A 40 study score is actually a relatively arbitrary achievement; it roughly correlates to about the top 9% in the state. From VCAA:
So why all the hoo-ha about getting a 40? For some, it may be a psychological marker - an easy goal to set at the start of the year. For others, it may be a smaller goal in part of a broader journey - for example, perhaps you roughly need a 40 in each subject to get a certain ATAR.
But what’s actually required to get a 40 study score?
The technical side: how to get a 40+ study score
For a technical break-down on how study scores are actually calculated (and how they contribute to your ATAR), you might like to check out this article, which is pretty comprehensive:
⭐ VCE Behind the Scenes: VCE Scaling, Rankings, Moderation & Aggregates ⭐
The first and perhaps most important thing to take from that article is that study scores are actually rankings. There’s no specific mark you need to average on your SACs or exam to achieve a 40+ study score, and this makes it really hard to predict what you’re on track for without way more context. And in our experience, it’s not really worth worrying too much about the technical side of things; focusing on things you can control (like your study techniques) will be a better use of time.
Study scores are made up of ‘Graded Assessments’, which typically come from your Units 3&4 SACs and exam(s). That means you can’t rely on just one or the other - you need to do well across both forms of assessment - so let’s focus on how to excel in SACs and the exam.
Tips to excel in SACs
SACs vary quite a lot between subjects, but there is some general advice that typically holds irrespective of whether you’re studying logarithms in Maths Methods or the Sustainable Development Goals in HHD.
Be clear on what’s required
Because SACs vary from school to school, the SAC you sit for Psychology 3&4 might not be the same as the SAC your friend Joe Bloggs sits at the school down the road.
Try to get as much information from your teacher as possible about expectations for the SAC and the format it will take. For example, if you’re expected to write essays, your preparatory study will likely be quite different to if you’re expected to answer a range of short-answer or multiple-choice questions. It might also be the difference between revising Chapter 3 or Chapter 15!
Juggle your subjects
In an ideal world, you’d be able to give each SAC 100% of your time and devotion, but the reality is that you’ll probably be juggling deadlines and due dates for a whole range of different subjects at once. What that means is that you’ll need to prioritise and organise your time.
If you have an Art SAC in three days and then a General Maths SAC in seven days, it makes sense to study for Art first. If you have three SACs in three consecutive days, it makes sense to start revision early to ensure you don’t neglect any of the three.
To help with this, you might like to keep on top of your dates and deadlines with Google Calendar or something similar. If you don’t have a system, it can be easy - very easy - for dates to creep up on you!
Implement SAC-to-SAC feedback
The good thing with SACs is that typically you’ll have the same marker during the year: your teacher. That means that you can get quite specific feedback from your teacher, and then implement that exact feedback in the next SAC. There’s really nice consistency between the feedback you’re receiving and the strategies you’re implementing.
This is a bit different to end-of-year exams, which are marked externally and anonymously. Take advantage of SAC feedback whilst you can!
Focus on the actual question
We’ve all been in a situation where we open a test, flick through it, and realise a whole heap of stuff you actually did study hasn’t turned up on the test. That’s really frustrating, but it also doesn’t mean you should try to shoe-horn that information into every answer.
If a question asks you to talk about modal verbs, don’t try to plug in your knowledge about slang just because that’s the area you studied most. You won’t get extra marks for accurate but irrelevant details - just stick to answering the actual question as best you can.
Tips to excel in end-of-year exams
Exams are a different ball game. Whilst there is some overlap with the SAC advice above, here are some other things you might like to factor into your exam preparation.
Start early
This isn’t new or groundbreaking advice, but it’s a good idea to start your exam preparation early on. This helps to avoid last-minute rushing or cramming, and also makes for more rounded study.
The good news is that you don’t need to be smashing out 50 practice exams every week for the entire year (or ever). Your little bits of study here and there - even when you’re studying specifically for SACs - will also benefit your exam revision most of the time. The main idea is just to avoid leaving yourself too much to do in too short a time period, which can cause stress.
Once the exam timetable is out, you might like to work backward to give yourself soft deadlines. For example, perhaps you want all of your notes consolidated seven days out from the exam so that you can focus solely on practice papers.
Consult the study design
At the end of the day, the study design for each subject dictates what is and what isn’t examinable. Don’t solely put weight on what you’ve covered most throughout the year - it’s possible that your school glossed over a dot point, or didn’t look at a section of the study design in great detail.
Consult the study design to feel confident that you’re on top of the entire syllabus. As a study strategy, you might even like to highlight specific dot points in each area of study once you feel confident and prepared for that content.
Use a wide range of resources
To help you feel prepared for each dot point of the study design, using a wide range of resources - more than just your textbook - can help you develop a holistic and balanced understanding of content.
Some resources you may find helpful:
-
Free notes (uploaded by current and past students)
Practise in-exam time management
And then we have something that a lot of students tend to ignore, or only give a passing thought: in-exam time management. What we mean by that is your strategy when completing the exam under timed conditions.
It’s all well and good to be able to get 100% on every practice exam, but if it takes you five hours to complete each exam, those results aren’t really relevant. The end-of-year exams aren’t necessarily testing who knows the subject best, but who can demonstrate that knowledge within the confines of the questions asked, and within the confines of the allocated time.
So that you’re not rushing or trying to work it out for the first time on the day, it might be a good idea to complete at least a few practice exams (or sets of practice questions) under timed conditions - so work out rough minutes per mark, and write what you can under that time pressure. This is a genuine skill, and working on it specifically before the exam might be the difference between a 39 study score and a 40 study score!
Best of luck for your studies this year!
FAQs
What does a study score of 40 actually mean?
A study score of 40 indicates that you’re in the top 9% of students in the state. It’s a benchmark that many aim for, but remember, it’s just a ranking, not a specific mark.
How are study scores calculated?
Study scores are based on your performance in Graded Assessments, which typically include your SACs and exams. There’s no fixed average mark needed to achieve a 40+, as it’s all about relative performance compared to your peers.
What strategies can I use to prepare for SACs effectively?
Focus on understanding the specific requirements of each SAC, manage your time effectively across subjects, implement feedback from previous assessments, and ensure you directly answer the questions asked.
How can I manage multiple SACs with overlapping deadlines?
Prioritize your study time based on upcoming deadlines. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of your schedules and allocate specific times for each subject to ensure balanced preparation.
How do I prepare for end-of-year exams differently than SACs?
Start preparing early to avoid cramming, consult the study design to ensure all content is covered, use a variety of resources for a well-rounded understanding, and practice managing your time during exams.
Is it possible to achieve a high study score with minimal studying?
While some students may excel with less study, achieving a study score of 40+ typically requires consistent effort, effective study strategies, and thorough understanding of the content. Aim for a balanced and structured study plan.
