Login

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

March 29, 2024, 09:21:25 am

Author Topic: How to do well in VCE?  (Read 1761 times)  Share 

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

dh878

  • Fresh Poster
  • *
  • Posts: 1
  • Respect: 0
How to do well in VCE?
« on: September 12, 2019, 03:05:16 pm »
+4
Hi all,
So I know this is rather ambiguous, but basically, I'm after advice regarding how to obtain the ATAR I'm after: 99+

First, here's a bit of information about me:
- I'm heading into Year 12 next year, still yet to complete one unit 3/4 subject this year (Further Maths).
- Next year, I intend on studying English, Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics.

Basically, I want advice as to what I need to do in order to obtain the ATAR that I'm after next year. I would appreciate all forms of advice, but particularly that which is coming from students who themselves have performed really well in the VCE, or who just know a heap about it! (Even younger year levels on AN)!

In addition to info relating to each of my subjects next year, please include what I need to do in order to achieve a high study score in each of them, and ultimately, what I need to do in order to get my desired ATAR!

I particularly want advice regarding studying smart and not hard, but if you believe that working hard is the way then by all means feel free to share your advice.

Also if you have any advice for my upcoming Further Maths 3&4 exam please feel free to share.

Just to clarify - I don't mean statistically what I need, but more so, what study skills and habits I need, what lectures I need to attend, what tips and tricks you have, also whether tutoring is necessary - Basically EVERYTHING you can give me!!

Words cannot express how thankful I would be!!



Sine

  • Werewolf
  • National Moderator
  • Great Wonder of ATAR Notes
  • *****
  • Posts: 5135
  • Respect: +2103
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2019, 04:09:01 pm »
+5
Hi all,
So I know this is rather ambiguous, but basically, I'm after advice regarding how to obtain the ATAR I'm after: 99+

First, here's a bit of information about me:
- I'm heading into Year 12 next year, still yet to complete one unit 3/4 subject this year (Further Maths).
- Next year, I intend on studying English, Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics.

Basically, I want advice as to what I need to do in order to obtain the ATAR that I'm after next year. I would appreciate all forms of advice, but particularly that which is coming from students who themselves have performed really well in the VCE, or who just know a heap about it! (Even younger year levels on AN)!
I'm not too much of a fan of vague tips but I think it's important to know that 99+ isn't some unreachable ATAR. The fact that you are asking these questions and on ATAR Notes though show you are really motivated so that already puts in the right direction.

Other tips are probably don't dwell on sac rankings/scores ultimately if the SAC is done there is not much you can do about it and it's important to focus on future sacs and assessment. Whilst obviously thinking about what you might've done better in order to improve.

Also, I think it's important to help anyone else out in your cohort if they need it - either in their wellbeing (referring to professionals if needed) or academics.

In addition to info relating to each of my subjects next year, please include what I need to do in order to achieve a high study score in each of them, and ultimately, what I need to do in order to get my desired ATAR!

At least for your maths/science subjects, the best way I think is to learn all the content quite quickly and get stuck into practice exams as early as possible (however obviously needing a good understanding of the content, not just a superficial one). Practice exams will generally be the biggest factor in determining your SS for those subjects.

I particularly want advice regarding studying smart and not hard, but if you believe that working hard is the way then by all means feel free to share your advice.
There really is no way around studying hard imo doesn't mean you can't study smart but you will have to do both.

Study smart is definitely a cliche and it is probably more effective for those going for lower ATARs and study scores because in those cases you can be a bit more efficient with study e.g. opting to focus on 2-3 subjects and happy with 25-30s in the remainder.

Also if you have any advice for my upcoming Further Maths 3&4 exam please feel free to share.

Just to clarify - I don't mean statistically what I need, but more so, what study skills and habits I need, what lectures I need to attend, what tips and tricks you have, also whether tutoring is necessary - Basically EVERYTHING you can give me!!

Words cannot express how thankful I would be!!
I have tutored for the past three years and I will say that it definitely is not "necessary". Obviously tutors can help out a great deal though but not everyone will be suited to it and not everyone will feel they need it - it will ultimately be personal preference.

