As a domestic year 12 student, will completing the SAT in addition to my HSC increase my chances of gaining an offer for my preferred degree?
Domestic applications for undergraduate study at UNSW are made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and assessed based on your academic qualifications and results, combined with any applicable adjustment factors to determine your selection rank. Some programs also have additional selection criteria such as an interview, audition, or additional test.
As a domestic Year 12 student, your selection rank is usually your ATAR + adjustment factors. UNSW also recognises a number of secondary qualifications from across the globe, including the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) when accompanied by evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.
If you have more than one assessable secondary qualification, in many cases only your most recent one may be considered. However, the actual assessment is conducted by UAC and there may be other factors that are taken into consideration while assessing your qualification. As such, we are unable to confirm whether undertaking the SAT will impact your chances of receiving an offer for your preferred program.
Please note: the lowest selection rank for entry into each program is determined by a combination of factors including number of places available in the program, number of applicants, and the competitiveness of those applicants. UNSW programs are highly competitive, and meeting or exceeding the published 2025 lowest selection rank does not guarantee you an offer as it is only a guide.
Can I gain entry into an undergraduate degree at UNSW by sitting the SAT without having completed a high school qualification?
Admission to UNSW is based on academic merit. As such, we need something to assess you on. Whilst the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) can be used by UAC to calculate a selection rank for applicants who do not have an ATAR, the SAT will only be considered as one of UNSW’s accepted qualifications when accompanied by evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.
Applicants who have completed the SAT without successful completion of high school would need to explore alternative pathways for entry into an undergraduate degree at UNSW, such as the UNSW University Preparation Program, a TAFE qualification (minimum of a graded Certificate IV or above), or the Special Tertiary Admissions Test, noting that these pathways may have specific eligibility requirements. Please refer to our accepted qualifications page for more details.