Post by: Bell9565 on March 18, 2018, 04:36:39 pm
I thought I might jump on the bandwagon and start my own VCE journal despite the fact I only have 2/3ish terms of school yet. I figure it'll be a good way to procrastinate and if I can give anyone any tips on what to do/what not to do well that's just a bonus!
Firstly a bit about myself:
I am currently in year 12 (love/hate relationship with it at the moment) and am completing english, methods, spesh and chem *winces in pain*. Last year I did 3/4 biol and further and 1/2 psych in addition to the 1/2s of those subjects so last year was probably worse in some ways than this year will be.
In my spare time I like to do many things however a lot of it is spent swimming - as I am meant to do it 6 times a week (realistically lately it has been like 3 but I had a bit of a rough term health wise so it should get better) and I also like music. I play 3 instruments across 4 ensembles and also debate, so the fact that I have any other time outside of that may come as a shock but somehow it does exist!
Plans after this year:
It's a bit scary that I have to be making all these decisions very soon but I'm pretty sure I want to do medicine, hopefully undergratuate at Monash! UMAT prep is not fun and I have been neglecting it recently but next term I hope to do a little more as it will be getting closer.
How this year has been so far:
So far (about to start week 8 of term 1) I've luckily only had one SAC because half my subjects I don't have SACs until next term in. It was my english creative and as someone who is inherently terrible at english and hates it, it was the first time I actually put effort into any english assessment as I kinda have to since it's my only subject this year guaranteed to count. I hope it pays off to some degree (top 25% of cohort would be nice hahaha)
Spesh has been by far my heaviest workload, as I haven't really had to do much for chem or methods in comparison (I probably should since I have a chem SAC in 5 days). I don't really mind though as I know that if I put in the effort the scaling should make it pay off.
Post by: Quantum44 on March 18, 2018, 09:01:06 pm
Post by: cookiedream on March 18, 2018, 09:21:08 pm
Best of luck for VCE, UMAT and your medicine journey!! If you have any questions regarding Monash med, or regarding anything else, feel free to shoot me a PM! Always happy to help ^^
Post by: lazaward on March 18, 2018, 09:24:10 pm
Hello Everyone!
I thought I might jump on the bandwagon and start my own VCE journal despite the fact I only have 2/3ish terms of school yet. I figure it'll be a good way to procrastinate and if I can give anyone any tips on what to do/what not to do well that's just a bonus!
Firstly a bit about myself:
I am currently in year 12 (love/hate relationship with it at the moment) and am completing english, methods, spesh and chem *winces in pain*. Last year I did 3/4 biol and further and 1/2 psych in addition to the 1/2s of those subjects so last year was probably worse in some ways than this year will be.
In my spare time I like to do many things however a lot of it is spent swimming - as I am meant to do it 6 times a week (realistically lately it has been like 3 but I had a bit of a rough term health wise so it should get better) and I also like music. I play 3 instruments across 4 ensembles and also debate, so the fact that I have any other time outside of that may come as a shock but somehow it does exist!
Plans after this year:
It's a bit scary that I have to be making all these decisions very soon but I'm pretty sure I want to do medicine, hopefully undergratuate at Monash! UMAT prep is not fun and I have been neglecting it recently but next term I hope to do a little more as it will be getting closer.
How this year has been so far:
So far (about to start week 8 of term 1) I've luckily only had one SAC because half my subjects I don't have SACs until next term in. It was my english creative and as someone who is inherently terrible at english and hates it, it was the first time I actually put effort into any english assessment as I kinda have to since it's my only subject this year guaranteed to count. I hope it pays off to some degree (top 25% of cohort would be nice hahaha)
Spesh has been by far my heaviest workload, as I haven't really had to do much for chem or methods in comparison (I probably should since I have a chem SAC in 5 days). I don't really mind though as I know that if I put in the effort the scaling should make it pay off.
