✩ Chocolatemilkshake cartwheels through VCE and beyond ✩
Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End
Good morning and happy new year to all of my fellow AN readers,
About time I created one of these, not just to document 2020 but also to reach out and get to know all you guys on the forums better. I’m officially in year 12 this year and have been on Atarnotes for the past 2 years (mostly hanging around the bio forum, a big thank you to all the users who have answered so many of my questions). And if you are wondering, yes, I am definitely the type of person that starts a journal on the 1st of January simply because it gives me some sort of aesthetic pleasure.
Subjects
So, my subjects, I figure I better do the generic thing and write them all down, with a little description if you feel like reading :)
Biology (2019): I adored biology last year, it was absolutely one of my favourite subjects. I was lucky enough to receive a study score of 50 (check out my guide here ). It really confirmed that my passion lies within the sciences. I particularly loved the immunology unit and learning about the adaptive immune response (which is just incredible! I still can’t get over how perfectly such a system is designed!). If you guys have any questions about how to study for bio or content questions, feel free to ask ;).
Chemistry: Chemistry is my favourite subject and I’m really hoping it will be my best next year. One of the reasons I enjoy chemistry so much is because it interweaves both application questions and content-based questions. Skill-wise, it is almost like a mix of bio and maths, both of which I’m fairly good at. Stoichiometry is also strangely satisfying.
English: I absolutely love reading, but such a love unfortunately does not transfer to writing english exams. However, I believe myself to be relatively competent in constructing fluent essays, I simply need to do way more practice under timed conditions. In fact, English ended up being one of my best exam results last year (2019 is officially a thing of the past!).
French: French is my hardest subject by far. It is challenging for me personally because it lacks one simple answer, unlike the majority of my other subjects. Nevertheless, I’m determined to prove myself wrong and hope to work really hand next year in French in order to achieve even a tiny bit of fluency in the language.
Methods: All through school I have always loved maths and been mostly top of my class. However, this year, I don’t really know what to expect, especially since my school isn’t particularly strong in mathematics. I’ll just give it my all and see where it takes me.
Specialist: I’m a little terrified of specialist, mostly because I know that it is highly competitive and also because I wasn’t accelerated or pushed to do better early on like many of those who are strong in mathematics. I also didn’t do Unit 1 and it’s hard to know if I’ve missed any important concepts. I guess all I can do is try my best (any tips for Specialist or French would be much appreciated).
Spare time
I adore gymnastics but don’t do it super competitively, I mostly do it for fun and because my life wouldn’t be the same without it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have the ability to just flip on the grass every once in a while? Gym is a fantastic way to relax and forget about the stresses of school. I also love Doctor Who (10 is the best, 11 is a close second. The Ponds are my favourite, but I will never forget Rose or Donna), reading (fantasy and sci-fi mostly, but I can appreciate a good classic) and walking. I’m an earlier riser (always up at 6am), I play the violin and am in multiple school bands. I also work at a cafe.
Goals and Ambitions
My goal for this year is to walk into my exams satisfied with the amount of effort I have put in throughout the year. Atarwise I’m aiming for a 99.00+ but I understand that circumstances can change and that it’s okay if this goal changes throughout the year too. I don’t really know exactly what I want to study in university, most likely biomedicine as I know that I’ll really enjoy the biology and chemistry focused subjects. But right now, I’m totally open and am not even near having a set pathway.
And thus, my journal commences.
I'd love to answer some questions to get to know you guys better!
✩Chocolatemilkshake ✩
Hey :)
I like reading sci fi & fantasy too, although at the same time I don't read much anymore so even though reading was a big part of my identity growing up it feels kinda weird referring to myself as a book worm or similar.
As someone with no gymnastics ability, I completely agree with "who wouldn't want to be able to just do a flip on the grass?" & - although this isn''t related to gymnastics - appreciate the aesthetic of starting a journey journal on 01/01/2020
Why biomedicine rather than science if you don't have a set path yet?
Welcome to this section of the forums - I hope you enjoy your stay :) (also, I appreciate you starting this on the first day of the year)
Congrats on the 50 in bio! That is such a wonderfull achievement :D
By the end of this year, what science do you think will be your favourite, bio or chem?
