Yes. VCE Mathematical Methods scales up across most of the range. In VTAC's 2025 report, a study score of 30 scaled to 35, a 35 scaled to 41 and a 40 scaled to 46. The boost is largest in the middle and shrinks at the top, where a 50 scaled to 51.
Methods scaling key facts (2025)
- A Methods study score of 30 scaled to 35, 35 to 41 and 40 to 46.
- Methods' scaled mean was 34.4; Specialist Mathematics' was 41.5.
- Methods 35 gave a higher ATAR estimate than General Mathematics 40 in our test (82.35 against 80.50).
- General Mathematics 35 beat Methods 25 (77.60 against 74.25).
Methods scaling at every published point (2025)
| Study score | Mathematical Methods | Specialist Mathematics | General Mathematics | Foundation Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 21 | 29 | 18 | 12 |
| 25 | 28 | 36 | 23 | 16 |
| 30 | 35 | 43 | 28 | 20 |
| 35 | 41 | 48 | 33 | 26 |
| 40 | 46 | 51 | 38 | 32 |
| 45 | 49 | 54 | 44 | 40 |
| 50 | 51 | 55 | 50 | 50 |
Source: VTAC 2025 Scaling Report. Methods' scaled mean was 34.4; Specialist's was 41.5.
Why Methods scales up
Methods is taken by many students who also do well in their other studies. VTAC's scaling compares how each study's students perform across all their studies, so that strong group lifts Methods results. It is not a reward for the subject being hard.
Is Methods worth it for your ATAR?
Only if you can do reasonably well in it. Compare these 2025 numbers:
- A study score of 25 in Methods scaled to 28.
- A study score of 32 in General Mathematics scaled to about 30.
- A study score of 35 in General Mathematics scaled to 33.
So a student who would get 25 in Methods but 35 in General Maths does better with General Maths. Methods also matters beyond the ATAR: many university courses in science, engineering, commerce and health list it as a prerequisite.
Methods and Specialist together
Specialist scales even higher: 35 became 48 in 2025. Students who take both and do well get two strongly scaled studies in their primary four. VTAC has limits on how many mathematics studies can sit in the primary four; check VTAC's current rules before planning on three maths studies.
Try your own numbers
Enter your expected Methods score in the VCE ATAR calculator and see how it moves your aggregate. The full table for every study is on VCE scaling 2025, and the general idea is in how scaling works.
Methods or General Maths? The ATAR effect
Same student, same other studies (English, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and Legal Studies, all at 30), changing only the maths. Calculator results on VTAC's 2025 tables:
| Maths study | Study score | Aggregate | ATAR estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| No maths | - | 123.80 | 72.35 |
| Mathematical Methods | 25 | 126.60 | 74.25 |
| General Mathematics | 33 | 129.60 | 76.30 |
| General Mathematics | 35 | 131.60 | 77.60 |
| Mathematical Methods | 30 | 133.60 | 78.80 |
| General Mathematics | 40 | 136.60 | 80.50 |
| Mathematical Methods | 35 | 139.60 | 82.35 |
| Specialist Mathematics | 30 | 141.60 | 83.50 |
A rough rule from these numbers: Methods came out ahead when the student's Methods score was within about five points of their General Maths score (30 against 33, 35 against 40). When the gap was ten points (25 against 35), General Maths won.
Common Methods mistakes
- Taking Methods only for scaling. A low Methods score can be worth less than a strong General Maths score.
- Forgetting prerequisites. Many science, engineering, commerce and health degrees list Methods. Check before dropping it.
- Assuming 2025 scaling will repeat exactly. Methods has scaled up for years, but the size changes each year.
FAQ
How much does Methods scale up?
In 2025, by about 5 to 6 points in the middle of the range (30 to 35, 35 to 41, 40 to 46) and by 1 point at 50.
Does Methods scale up every year?
It has scaled up consistently, but the amount changes slightly each year because scaling is recalculated from each year's students.
Is General Maths an ATAR killer?
No. It scales slightly down in the middle (35 to 33 in 2025) but scales to 50 at the top. A strong General Maths score helps more than a weak Methods score.
Should I drop Methods for General Maths?
If you would score about ten points higher in General Maths and do not need Methods as a prerequisite, General Maths may give a higher ATAR. If the gap is about five points or less, Methods usually comes out ahead on 2025 scaling.
What does a 30 in Methods scale to?
35 in 2025, according to VTAC's scaling report.