Can relate with swimming and UMAT prep! I quit swimming around a year ago though, waking up at 4am in the morning for a two hour training session caught up to me haha. It’s definitely very impressive you can keep up with that! I have also been neglecting UMAT prep, so you’re not alone. Hopefully the holidays will be a great time to start buckling down and focusing on it. Good luck with all the sacs coming up
Post by: Bell9565 on March 18, 2018, 10:07:52 pm
Nice first entry :D! Very impressed with the amount of extracurricular activities you can balance and still perform incredibly well academically. Any time management secrets to share? Looking forward to reading future updates and good luck with getting into Monash med!Aw thankyou!! I actually think I have terrible time management but training and having 2 of my bands before school helps a lot, and that I have 2 spares out of 5 subjects a day means that I get a lot of work done at school. I also try and squeeze study in whenever I can if its necessary (aka before exams) even if its 5/10 mins here or there because it all adds up. Thanks I appreciate it!
Woahh, it's so awesome that you're able to balance so many extracurriculars on top of your studies! Hahaha, I totally feel your pain regarding UMAT!! Was probably the worst three hours of my life so far ;-; Something which motivated me to do a bit more UMAT prep was talking to other med hopefuls and seeing how they were going with their own prep! Study groups are also good for motivating each other and for getting and giving help too ;DI have a few good friends also doing UMAT so having them to deal with helps so I definitely get what you mean. I'll be sure to ask you if I can think of any questions!
Best of luck for VCE, UMAT and your medicine journey!! If you have any questions regarding Monash med, or regarding anything else, feel free to shoot me a PM! Always happy to help ^^
Can relate with swimming and UMAT prep! I quit swimming around a year ago though, waking up at 4am in the morning for a two hour training session caught up to me haha. It’s definitely very impressive you can keep up with that! I have also been neglecting UMAT prep, so you’re not alone. Hopefully the holidays will be a great time to start buckling down and focusing on it. Good luck with all the sacs coming upLuckily I can get away with waking up at 5.45 for a 1.5 hour session so its not too bad - plus it keeps me sane and in shape which helps. Hopefully holidays will be a good time to catch up, sadly this year I fear that holidays won't be really a break :(
Post by: Yertle the Turtle on March 19, 2018, 04:52:44 pm
Post by: Bell9565 on May 22, 2018, 04:25:05 pm
Pretty much long story short I am loving doing 4 subjects but I've decided that as long as i get above a raw 35 in each subject I'll get a high enough ATAR for all the courses I want so i may be bludging a little too much.
So far I've had a spesh SAC, english and Chem - Spesh and Chem i'm resonably happy with but english well ha lets not talk about that shall we.
Umat prep is going well, just finished my 4th exam and have decided that my section 1 is fine (dropping 5-6 marks over the paper) but my section 2 needs to be pulled up a decent amount if I want any chance at getting into medicine.
I've been missing a lot of sport and music to make time for study/downtime which I think for the sake of my mental health, social life and enjoying year 12 is probably for the best.
I hope everyone else is doing well with their studies and much like myself, I'm sure you're all looking forward to the end of November being over! :)
Post by: Bell9565 on September 10, 2018, 07:34:57 pm
Last time I posted I had done 3 Sacs, now I have 3 to go so times have changed a little bit. Still bludging though a bit more than I should, but I'm doing well enough to be happy.
I'm now aiming for low 40s for english & methods, high 30's for spesh and hopefully high 40's for chem - but come these holidays and swotvac I'm gonna study like I want 4 50's!
