Australian Capital Territory · Year 12 planning
ACT ATAR calculator guide
The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) scales course scores, combines eligible scores into an aggregate and ranks students to determine their ATAR.
How to work out a standard ACT aggregate
Add your best three eligible scaled major course scores and 60% of your next best eligible scaled course score. The total weight for courses in the same Course Area is capped at 2.0.
For example, three eligible majors scaled to 175, 165 and 155, plus a fourth eligible course scaled to 150, give an aggregate of 585 (175 + 165 + 155 + 90). The example assumes the Course Area cap is satisfied.
BSSS converts the aggregate to a rank using cohort data. This guide shows the arithmetic for a standard aggregate. Ask your college about the scores and eligibility rules that apply to you.
Read the ACT BSSS 2026 policy manual (PDF) ↗What to check with your college
Your course package
Ask which courses and combinations qualify for a Tertiary Entrance Statement.
The ACT Scaling Test
The AST helps BSSS compare course results across ACT colleges. See the 2026 AST student booklet (PDF) for test components and preparation.
University entry requirements
Check the prerequisites and selection criteria for the course you want, including any adjustments the university applies to your selection rank.
ATARMAxxing is independent of ACT BSSS.