Top Mistakes Students Make When Chasing a 90+ ATAR
Introduction
Every year, thousands of students aim for a 90+ ATAR. The good news? It's achievable. The bad news? Many students fall short because of avoidable mistakes.
Here are the top errors that hold students back and how to avoid them.
1. Cramming Instead of Consistency
Cramming might get you through a quiz, but it won't deliver a 90+. High ATAR scorers revise consistently from Term 1.
- Space your revision across the year
- Use active recall instead of passive reading
- Regular quizzes beat marathon cramming sessions
2. Ignoring the Syllabus
Your ATAR exams are written from the syllabus, not your teacher's slides. Students who chase every detail often miss what's actually examinable.
- Print the syllabus and use it as your checklist
- Align your notes and practice questions with each dot point
Study Marker makes this simple - you can generate quizzes directly from syllabus points for any subject.
3. Focusing Only on "Strong" Subjects
It's tempting to lean into your favourite subject, but your ATAR is an average across all subjects. Neglecting one can drag everything down.
- Balance your study time
- Give weaker subjects more attention early
4. Practising Without Feedback
Writing essay after essay is useless if you don't know what to improve.
- Always seek feedback on structure, clarity, and content
- Don't just repeat mistakes - refine after each draft
With Study Marker, you can upload practice essays and get instant AI-powered feedback.
5. Burning Out Before Finals
High achievers sometimes sabotage themselves by doing too much. Remember: quality > quantity.
- Protect your sleep and mental health
- Build in rest days during heavy revision blocks
Final Thought
A 90+ ATAR is about strategy as much as effort. Avoid these mistakes, stay consistent, and use smart tools to guide your improvement.
Related Articles
ATAR Study Plan: How to Stay on Track From Term 1 to Finals
Learn how to create an effective ATAR study plan that keeps you organized from Term 1 to finals.
Study Tips to Get Band 6s in the HSC and Boost Your ATAR
Discover proven study tips to achieve Band 6 results in the HSC and boost your ATAR with effective strategies.