

You can add courses by using the institution and course drop down menus or by entering the course codes. You can delete courses by clicking on the red X to the right of each line. You can reorder your course preferences using the up and down arrows to the right of each line.

Don’t forget to list the courses in the order you would most like to study them, with the course you most want to get into at the top.

4. Submit your change of preference

Click on the Change my preference button at the bottom of the screen to submit your changes.

You can phone VTAC on [phone] or send an email via your VTAC account.

Help, I am not happy with my VCE marks

You have the right to ask for a statement of your marks and to inspect your examination materials. There is no charge for a Statement of Marks or Statement of Study Score. Applications for a Statement of Marks and Statement of Study Score close Friday, February 7, 2025.

Inspections take place at your school with the principal’s permission.

When schools are closed, inspections can take place at the VCAA. You are required to make an appointment with the VCAA to hold the inspection.

You can look at your exam paper for 15 minutes. There won’t be any marks or assessor comments on the paper. It’s best if you look at it with a teacher present and with a copy of the Statement of Marks on hand.

Personalised Inspection of Exam Materials application forms are included in the results package sent to each year 12 student.

You may then go ahead and appeal your results if you want to.

Please keep in mind that the VCAA has warned this process could take “several months” and will not be done in time for this round of university offers, so accept an offer even if you are going to review or appeal your results.