Question 1

Can I do both Methods and Applications?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, and SCSA allows it, but in practice almost no Perth student does. The two subjects compete for the same study hours and the scaling overlap means you rarely come out ahead. If you're strong at maths, do Methods (and Specialist if your school offers it). If maths isn't your strength, do Applications and put the extra hours into your humanities and science choices.

Question 2

What if I'm middle of the road in Year 10?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common situation we see and it's why we run a free trial lesson in both subjects. As a rule: if you scored consistently in the 70s for Year 10 maths and you actually like it, Methods is achievable with structured tutoring. If you're sitting in the 50s and 60s and maths feels like a slog, Applications will protect your ATAR and let you sleep at night.

Question 3

Does Methods scale higher than Applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, historically Methods scales up by roughly 5 to 10 points and Applications scales down by a few points. But scaling only helps if you actually score well. A 70 raw in Methods is worth more than a 50 raw, even after scaling lifts the 50. Pick the subject you can sit in the top third of, not the one with the prettiest scaling pattern.

Question 4

What if I'm aiming for engineering, medicine or commerce?

Accepted Answer

Engineering and most science degrees at UWA and Curtin require Methods (and often Specialist). For medicine, Curtin lists Maths Applications, Methods, or Specialist as desirable (any of the three is acceptable for direct-entry MBBS), and UWA recommends "Maths Applications or higher" for the school-leaver Assured Pathway. Methods is still the safer pick because it scales harder and supports first-year biomedicine STEM units. Commerce and business at most WA unis accept Applications, though Methods opens up actuarial studies and quantitative finance. When in doubt, take Methods, you can always not use it.

Question 5

When should I consider tutoring for ATAR Maths?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better. Most of our students start at the beginning of Year 11 so we can build the foundation properly before Unit 3 hits. If you're already in Year 12 and struggling, it's not too late, but the first month is usually spent patching Year 11 gaps. Book a free trial, sit in on a real class, and we'll tell you honestly if tutoring will help.

	Maths Applications	Maths Methods	Maths Specialist Info only
Educatta teaches?	Yes	Yes	Not currently
Class size at Educatta	Max 10 students	Max 10 students	n/a
Prerequisites	Solid pass in Yr 10 Maths (60s and up)	Strong pass in Yr 10 Maths (high 70s+ recommended)	Concurrent Methods enrolment + strong Year 10 maths
Scaling pattern	Scales down (typically a few points)	Scales up (typically +5 to +10)	Scales up the highest of any WACE subject (typically +12 to +15)
Suits which uni paths	Commerce, business, arts, nursing, education, most generalist degrees	Engineering, science, medicine, actuarial, quantitative finance	Engineering and physics (recommended), advantageous for medicine and actuarial
Weekly hours (typical)	2 hrs class + 2 to 3 hrs self study	2 hrs class + 4 to 6 hrs self study	Additional 4 to 6 hrs self study on top of Methods
Calculator allowed	CAS calculator (mandatory in Section Two)	CAS calculator (mandatory in Section Two)	CAS calculator (mandatory in Section Two)
Exam structure	50% external (Calc-free + Calc-allowed). 50% school-assessed	50% external (Calc-free + Calc-allowed). 50% school-assessed	50% external (Calc-free + Calc-allowed). 50% school-assessed

ATAR Maths Tutoring in Perth

Methods, Applications, or Specialist. Which one's right for you?

Maths Applications

Maths Methods

Maths Specialist

Common questions about ATAR Maths in Perth.

Ready to lock in your maths mark?