Bri MT

  • VIC MVP - 2018
  • Administrator
  • ATAR Notes Legend
  • *****
  • Posts: 4719
  • invest in wellbeing so it can invest in you
  • Respect: +3677
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2019, 09:52:20 pm »
+3
Welcome to atarnotes :)

For 99+ you're looking at studying smart and hard - studying effectively and consistently. For physics I recommend starting on your end of year formula sheet early - I found it to be a good way of revising. I also recommend (in general) keeping a record of mistakes you have made in practice questions and redoing those questions until you consistently get them right.

I've found teaching others & doing practice exams to be great ways of studying smart (writing notes for my own use. doesn't do much for me) - you should experiment with a few different approaches and see what works for you. I'm also a big fan of  studying methods that only take a few seconds at a time eg. having a flashcards app on your phone you can use when waiting for something or sticking labelled diagrams in your room.

There's lots of subject specific advice in guides in the sections specific to each subject which you might be interested in to get different perspectives as well


Tutoring is not necessary but it may help you - particularly if you are struggling for feedback.


Good luck! :)

ashmi

  • MOTM: June 20
  • Victorian Moderator
  • Forum Obsessive
  • *****
  • Posts: 429
  • Living an illusion
  • Respect: +660
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2019, 10:29:48 pm »
+4
Hi all,
So I know this is rather ambiguous, but basically, I'm after advice regarding how to obtain the ATAR I'm after: 99+

First, here's a bit of information about me:
- I'm heading into Year 12 next year, still yet to complete one unit 3/4 subject this year (Further Maths).
- Next year, I intend on studying English, Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry and Physics.

Basically, I want advice as to what I need to do in order to obtain the ATAR that I'm after next year. I would appreciate all forms of advice, but particularly that which is coming from students who themselves have performed really well in the VCE, or who just know a heap about it! (Even younger year levels on AN)!

In addition to info relating to each of my subjects next year, please include what I need to do in order to achieve a high study score in each of them, and ultimately, what I need to do in order to get my desired ATAR!

I particularly want advice regarding studying smart and not hard, but if you believe that working hard is the way then by all means feel free to share your advice.

Also if you have any advice for my upcoming Further Maths 3&4 exam please feel free to share.

Just to clarify - I don't mean statistically what I need, but more so, what study skills and habits I need, what lectures I need to attend, what tips and tricks you have, also whether tutoring is necessary - Basically EVERYTHING you can give me!!

Words cannot express how thankful I would be!!

Hi welcome! ;D
I'm in Year 11 and do nearly the exact same subjects as you except Spesh. (Further 3/4 is so good!) :D
For tips on the Further Exam, have your bound reference done and practise with it when you do past exam papers! Make sure you know your CAS shortcuts and how to answer questions as quickly and efficiently as possible (E.g. could you use your CAS to get it done quicker?). Go over past exam papers and read the examiner's report very thoroughly. Usually, the mistakes made in past years will repeat again the following year so do know how to answer these questions. Try to see if there is more than one way to solve a question (E.g. the geometry module has a few ways to answer just one question) and whenever in doubt, skip, move on and check when you have time again!

For the science subjects (Chem/Physics), understand what the content is actually about and don't be that person that just memorises everything thinking it will sink in. Understand how things work and why it works in the way it does, it will be easier to do better if you understand the fundamentals (especially for Physics). If you want a really high Study Score, know your study design inside out. The VCAA exams have to hit every dot point on that study design for a particular subject, so if you constantly revise with it throughout the year, you are less likely to bump into surprises later.

As for the tutoring idea, by the sounds of it, you don't seem to need it. Since you are on AN, you are already showing the motivation to score high, which is really what half of the tutoring is all about. If you can't get feedback from your teachers or are struggling a lot than a tutor might help. I had the same thoughts as you a while ago, but in the end, your ATAR is going to be defined by how much effort and determination you have throughout the year. If you remain constant and always trying your best, there is no need for one, many people have gotten 99+ without tutors, so it's definitely not necessary! ;)


YussifK

  • Trendsetter
  • **
  • Posts: 112
  • Respect: 0
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2019, 10:23:06 am »
0
Hello everyone,  I've been asking the same question for so many years.... :'(

so let me get started...  im in year 10, and soon going into year 11, ill be doing further maths 3/4 in year 11 and wondering is further hard, cause my biggest weakness in maths is worded problems.