Heeeeyyyy, another book lover! I'm more of a non-fiction kinda gal - I love me some Stephen Hawking, Michio Kaku, etc. :) There was this fantasy series I read a couple years ago that I absolutely Adored, and to this day it is still one of my all time favourites - Septimus Heap Wizard Apprentice by Angie Sage (highly recommend reading it if you haven't already). But I've never read sci-fi so maybe I'll have to get on to that.
Oh man, wouldn't a 99+ be a dream. I myself am aiming for a high ATAR (98+) - but I'm not thinking about it too much because I know I'll just end up stressing myself out (and I don't want to be too disappointed come December this year when I look at my results).
I'm excited to see where this journal goes! Good luck :)
Yay! You finally made a journal!!
I cant wait to see what this year brings for you!
Are you planning to work during Year 12? How do you find it? I was questioning getting a job for this year but kinda backed out last minute, am curious to see how you find it! Is it a good break from schoolwork?
I’m a little terrified of specialist, mostly because I know that it is highly competitive and also because I wasn’t accelerated or pushed to do better early on like many of those who are strong in mathematics. I also didn’t do Unit 1 and it’s hard to know if I’ve missed any important concepts. I guess all I can do is try my best (any tips for Specialist or French would be much appreciated).Same! I am so scared about Specialist sacs! I've looked at the VCAA exams and I can't relate to any of the questions. So much stuff to learn.
I adore gymnastics but don’t do it super competitively, I mostly do it for fun and because my life wouldn’t be the same without it.That's so cool! I've always admired gymnasts because they look so calm and collected and graceful! It's inspiring especially when they do those crazy flips in the air. Can't wait to see gymnastics in the Olympics! Are you going to watch?
Hello Chocolatemikshake!
I'm so happy that you've started your own VCE Journal and am excited to follow along on your journey.
Same! I am so scared about Specialist sacs! I've looked at the VCAA exams and I can't relate to any of the questions. So much stuff to learn.
To check if you've missed any topics, you could always look at the Unit 1 dot points of the study design and see if they cross over in Units 3 4 so that you can focus on those topics and not worry about the ones that aren't even relevant in 3 4. To brush up on those unit 1 concepts, you could always practice those concepts in the 3 4 book if they have those topics.
That's so cool! I've always admired gymnasts because they look so calm and collected and graceful! It's inspiring especially when they do those crazy flips in the air. Can't wait to see gymnastics in the Olympics! Are you going to watch?
I admire you for achieving a raw 50 for biology but still keeping up with your job and all your extracurriculars. Truly inspiring. ;D
It was nice meeting you. Looking forward to the next entry!
;D ;D ;D
Hey! I absolutely loved your bio guide so I'm so excited to see you've started a journal! Can't wait to hear more from you as the year progresses :D
Spare timeHey Chocolatemilkshake!!! What's your favourite classic novel that you've read and your favourite author?
I adore gymnastics but don’t do it super competitively, I mostly do it for fun and because my life wouldn’t be the same without it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have the ability to just flip on the grass every once in a while? Gym is a fantastic way to relax and forget about the stresses of school. I also love Doctor Who (10 is the best, 11 is a close second. The Ponds are my favourite, but I will never forget Rose or Donna), reading (fantasy and sci-fi mostly, but I can appreciate a good classic)
Hey Chocolatemilkshake!!! What's your favourite classic novel that you've read and your favourite author?
Mm that's a difficult one. I think I would have to go with The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. However, I definitely need to explore the genre more, maybe after year 12.The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens is such a beautiful book (so sad though).
My favourite novel of all time has to be All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I read it in 2017 after finding it at an op shop when I went camping on a family trip. I literally remember reading for hours in the camper van. Incredible plot, composition and style, I would definitely recommend :D.
YA-wise, I love Strange the Dreamer by Lani Taylor.
Not sure if I have a favourite author, I feel like that's way too tricky to decide.
Haha that was a lot, what about you?
Hi Chocolatemilkshake,
Congrats on your amazing score in bio! Would be interested in hearing your predictions and aspirations for your study scores this year.
