State’s high achievers reveal the next steps in their education journey

Tasmania’s highest ATAR achievers see their outstanding scores as the best way to secure a place at their preferred universities.

Koh Kawaguchi, from The Hutchins School, and Lily Ward, from Guilford Young College, both scored the highest possible ATAR score. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIA’S highest ATAR achievers see their outstanding scores as the best way to secure a place at their preferred universities.

Koh Kawaguchi, 18, of Hutchins and Lily Ward, 18, of Guilford Young College, were on Tuesday announced as Tasmania’s equal-best-scoring students when the 2018 ATAR scores were released.

The pair both reached the maximum score of 99.95, putting them in the top echelon of students nationwide.

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Both students have applied to study at the Australian National University from next year and believe a strong score is the best way to reserve their spot.

“I think it [a high score] sets you up so you can complete a desired uni degree, and for me it keeps my options open,” Lily said.

Lily has applied to study a double degree in music and politics, philosophy and economics at ANU.

Koh, who has applied to study a maths and physics research-based undergraduate degree, revealed his secrets to his big score.

“One of the things for me was to try and make everything I did as interconnected as possible,” he said.

“So I don’t feel like I’m doing as much work — so rather than spending a lot of time preparing for an essay, I’ll instead spend time debating or growing my knowledge through other methods that are more fun, but still educational.”

Both students said they were shocked but ecstatic to receive the equal-highest ATAR score in the state.