and any tips for getting a 35 in further

thank you guys :'(
English:( )
Methods( )
Biology ( )
P.E ( )
Lab skills( )

AngelWings

  • Victorian Moderator
  • ATAR Notes Superstar
  • *****
  • Posts: 2456
  • "Angel wings, please guide me..."
  • Respect: +1425
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2019, 05:28:24 pm »
+3
Hello everyone,  I've been asking the same question for so many years.... :'(

so let me get started...  im in year 10, and soon going into year 11, ill be doing further maths 3/4 in year 11 and wondering is further hard, cause my biggest weakness in maths is worded problems.

and any tips for getting a 35 in further

thank you guys :'(
Q: Is Further hard?
A: That’s subjective and really depends on your strengths, weaknesses and skill set. It’s probably the most practical of the three Year 12 VCE maths in terms of the average person using it in daily life.

Q: Any tips for a 35+ raw SS?
A:
- Start your bound reference early, preferably making it across the year.
- Minimise mistakes, both in SACs and in exams.
- (optional) Keep a log of mistakes so you don’t make them again.
If you wanted a more exam-centric set of tips (mostly to answer the OP):
- There’s almost always a guaranteed question that relates to a poorly answered question from 3-4 years ago from the non-Core modules. Check this up.
- At least one poorly worded question in the Core module from the past year or two will likely show up.
- Watch the wording of exam questions. A few words’ difference can mean the difference to your answer e.g. mean vs median.
- Read the VCAA exam reports and get familiar with using the formula sheet!
VCE: Psych | Eng Lang | LOTE | Methods | Further | Chem                 
Uni: Bachelor of Science (Hons) - genetics
Current: working (sporadically on AN)
VTAC Info Thread

YussifK

  • Trendsetter
  • **
  • Posts: 112
  • Respect: 0
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2019, 05:05:28 pm »
0
Q: Is Further hard?
A: That’s subjective and really depends on your strengths, weaknesses and skill set. It’s probably the most practical of the three Year 12 VCE maths in terms of the average person using it in daily life.

Q: Any tips for a 35+ raw SS?
A:
- Start your bound reference early, preferably making it across the year.
- Minimise mistakes, both in SACs and in exams.
- (optional) Keep a log of mistakes so you don’t make them again.
If you wanted a more exam-centric set of tips (mostly to answer the OP):
- There’s almost always a guaranteed question that relates to a poorly answered question from 3-4 years ago from the non-Core modules. Check this up.
- At least one poorly worded question in the Core module from the past year or two will likely show up.
- Watch the wording of exam questions. A few words’ difference can mean the difference to your answer e.g. mean vs median.
- Read the VCAA exam reports and get familiar with using the formula sheet!

Thanks for answer ;D,

1. is this true averaging all 60's in an average cohort will still get me a study score of 30

2. how can I do well in further math sacs (70+)----- should i use checkpoints to help me in revision. ( as in to do well)
3. should I ask teachers for what's coming on a sac(or whats important). or is this just stupid
4. my atar aim is 60+ is this hard to achieve. pleaseeee i need motivation
5. if im not good in worded problems does it mean ill not get atleast a 30 study score. ugh...
6. does further math have worded problems if yes how should i prpeare for a sac that has some worded prolems.   
English:( )
Methods( )
Biology ( )
P.E ( )
Lab skills( )

Ionic Doc

  • Forum Leader
  • ****
  • Posts: 571
  • Respect: +212
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2019, 06:19:01 pm »
0
Thanks for answer ;D,

1. is this true averaging all 60's in an average cohort will still get me a study score of 30

2. how can I do well in further math sacs (70+)----- should i use checkpoints to help me in revision. ( as in to do well)
3. should I ask teachers for what's coming on a sac(or whats important). or is this just stupid
4. my atar aim is 60+ is this hard to achieve. pleaseeee i need motivation
5. if im not good in worded problems does it mean ill not get atleast a 30 study score. ugh...
6. does further math have worded problems if yes how should i prpeare for a sac that has some worded prolems.