ChemistryThat's great that you have the same teacher! That's a good point. Although, even they are the same SAC structure, I am so scared for chemistry next year! :-[ Everyone is saying that it's hard and I'm a really slow learner and looking at the Heinmann textbook is giving me nervous breakdowns every now and then (because it's so thick!). Well, everyone says it's more fun than 1 2 so it should be enjoyable!
✩ Aim: 46 ✩
Chemistry is one of my favourite subjects so I really want to reach for the stars and see where it takes me. I have a little bit more confidence in Chemistry than my other subjects simply because the SAC structure and the weighting of the exam is the same as Biology. I also have the same teacher that I had for Bio last year, so I am familiar with her style of teaching.
Methods:This happened to me on exam 1 and I felt terrible afterwards that the whole year had gone to waste. Everything I did meant nothing anymore. I think it would be a good idea to minimise silly mistakes earlier on so that your sacs don't suffer as well.
Aim: 45 ✩
I’m excited for methods, I’ll update you on how it’s going throughout the year (if I remember/have time). I have a feeling I’m going to make a few stupid mistakes on the exam.
Especially getting lockers and homeroom classes, the start of the school term weirdly thrills me. Anyways, hope you are all enjoying January!Glad I'm not the only one! The first day of school is always the most exciting because you meet all your teachers, get to know the class and just get everything set up and it just makes me more motivated for some reason lol. :D
Thank you Emily! See below ;)
Chapter 2: So some January aims
Title speaks for itself I suppose. I’d like to be able to look back at the aims I had at the start of the year and see how close (or how very far away) I was to achieving them. To be honest, it’s hard to guess or predict what is achievable or not for me, as while I have a vague idea of the different cohorts, I’m not super sure where I fit in.
Chemistry
✩ Aim: 46 ✩
Chemistry is one of my favourite subjects so I really want to reach for the stars and see where it takes me. I have a little bit more confidence in Chemistry than my other subjects simply because the SAC structure and the weighting of the exam is the same as Biology. I also have the same teacher that I had for Bio last year, so I am familiar with her style of teaching.
English
✩ Aim: 45 ✩
Unfortunately this aim does not stem from a passion for the subject but mainly from a “it needs to be in my primary four :(.” All in all, I’m really hoping, that I get a motivating teacher who has good feedback and is okay to mark a lot of my practice essays. I actually really enjoyed reading the english texts I’m doing (especially Station Eleven) so hopefully this will also get me raring to go on the essay writing.
French:
✩ Aim: 36 ✩
And here comes french… I definitely need to continue to work on my grammar, listening skills and oral skills - essentially I need to get way better at everything. I’m scared that I’ll procrastinate French for my other subjects, as its homework is less structured and easier to ignore than something like maths. While I'd absolutely love in the 40s, I know in my heart that a 36 would still be a great achievement for me.
Methods:
Aim: 45 ✩
I’m excited for methods, I’ll update you on how it’s going throughout the year (if I remember/have time). I have a feeling I’m going to make a few stupid mistakes on the exam.
Specialist:
✩ Aim: 40 ✩
I know this is probably impossible (well for me), but hopefully hard work and my decent maths foundation will aid me. I really enjoyed Unit 2 Specialist (scores ended up being better than methods). Either way, if I end up with high 30s in December this year I will still be very satisfied.
So who know where this shall lead? I will review my goals mid way through the year and make necessary changes depending on how I’m going. I go back to gym training soon which will be good (and sore!). Also. I’m kinda excited for school to go back again and to actually enter some hard core study. Especially getting lockers and homeroom classes, the start of the school term weirdly thrills me. Anyways, hope you are all enjoying January!
Thank you Emily! See below ;)
Chapter 2: So some January aims
Title speaks for itself I suppose. I’d like to be able to look back at the aims I had at the start of the year and see how close (or how very far away) I was to achieving them. To be honest, it’s hard to guess or predict what is achievable or not for me, as while I have a vague idea of the different cohorts, I’m not super sure where I fit in.
