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March 30, 2024, 12:10:39 am

Author Topic: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice  (Read 9799 times)  Share 

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vickychen667

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Hi there!

I graduated in 2012 with an ATAR of 99.95 and perfect study scores of 50 in English, Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics along with a study score of 49 in Specialist Maths. I am a recipient of multiple VCE Premier's Awards, including the All-Round Top Achiever, Excellence in Chemistry and Excellence in Maths Methods. I am also a recipient of the Australian Student Prize.

In the lead up to this year's VCE exams, I have started a blog, 'VCE Top Tips', filled with useful tips and experience-drawn advice for students. Feel free to check it out at vcetoptips.blogspot.com.au and follow/comment/spread the word to others who might be interested. There is also an official facebook page which you can use to keep track of when new articles are published on the blog. Please like the page and spread the word for more useful tips coming your way.

I am also happy to give advice, tips and answer any questions, in particular about VCE chemistry and physics, on this thread.

Thanks, Vicky :)
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 11:48:41 pm by vickychen667 »
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psyxwar

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2013, 02:43:30 pm »
0
How early do you recommend finishing the chemistry course? Is it overkill to have it done before school starts?
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teletubbies_95

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2013, 03:20:34 pm »
0
Two questions:
1) This year , as you might know, units 3 and 4 are together in one exam. Any tips on how to approach that?
2) How many practice papers should I do for each unit?

:) Thank you so much !
2012: Psychology(46) Biology (44)
2013: Chem(41)---EngLang(44)--HealthnHuman(47)---Methods(41)--DEAKIN PSYCH(4.5)
ATAR=99.10! :) umat=94ile
i liek lala :) arre bhaiya aal izz well :) <3

vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2013, 04:16:47 pm »
+2
Looking over the entire chemistry course before Year 12 has even begun is definitely advantageous but you always run the risk of forgetting some of the content and formulae and having to re-learn later in the year. Nevertheless, if you are ambitious and enthusiastic, by all means go for it! Keep an eye out for an article on 'Head Start to Year 12' coming soon to the VCE Top Tips blog, where you can also ask relevant questions directly following the articles.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 11:49:29 pm by vickychen667 »
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vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2013, 04:24:22 pm »
+2
With the sciences now combining Units 3&4 together in one exam, it is important that you revise everything thorougly for the exam. Make sure you are confident with unit 3 as well as unit 4, which is probably more fresh in your head. Doing equal amounts of both units will ensure that you are exposed to equal amounts of questions from each, but keep in mind that you should endeavour to work on the areas in which you are less confident. Keep an eye out for an article about tackling the upcoming science exams on the blog.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 11:49:57 pm by vickychen667 »
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Dayman

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2013, 04:43:07 pm »
+1
In chemistry i really struggle with word-answer questions but with calculations I'm fine. What thought process do you undergo before answering these types of questions? As i struggle to maintain the confidence in answering them.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 04:46:16 pm by Dayman »
2012: Biology [below expectations]
2013: English [below expectations], Chemistry [results pending way under expectations], Methods [below expectations-but happy], specialist [happy], physics [happy]

vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2013, 06:54:07 pm »
+1
Worded questions are always tricky, especially in calculation-based subjects. Before answering such questions, I pick the question apart, get a rough idea of what I want to include in the answer, and then finally put pen to paper. I'll be addressing this process of answering worded questions in more detail as part of my Exam Advice article series on my blog :)
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 10:45:04 pm by vickychen667 »
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silverpixeli

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2013, 07:19:25 pm »
0
A few physics questions;

Do you recommend including pre-prepared responses on the cheat sheet? It's something that has been suggested by a few people, and I have the space (currently only using 2-2.5 out of the 4 A4 sides of paper we get with formulas and graphs and diagrams)
Is there something more valuable to include? Dot points on things to include in answers? More pre-prepared custom formulas for faster calculation or checking answers?

Also, I don't generally have a problem completing the questions on the physics paper, I don't have trouble figuring out how to respond, but I do make careless errors across the course of the paper. In the 4-5 practice papers (full papers, units 3 and 4) I have done I've reached the end of each and been horrified with the thought of going back through all those pages and looking for mistakes, even though I usually have time to spare by the end. Any tips on checking your work?

Thanks :)
ATAR 99.80 :: Methods [50] | Physics [50+Premier's] | Specialist [47] | Software [48] | English [42] | Legal [39 '12]
+ Australian Student Prize

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Dayman

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2013, 07:25:30 pm »
0
Worded questions are always tricky, especially in calculation-based subjects. Before answering such questions, I pick the question apart, jot down the main concepts that I want my answer to cover and then logically order them so the points seamlessly flow from one to another. After all this preparation on the side of the page, then I write out my answer on the actual lines in as fluent and smooth English as possible. I'll be addressing this process of answering worded questions in more detail as part of my Exam Advice article series on my blog :)

Thank you Vicky!
2012: Biology [below expectations]
2013: English [below expectations], Chemistry [results pending way under expectations], Methods [below expectations-but happy], specialist [happy], physics [happy]

vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #9 on: September 18, 2013, 10:51:40 pm »
+2
If you think pre-prepared responses on your cheat sheet will make you feel more confident and assured walking into the exam, by all mean do so. The cheat sheet is intended to help you out so put whatever you think will best assist you on there.

Careless errors are unavoidable, even by the best of students. Checking is the best way of eliminating them. I always dread checking through an exam paper, even now in my university exams, but it has to be done. Think of it this way, better being horrified at a silly mistake and then correcting it rather than not noticing your mistake at all :)
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vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #10 on: September 18, 2013, 11:28:13 pm »
+1
VCE Top Tips blog now has an official facebook page, for convenient updates on when new articles are published. Please like the facebook page, share it with your friends and spread the word for more useful exam advice coming your way!
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 11:50:41 pm by vickychen667 »
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bill123

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #11 on: September 21, 2013, 04:09:53 pm »
0
Can you please address the cheat sheet for physics? The cheat sheet is what i am mostly relying on and i plan on constructing a very detailed one. If you can discuss any strategies and techniques that helped you construct yours, that would be awesome! Thanks

vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #12 on: September 21, 2013, 11:56:11 pm »
0
Sure - will publish an article about that very soon! For now, I say put what you are most comfortable with on your cheat sheet, because everyone has different learning styles and exam approaches. Perhaps a combination of both formulae and written answers might be helpful. Also some have suggested that you could leave a side to write all the past questions you have answered incorrectly so you won't repeat the same mistake on the actual exam. Good luck!
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vickychen667

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2013, 10:12:29 pm »
0
Hey there! The exams are inching closer. Hope you are all studying well, but make sure you balance all that hard work with some light and refreshing relaxation as well! :)
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mathmeth4lyf

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Re: 50 in Chemistry and Physics - happy to answer questions and share advice
« Reply #14 on: December 07, 2013, 04:32:42 pm »
0
Hello
I am entering year 11 next year and want to do really well in year 12.
What do you think is best for me to do in 1-2 english that will prepare me to get a 50 in 3-4.
And what your best tips for getting a 50 in methods 3-4