As some may know, UMAT results were out. In the lead up I did the Medentry workshop exam, 8 online ones, 1 ACER one and about 50% of the drills online. Coming out of the exam I genuinely thought I'd flopped - as I want to hopefully go to Monash and needed above 50 in each section. I'd been getting around 60th percentile for Section 2 on medentry so I was worried it wouldn't be high enough since I wasn't confident with how I did on the day buttt I ended up getting 100th percentile which I am both very shocked with and happy. To anyone curious that was a 75/65/72 for each section. (okay sorry about bragging a little I'm over now)
I've been working a bit recently after just buying myself a car (cute little volkswaggen polo) and booking 4 grand worth of holidays. I'm enjoying swim teaching and life guarding but trying to fit in it with school work isn't an easy feat. In addition to an attempted social life (I'm very persistent I'm going to enjoy year 12, not just study 24/7) I am struggling a bit - but I know I'm making the right decision (I hope)
I've also made my VTAC preferences, Monash med at the top - if anyone has any info on what ATAR I'll need to confidently secure myself a spot given I interview not horribly that would be great. I've also applied for med at Adelaide Uni as it's still reasonably close to home and I want to do medicine. Now res colleges.... I've applied for Mannix at Monash (relying on getting in as I havent applied anywhere else yet) and I think I'll apply to Lincoln in SA. If anyone wants to share any info on either of these it would be most welcome.
That's most of my life ATM, exams are coming close but I'm keen for the end!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on September 10, 2018, 07:40:37 pm
Post by: vcestressed on September 10, 2018, 07:43:21 pm
Post by: Bell9565 on September 10, 2018, 07:57:52 pm
Massive congrats on your UMAT results - that’s so awesome ;D
Thanks PhoenixxFire - as I said I was really shocked but pleased so I appreciate the congratulations :)
OH MY GOD!! Congratulations!! You should be SO SO proud. Everytime I read your journal, I awe in silence because I genuinely don't understand how you do it. So many extracurriculars, yet amazing marks. You're an inspiration. I'd say best of luck but you really don't need it hahaha.
Thankyou!!! No need to awe in silence haha, I work only a couple of times a week and do a lot of my activities before school so I still do put in the work for school. I have lucked out a few times with my scores I must say (not expecting ANYWHERE near as good at the end of this year) so I probably do need the luck. ;D
Post by: bingoman2000 on September 11, 2018, 12:26:09 am
All the best for the rest of the year, keep smashing it
Post by: Joseph41 on September 11, 2018, 10:05:28 am
Post by: Bell9565 on September 11, 2018, 09:51:30 pm
Just echoing above sentiments - 100th percentile is a serious achievement. Congrats!
Outstanding performance on the UMAT, very well deserved :)Thank-you guys really appreciate it!
All the best for the rest of the year, keep smashing it
Post by: Bell9565 on September 15, 2018, 05:07:37 pm
SACs are done!!! I literally am so so happy that I have no SAC's left FOREVER (uni is still to come but shh) and I just feel like that massive burden is gone. Although I did badly on one of my final spesh ones and probably the chem SAC I'm yet to get back - I just don't care because it's over. I'm now bludging completely and have sorta forgotten exams are coming up fast but I may as well enjoy this slight calm before the storm.
Also on another exciting note - I'm turning 18 next week! I am very excited to finally be legal even though I'm at school and work from 7.30am-9.30/10.pm. I'm also going out that weekend with friends after a cute birthday dinner for the first time - I'm not one of those rebellious people who went out underage
Next year, if you haven't read my previous journal entries - I want to study medicine hopefully at Monash or Adelaide. Because I'm considering both right now as genuine places to study, I've applied for res at both (mannix and lincoln respectively). Yesterday I got an offer to stay at Lincoln which was really exciting because it seems like a nice place to live, especially if I'll be moving interstate. I have my interview at Mannix coming up over the holidays so I hope I get a provisional offer there too so I have both options available if I get into medicine at the respective universities. If anyone has anything to say about these colleges (if you've stayed there/know people who have) let me know x
Post by: Bri MT on September 15, 2018, 06:29:21 pm
Post by: Bell9565 on October 11, 2018, 10:13:30 pm
Earlier this week we had our trial exams (ew), and of course they have to ruin the final sunday of our holidays by whacking an english exam in the middle of it! Prior to that exam, I had written a total of 1 essay (not for each section, like in TOTAL) because I hate english that much and struggle with bringing myself to write essays. Luckily I had done some other revision so I got 3 hopefully half decent essays down.