Chemistry
✩ Aim: 46 ✩
Chemistry is one of my favourite subjects so I really want to reach for the stars and see where it takes me. I have a little bit more confidence in Chemistry than my other subjects simply because the SAC structure and the weighting of the exam is the same as Biology. I also have the same teacher that I had for Bio last year, so I am familiar with her style of teaching.
English
✩ Aim: 45 ✩
Unfortunately this aim does not stem from a passion for the subject but mainly from a “it needs to be in my primary four :(.” All in all, I’m really hoping, that I get a motivating teacher who has good feedback and is okay to mark a lot of my practice essays. I actually really enjoyed reading the english texts I’m doing (especially Station Eleven) so hopefully this will also get me raring to go on the essay writing.
French:
✩ Aim: 36 ✩
And here comes french… I definitely need to continue to work on my grammar, listening skills and oral skills - essentially I need to get way better at everything. I’m scared that I’ll procrastinate French for my other subjects, as its homework is less structured and easier to ignore than something like maths. While I'd absolutely love in the 40s, I know in my heart that a 36 would still be a great achievement for me.
Methods:
Aim: 45 ✩
I’m excited for methods, I’ll update you on how it’s going throughout the year (if I remember/have time). I have a feeling I’m going to make a few stupid mistakes on the exam.
Specialist:
✩ Aim: 40 ✩
I know this is probably impossible (well for me), but hopefully hard work and my decent maths foundation will aid me. I really enjoyed Unit 2 Specialist (scores ended up being better than methods). Either way, if I end up with high 30s in December this year I will still be very satisfied.
Also. I’m kinda excited for school to go back again and to actually enter some hard core study. Especially getting lockers and homeroom classes, the start of the school term weirdly thrills me. Anyways, hope you are all enjoying January!
This happened to me on exam 1 and I felt terrible afterwards that the whole year had gone to waste. Everything I did meant nothing anymore. I think it would be a good idea to minimise silly mistakes earlier on so that your sacs don't suffer as well.Thanks for the advice Evolio, but those silly errors just like to creep into my exams. Also, can totally relate to feeling super organised and motivated the first few days of school (and then you reach week two ::))
Glad I'm not the only one! The first day of school is always the most exciting because you meet all your teachers, get to know the class and just get everything set up and it just makes me more motivated for some reason lol. :D
I look forward to more journal entries and have a great rest of the holidays!
;D ;D
Hey Choco!
Great to see what you are aiming for this year! Good luck and I know you will do exceptionally well! ;DI'm so late to finding this awesome journal
Don't worry, you are not the only one who is ready to school again ;D. The very start of the school year (including the beautiful stationery shopping for new stuff) is a super weird feeling but I totally get you. Enjoy the rest of your holidays before it disappears :)
It's awesome to see that you are aiming high!
Chem is such a great subject, so its nice to see another person who is not only aiming high but looking forward to it. I am hoping that some of the bio will help out a little too. Is there any part that you are looking forward to? Unit 4 sounds the most interesting to me.
Good luck for year 12, I wish I had the same enthusiasm when it comes to starting, but I might just find my motivation later.
Super glad that you are enjoying your English texts!
Hey Choco! ;D
Just checking in to ask how has the start of the school year been for you? Have you been up to anything exciting recently?
How have your subjects been and what are you enjoying at the moment? :D (Hope to see an update soon! ;))
I’ve volunteered to go first in my classThat takes bravery my friend! Good luck on your SACs coming up, i'm sure you do great with all the prep you have done. Since I haven't done a language, your french SAC kinda dose sound scary to an outsider....
Hey Choco! ;DThank you! Loving your journal too Ash :)
It's amazing to see that you are doing so well! (even better there are no SACs yet). Awesome job on the Spesh test!
Good luck for your English and French SACs! I'm sure you will do great and don't stress. :D
Loving this journal and I can't wait to see another update sometime soon.
That takes bravery my friend! Good luck on your SACs coming up, i'm sure you do great with all the prep you have done. Since I haven't done a language, your french SAC kinda dose sound scary to an outsider....
Did you enjoy like a house of fire? I haven't gotten around to reading it yet, and I have heard mixed things and I was wondering what you thoughts are.
