How to Get an ATAR Above 90: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

ATAR Success Starts Long Before Your Final Exams

Scoring an ATAR above 90 is a goal for thousands of Australian students every year. While it might seem like only the “geniuses” achieve it, the reality is very different.

Students who earn a 90+ ATAR are usually the ones who study consistently, understand how exams are marked, and focus their effort where it matters most.

If you’re aiming for a competitive university course, here’s exactly what you should be doing.

What Does an ATAR Above 90 Actually Mean?

An ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) above 90 means you performed better than approximately 90% of students in your age group.

Many degrees such as medicine, law, engineering, physiotherapy and psychology require ATARs in the 90s, although entry requirements vary between universities.

The good news is that you don’t need perfect marks to achieve one.

1. Learn the Syllabus, Not Just the Textbook

One of the biggest mistakes students make is studying everything in their textbook equally.

Your exams are based on the syllabus, not the textbook.

Start by downloading the syllabus for each subject and make sure you can confidently explain every dot point.

If a topic isn’t in the syllabus, don’t waste valuable revision time on it.

For Biology students, our HSC Biology Study Notes are organised by syllabus point, making it much easier to stay focused.

2. Start Practice Questions Earlier Than You Think

Many students wait until the last few weeks before exams to attempt practice papers.

Top-performing students do the opposite.

Once you’ve learned a topic, immediately begin answering exam-style questions.

This helps you:

• identify weak areas quickly

• improve recall

• understand how examiners ask questions

• build confidence

3. Master Directive Terms

Australian exam boards love directive terms.

Knowing the difference between describe, explain, analyse, assess and evaluate can be worth significant marks.

Many students lose marks because they answer a different question from the one being asked.

Spend time learning exactly what each directive term requires.

4. Use Active Revision Instead of Passive Reading

Reading your notes repeatedly feels productive.

Unfortunately, it isn’t one of the most effective revision methods.

Instead, try:

• answering questions from memory

• explaining concepts aloud

• drawing diagrams

• creating flashcards

• teaching someone else

• completing timed exam questions

The more your brain has to retrieve information, the stronger your memory becomes.

5. Treat Past Papers Like the Real Exam

Past papers are one of the best revision tools available.

Don’t simply complete questions casually.

Instead:

• set a timer

• work without notes

• mark your answers honestly

• identify recurring mistakes

• redo incorrect questions a few days later

You’ll quickly notice patterns in the types of questions that appear every year.

Our Papers are designed to give you additional exam-style practice alongside official past papers.

6. Focus on Your Weakest Topics

It’s tempting to keep revising topics you already enjoy.

High-achieving students spend more time fixing weaknesses.

Ask yourself:

• Which topics do I avoid?

• Which questions consistently lose me marks?

• Which concepts still confuse me?

Improving your weakest areas usually increases your marks far more than perfecting your strongest ones.

7. Create a Timetable You Can Actually Stick To

The perfect timetable doesn’t exist.

The best timetable is one you’ll actually follow.

Aim for:

• shorter study sessions

• regular breaks

• mixed subjects

• regular review sessions

• one day each week to catch up

Consistency beats marathon study sessions every time.

8. Learn From Every Mistake

Every incorrect answer is valuable.

Instead of simply checking the correct answer, ask yourself:

• Why was I wrong?

• What did I misunderstand?

• How could the examiner ask this differently?

Keep a “mistake notebook” where you record common errors.

Review it regularly before exams.

9. Look After Yourself

Sleep, exercise and nutrition aren’t distractions from studying.

They’re part of studying.

Research consistently shows that sleep improves memory formation and recall.

Aim for:

• 7 to 9 hours of sleep

• regular exercise

• healthy meals

• enough water

• breaks away from screens

Studying while exhausted is rarely efficient.

10. Think Like an Examiner

Students aiming for a 90+ ATAR don’t just know the content.

They understand how marks are awarded.

Whenever you complete a question, compare your answer with the marking guidelines.

Ask yourself:

• Did I answer every part of the question?

• Did I include enough detail?

• Did I use subject-specific terminology?

• Would this earn full marks?

This habit alone can significantly improve your exam performance.

Final Thoughts

An ATAR above 90 isn’t about being naturally gifted.

It’s about building effective habits over months of consistent study.

Focus on understanding the syllabus, practising exam questions regularly, reviewing your mistakes, and studying smarter rather than simply studying longer.

Small improvements each week quickly add up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get an ATAR above 90?

It requires consistent effort throughout Year 12, but it is achievable for many students with the right study strategies and regular exam practice.

How many hours should I study each day?

Quality matters more than quantity. Many successful students study between two and four focused hours outside school on weekdays, with more time during weekends and holidays.

Can I still get a 90+ ATAR if I didn’t do well in Year 11?

Yes. Year 11 helps build knowledge and study habits, but your ATAR is based on your Year 12 performance. Many students make significant improvements in their final year.

What’s the biggest mistake students make?

Leaving practice papers until the final few weeks. Regular exam practice throughout the year is one of the most effective ways to improve your marks and confidence.