Spesh results for the trial exam was a bit of a let down - I got 58/80 which is a B+ (obviously an exam 2). I'm a bit annoyed because I just made stuuuppiidddd mistakes which I really shouldn't have but oh well - there's always next time!
Methods is the only other exam I've gotten back and I got 67/80. This was the top mark of my cohort (which I feel means my cohort isnt amazing) so I was fairly happy although I would have liked to have broken 70. We also did another exam 2 for methods (2017 VCAA) which I did a little better in.
Chemistry exam was actually the weirdest exam I've ever done so I'm keen to see how I did on that.
I'm also pretty sick at the moment ... I get told I sound unhealthy like 5 times a day (hacking cough) and I struggle to swallow because my throat is so sore, but I'm seeing the doctors tommorrow.
This close to exams and being sick is also perfect timing also for work to guilt trip you into working an extra 8-10 hours on the weekend when you really need to be studying, but the extra $300/400 will be nice to have. I've pretty much stopped all my other extracurriculars because I physically am just too run down to do sport or anything - I'm so keen to be even able to go to the gym again (I fully get around the Les Mill's classes)
I just need the 14th of November to come sooner - luckily after that I have a month of holidays lined up which i am very very looking forward too (also why I have to work extra atm ahah)
Post by: Bell9565 on November 03, 2018, 02:52:02 pm
I have never felt so relieved in my life honestly - I hate the subject so much and even though I bombed the exam (okay I probably still did okay but I was hoping for low-mid 40's and that is VERY unlikely - I'd be elated with over 35 at this stage) I am simply glad that I never ever ever have to write an essay about Burial Rites again (the topics on the exams were horrid but I won't have a long rant about that at this present point in time)
I am enjoying my week off exams by not studying to the degree I should be - I just finished the 2016 VCAA Methods exam 2 ... was my best exam 2 mark so far but I still have no idea how to do those questions where they're like 'if x<y and k>2 show why A(k)>5' so if anyone has any tips on how to improve that, that'd be wonderful.
I've given up on spesh officially, I was doing great on practice exams then I took half a week off the subject and my scores have declined so much but if I even get low 30's that scaling is probably better than I'll do in methods if I really really try.
Chemistry .... has anyone done the VCAA 2018 NH exam?? I did it and did TERRIBLY and I didn't think I was doing that bad at chemistry and I really want to do very well in it however, now I have no hope. I hope it was just a harder than normal exam because if not, I am doomed. I love the content and all but its just really hard to not make idiotic errors and to know exactly what they want to know but oh well.
On a more positive note ... I got an interview to Adelaide Medicine! I'm rather excited actually as (please don't judge me) I actually enjoy the challenge of interviews. I also do like talking about myself to a degree so I don't mind and find that bit of it fine. I have no idea what to expect as my careers councillor has mainly brought people who talk about Monash medicine in to talk to us and prepare us for MMI but from what I've heard after exams he may be providing someone to help the few of us out who got an interview there from my school (VIC Based).
It also means I get a little 2 day holiday prior to my 1 month away which is exciting ... and its all this month & next!!
As of yesterday I am now no longer working until after the end of exams (13/11 for me) which is good but bad. I really enjoy it however, I takes a lot of time out of the day and now my chemistry teacher will be quiet about me working when I should be studying chem (jokingly of course).
I hope everyone else's exams have been going well :)
Post by: Unsplash on November 04, 2018, 07:02:54 pm
If so, I found that thinking about these questions geometrically is best. If you think about what happens as k approaches 1, the x and y intercepts will approach 1. As the function is strictly increasing (established in part d), the area inclosed, by the graph of g and the line y=x must approach the triangle with vertices (-1,-1) , (1,1) and (-1,0). The area of this triangle is 2 and because k>1, that implies A(k)<2.
