Atar results: when can students expect their university admission rank and what does it mean?

Students are bracing for Atar ranks to be released. The grading is an important way universities determine entry into courses, but it is not the only metric used. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

Students around Australia are anxiously waiting for the release of their Atar after completing this year’s high school exams.

It’s an event that marks the end of 13 years of schooling, and the start of a new chapter. But how important are end of year results? And how much do they really define the future? Here are the key things to know about the week ahead.