That is true. I have friends at uq and we all graduated highschool with the same OP(similar to atar). I walked thru the qut course without any issue. Whereas they had a tough time. During my course we had a number of assignments which were repetitive. And I would much rather spend time learn bunch of stuff with little assessments than spend time doing an assignment worth 40% but it only covers 3 lectures. Also don't forget that practical knowledge doesn't always mean better. Systems usually change where as theory usually take years to change. Most pracs are based of theory. That's why UQ students get picked first during jobs. The level of education. If ATAR didn't matter why are most popular doctors from well known universities? And not some random uni in the middle of nowhere? ATAR does matter. It's also there to make sure they don't bring someone in who isn't capable of finshing the degree. Will I have to remind u how ATAR is calculated.