Haha, yes I would be totally jealous of my sister if she were doing that. They haven't gone online at her school yet so she still has to go. I have been online for years, so to me it is really interesting seeing other students experiencing online learning.Hi Geoo, thanks for the reply! It's super cool that online learning works for you and that you are used to it during these bizarre times (you'll be offering us all tips ;)). Have a fantastic holidays 8)
Bummer about competitions, hopefully they will start up again later this year though. I think most sports have been canceled around the state, are you still practicing?
Enjoy the last week before the holidays!
**Mini Update**OMG ME!! Its crazy how St John Mandel describes what a panic-stricken world looks like is what we are seeing now. This is what my English teachers sent out today:
20/03/20
Curious to know who is now doing online learning instead of going into school? Next week my school is going to online learning but the Year 12s are required to come to class still, which I think is a good initiative (but that also means I have to watch my sister get to do homework in bed while I have to catch the bus to school) :( The school is going to feel so empty!
Anyone else studying Station Eleven? The irony! It's about a flu pandemic that wipes out most of the world. In fact, there is one scene where a character gets seven shopping trolleys full of items. It makes me laugh a little.
That's pretty much it! Unfortunately competitions have been cancelled, but I landed a new skill on floor yesterday which was super exciting. Also, I still haven't received any SAC marks back.
*waves*
✩ CM ✩
How's French going CM? What was topic was your Oral based on? Do you reckon that a role play would be harder than just a conversation?Bonjour Snow Leopard, thanks for checking in ;D
I would never have the courage to go first by choice.Haha the only reason I went first is because it's almost less stressful as you don't have the pressure of those going before you (and in the past I often have gone first for orals). Unfortunately I still haven't received any SAC marks back though, including the french oral (hopefully we will be sent our results soon).
\Yeah, same!!!How does your teacher teach your class? For my LOTE 3/4, we have a booklet and our teacher has also taught us to do summaries, brainstorms etc. Out of curiosity, what grammar did you cover in 1/2 French?
Oh, for my LOTE 3/4, this will be our last SAC for Unit 3 and I feel like it's gonna be harder than a conversation. Were you given the topic in advance?
And is it just me or did you find it really hard to do well in Unit 1/2 LOTE Exams. There's so many different sections and the grammar part...Do you try to memorise grammar as you learn it? Also, have you done your general conversation script yet? I still haven't, like I'm actually gonna fail the oral exam if I don't get a move on with it
And also like how do you feel about learning French via remote learning if necessary in the near future? I'm not a native speaker in either of the LOTE's that I do and don't know anyone that fluent in these LOTES apart from like my classmates and teacher.
In regards to doing 2 LOTES, it's not so bad. The only problem is for my LOTE 1/2, we're so behind other schools and all of my peers are legit only doing it for bonus points. Like as in we all still need to memorise the present tense.
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//Thank you guys so much! Might be cliche but your support is really helpful and puts things into perspective :)
Anyway, it’s funny how I have so much more time, but it feels like I have less time. I’m definitely struggling a bit with the routine after for the last 5 years having so many different outlets from school. Now school feels like the only thing I’m doing and it's difficult to stay productive when the line between working and relaxing blurs.Yes yes yes omg! I relate to this on a whole new level. No matter how much I study, it's never enough because either way I'm consistently behind and there's always something I haven't done/studied. And I feel you with taking breaks - honestly doesn't feel like a break and it feels like I'm studying a lot haha.
Just got my chemistry mark back today and I’m so happy! It’s a way better mark than I was expecting and really sets me up for the next SAC (which is not until late this term). At the moment, this subject is pretty chill. I’ve finished covering unit 3 by myself, but we haven’t even gotten to electrolysis yet as a class, so I tend to just work at my own pace. I feel like chemistry is the only subject that hasn’t gone wrong and I wish I could spend all my time on it (but I sadly have 4 other subjects that are all harder to worry about)Congrats! :D That's really good, and I'm glad you find solace in chem (it's a pretty cool subject). I will forever be mad at VCAA for taking all the really cool organic chemistry stuff out of the study design though (you suck VCAA, I was really looking forward to learning about that stuff).