A very similar question occurs on the VCAA 2017 paper and again is the last question, however this time I would argue it is a bit easier.
Hopefully this helps.
Post by: Bell9565 on November 05, 2018, 01:26:48 pm
I assume when talk about those questions in methods, the last question on VCAA Methods 2016 is one of them?
If so, I found that thinking about these questions geometrically is best. If you think about what happens as k approaches 1, the x and y intercepts will approach 1. As the function is strictly increasing (established in part d), the area inclosed, by the graph of g and the line y=x must approach the triangle with vertices (-1,-1) , (1,1) and (-1,0). The area of this triangle is 2 and because k>1, that implies A(k)<2.
A very similar question occurs on the VCAA 2017 paper and again is the last question, however this time I would argue it is a bit easier.
Hopefully this helps.
Yeah thankyou, I had just done the VCAA 2016 exam prior to writing in my journal so that is the question I was talking about. Can you explain how to do part d of that exam? I don't really get that either (If I didn't drop the 6 marks I did from part d to the end I would have done a lot better so please help ahahah)
Post by: Unsplash on November 05, 2018, 01:58:29 pm
Yeah thankyou, I had just done the VCAA 2016 exam prior to writing in my journal so that is the question I was talking about. Can you explain how to do part d of that exam? I don't really get that either (If I didn't drop the 6 marks I did from part d to the end I would have done a lot better so please help ahahah)
Ok so I have attached my working. It's not shown in the examiners report (their method seems super weird to me), but I can't see why it wouldn't be accepted. Basically I just show that the gradient is always positive and therefore the function is always increasing.
Going back to the last question, I forgot to mention, if you'd prefer to do it algebraically, you can just use the limits function on your CAS and put in k approaches infinity of the area function and k approaches 1. This will get you the required (not inclusive) bounds of 0 and 2 respectively.
Hope this helps. :)
Post by: Bell9565 on November 06, 2018, 05:38:09 am
Ok so I have attached my working. It's not shown in the examiners report (their method seems super weird to me), but I can't see why it wouldn't be accepted. Basically I just show that the gradient is always positive and therefore the function is always increasing.
Going back to the last question, I forgot to mention, if you'd prefer to do it algebraically, you can just use the limits function on your CAS and put in k approaches infinity of the area function and k approaches 1. This will get you the required (not inclusive) bounds of 0 and 2 respectively.
Hope this helps. :)
Okay thankyou, that makes a lot more sense now! I often find it hard to know what the questions are asking but those 2 now make a lot more sense! Goodluck for tomorrow :)
Post by: Bell9565 on December 30, 2018, 11:25:54 am
Pretty much if anyone hasn't read the last couple of pages I want to do medicine undergrad and have applied to Monash and Adelaide (oh and also tassie where I have a place already YAYY but I realllyyy don't want to move down there because I cannot stand the cold and it is rather south).
My problem comes in deciding which uni I want to go to IF I get into both Monash and Adelaide. I'm not by any means being presumptuous and saying I'll get into both - it's a very real possibility I may not even get into one however, come the 14/15th of Jan I want to have it mapped out in my brain what I would do if I luckily get a place in both.
Throughout this year I was very pro Monash (living at Mannix) and I thought Adelaide would just be a backup. However, after visiting Adelaide and staying at Lincoln college (where I have a place) I fully swapped sides and fell in love with the uni and the whole thing.
But now I'm 50 50 after talking to the Monash kids that used to go to my school who all love it so I'm just very confused.
I have tried to devise a pros cons list but it doesn't help..
People who go to these unis and colleges if possible please let me know your honest opinion because some help for my indecisive self (I've been compared to Chidi for all you The Good Place fans) as its only a couple of weeks now until offers.