1. This is false, sac marks don't mean anything, it's your ranking that does, as well as your exam performance compared to the rest of the state
2. In further make sure you do a lot of questions from your textbook, do past SAC's if your teachers have some on hand, use checkpoints to really test and apply your knowledge and make sure you focus on your weaknesses.
3. Definitely should be communicating teachers about what topics to prepare more for on sacs. However essentially (most) what you are presented in class will be able to be tested on SAC's.
4. Not really sure how to answer this one because some may find this easy to achieve whereas others may find it more difficult. As long as you put in the effort and push through difficult times you'r very likely to achieve this. The fact that your here questioning your doubts shows that your willing to put in the hard yards.
5. No, but you should definitely strive to conquer this weakness next year, in particular, focus on getting out the key information from questions and figuring out what the question actually wants you to do. This can be tricky at time's so make sure you work closely with your teacher to overcome this obstacle.
6. Yes often questions do come in wordred format, this is to challenge students to apply there knowledge as they would in real-world situations rather than just being able to solve equations given to them, however, that being said most worded questions are rather short. 

hope this helped

Edit: For future purposes direct all ' further maths' related questions on this page https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=142314.msg1133758#new
« Last Edit: September 18, 2019, 06:21:34 pm by Ionic Doc »
2019/2020 - Psychology | Biology | Chemistry | Methods | Further | English
2021 - Science @ Melbourne University

YussifK

  • Trendsetter
  • **
  • Posts: 112
  • Respect: 0
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2019, 06:37:02 pm »
0
1. This is false, sac marks don't mean anything, it's your ranking that does, as well as your exam performance compared to the rest of the state
2. In further make sure you do a lot of questions from your textbook, do past SAC's if your teachers have some on hand, use checkpoints to really test and apply your knowledge and make sure you focus on your weaknesses.
3. Definitely should be communicating teachers about what topics to prepare more for on sacs. However essentially (most) what you are presented in class will be able to be tested on SAC's.
4. Not really sure how to answer this one because some may find this easy to achieve whereas others may find it more difficult. As long as you put in the effort and push through difficult times you'r very likely to achieve this. The fact that your here questioning your doubts shows that your willing to put in the hard yards.
5. No, but you should definitely strive to conquer this weakness next year, in particular, focus on getting out the key information from questions and figuring out what the question actually wants you to do. This can be tricky at time's so make sure you work closely with your teacher to overcome this obstacle.
6. Yes often questions do come in wordred format, this is to challenge students to apply there knowledge as they would in real-world situations rather than just being able to solve equations given to them, however, that being said most worded questions are rather short. 

hope this helped

OMG, it surely did help. so what happens if i get average ranks with 60 percent grades. is a 30 still highly possible.

thank you

Edit: For future purposes direct all ' further maths' related questions on this page https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=142314.msg1133758#new
English:( )
Methods( )
Biology ( )
P.E ( )
Lab skills( )

stressedyeareight

  • Adventurer
  • *
  • Posts: 15
  • Respect: +1
Re: How to do well in VCE?
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2019, 02:33:31 pm »
0
Remember VCE is a marathon not a sprint and the only way to score well is consistency. You must apply yourself over the years leading up to VCE and develop good study habits. By that, I mean learning how to manage your time and organise your revision instead of cramming the night before. Make sure you get a sufficient amount of sleep each night. Although you may be inclined to pull all nighters, I would not recommend it as you need sleep in order for your brain to function properly. Furthermore, make sure you lead a balanced life. I know of people who just studied and in the end they burnt out before the exam. Therefore, it's important to maintain some form of social life and do sport etc.
Overall, in terms of VCE you must realise that in the end its a game and you need to tackle it properly in order to win. Look at the VCAA study guide for each subject and only learn assessable content. After all they can only test you on what's there.
Although I'm still in Year 9, I've heard that you shouldn't spent time writing your own notes. In the end these aren't useful. Instead, you should spend that time going over the content and starting practise exams. Learning the content is one thing, but practise exams prepare you for the actual thing. You should try handing your practise questions to your teachers and ask them to mark them.
Another thing would be to go off social media etc and not procrastinate. Year 12 is such a crucial year and you simply don't have time to be distracted.
Anyway these are just my thoughts. I'm just in Year 9 so I'm no where close to VCE.