It happens all the time (the university setting the cut-off, that is). Given the number of alternative entry schemes it is almost a given that a cut-off will be 'artificial' (in a sense).
Besides, it's USyd, and almost any course that it offers would have a high number of applicants no matter the cut-off.
Besides, it's USyd, and almost any course that it offers would have a high number of applicants no matter the cut-off.