Thanks in advance :D
Post by: Lear on December 30, 2018, 11:31:04 am
The biggest thing I would consider in your spot is the costs and difficulty of moving out to another state. Not just the cost of living there, but also things such as travelling back and forth if you were to visit family. However it could actually be a really great experience to find yourself in a brand new city and have to start from scratch with support groups and friends etc.
Also, if you do medicine there you will also have to do your internship there. If you intend to eventually come back to Melbourne after the many years you’ll have to stay there, there may be some difficulties I think.
Post by: Quantum44 on December 30, 2018, 12:44:59 pm
So sorry guys in between travelling and the riveting (not) end to my VCE life I kinda took a break from ATAR notes but I'm back - mostly because I'm utterly stumped regarding what to do next year and would love it if some kind souls helped out with my decisions.
Pretty much if anyone hasn't read the last couple of pages I want to do medicine undergrad and have applied to Monash and Adelaide (oh and also tassie where I have a place already YAYY but I realllyyy don't want to move down there because I cannot stand the cold and it is rather south).
My problem comes in deciding which uni I want to go to IF I get into both Monash and Adelaide. I'm not by any means being presumptuous and saying I'll get into both - it's a very real possibility I may not even get into one however, come the 14/15th of Jan I want to have it mapped out in my brain what I would do if I luckily get a place in both.
Throughout this year I was very pro Monash (living at Mannix) and I thought Adelaide would just be a backup. However, after visiting Adelaide and staying at Lincoln college (where I have a place) I fully swapped sides and fell in love with the uni and the whole thing.
But now I'm 50 50 after talking to the Monash kids that used to go to my school who all love it so I'm just very confused.
I have tried to devise a pros cons list but it doesn't help..
People who go to these unis and colleges if possible please let me know your honest opinion because some help for my indecisive self (I've been compared to Chidi for all you The Good Place fans) as its only a couple of weeks now until offers.
Thanks in advance :D
Monash is probably a better option than Adelaide for most people since it is a 5 year degree rather than a 6 year degree. The downside to Monash is that
Adelaide uni has had a terrible rep in terms of its medical program over the past decade. I would look into that for one.
The biggest thing I would consider in your spot is the costs and difficulty of moving out to another state. Not just the cost of living there, but also things such as travelling back and forth if you were to visit family. However it could actually be a really great experience to find yourself in a brand new city and have to start from scratch with support groups and friends etc.
Also, if you do medicine there you will also have to do your internship there. If you intend to eventually come back to Melbourne after the many years you’ll have to stay there, there may be some difficulties I think.
Adelaide had a poor reputation a while back since it’s course was not seen as up to standard by the AMA and a lot of students were failing. A lot has changed since then and I’m certain are now meeting the AMA standards as they are planning to change to an MD soon. It’s also very difficult to fail now, even in 5th year when you have your barrier exams.
You make a good point however that you will have to do your internship in SA if you go to Adelaide as it will be difficult to move back to Melbourne.
Post by: Bri MT on December 30, 2018, 01:15:48 pm
The downside to Monash is that as far as I’m aware, it doesn’t have any proper colleges and it’s quite far out into the suburbs, so your social life will likely be significantly worse than Adelaide.
Monash has a few different residential colleges (Mannix being the most expensive one & being the only catered one afaik).
I can't compare to Adelaide but it's very possible (imo easy) to have a vibrant social life at Monash, especially if you live on res.
I like Monash's vibe and think that not being in the CBD is an asset that creates more of a "community vibe" but this is highly subjective.
It seems like Adelaide connects to you more, so unless there's a career/opportunities/coursework reason to pick Monash med instead, I'd have Adelaide as your first preference.
Good luck
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on January 15, 2019, 05:50:23 pm
Post by: Lear on January 15, 2019, 06:10:54 pm
Any new thoughts on the Adelaide vs Monash weigh-up?Yeah, Monash is cooler.
(Just hoping the Med admissions team sees this enthusiasm and gives me an offer :P)