My love-hate relationship with english grows everyday. I’ve been writing so much english lately just to try and stay on top of the huge amount of work our teacher sets, yet every essay takes so much energy. I literally have to tie myself to my chair to even start writing, otherwise it will never get done. Sometimes I feel like all these hours are just a waste and I still will fail, simply because the work I put it is never enough and I will never be able to write well under pressure.Are you me? Are we the same person? Because I really feel you on this one. Every day my hate (AND love) for English grows and manifests itself in my frustration and inability to produce a great essay within an hour. And that's IF I decide to sit down and write an essay...
Sometimes, it honestly doesn’t feel real that I’m in year 12. Next year, I (or we if you are in yr 12 too) will have finished school ???Sometimes I still feel like I'm in primary school haha. Not ready to enter the adult life at all... I love being a kid (or something like a kid). Can't believe we will have finished school by next year!
I have realised how much I MISS biology (I mean you don't miss something till you don't have it do you?) Now I 100% know that this is the subject I want to pursue and it really sucks having to spend an entire year studying all these other subjects that are not my true passion (except chemistry, which is a close second to bio I suppose).This sounds exactly like me with psych. (I have thereby concluded we are the same person). I can't wait to learn a bit more about the human psyche in uni too! I miss it, and honestly helping all my friends that also do the subject gives me joy (that sounds like a really nerdy thing to say but it's true).
SAC is in two weeks and I really need to lift my studying game. It’s worth 22% which is crazy! Also, it’s so much more challenging than my other subjects (if anyone has any tips on how to approach a 5 hour SAC, much appreciated!)Honestly I feel you!! I almost forgot I had a SAC for spec until the date was announced - I believe in you though!!
I have realised how much I MISS biology (I mean you don't miss something till you don't have it do you?) Now I 100% know that this is the subject I want to pursue and it really sucks having to spend an entire year studying all these other subjects that are not my true passion (except chemistry, which is a close second to bio I suppose). Anyway, just a thought of the day and I'm really looking forward to finishing high school so that I can go into university level depth into this incredible subjectOkay now this is a mood. I did methods last year (can't say I liked it that much but I def didnt hate it) - but I actually MISS it now! I'm so glad that I did spec now, and doing diff in spec actually made me feel nostalgic to methods last year (lol). Well at least next you will be able to truly fall into your passion and do bio again!
Sometimes, it honestly doesn’t feel real that I’m in year 12. Next year, I (or we if you are in yr 12 too) will have finished school ???This strange year has almost made me forget I'm in year 12 as we havent had real life school - but its so crazy to think this! I still feel so so young inside ah ha.
I have realised how much I MISS biology (I mean you don't miss something till you don't have it do you?) Now I 100% know that this is the subject I want to pursue and it really sucks having to spend an entire year studying all these other subjects that are not my true passion (except chemistry, which is a close second to bio I suppose). Anyway, just a thought of the day and I'm really looking forward to finishing high school so that I can go into university level depth into this incredible subjectGiiiiiiiiirrrl! That is a MOOD (hence my lousy but great decision to do it again)...you could come help me with the Bio TYU thread? :P
English
My love-hate relationship with english grows everyday. I’ve been writing so much english lately just to try and stay on top of the huge amount of work our teacher sets, yet every essay takes so much energy. I literally have to tie myself to my chair to even start writing, otherwise it will never get done. Sometimes I feel like all these hours are just a waste and I still will fail, simply because the work I put it is never enough and I will never be able to write well under pressure. Also, upcoming sac in 2 weeks (I only just realised how SOON it was). I’m terrified because text response is terrifying and they haven't given us too much information on how it will work at home (another home sac, ergh)
Are you me? Are we the same person? Because I really feel you on this one. Every day my hate (AND love) for English grows and manifests itself in my frustration and inability to produce a great essay within an hour. And that's IF I decide to sit down and write an essay...Ok, seriously, I think we are fragmented pieces from the same person or something cause this is something that I can relate too spiritually🤣. (English in one word is just = No)
Sometimes, it honestly doesn’t feel real that I’m in year 12. Next year, I (or we if you are in yr 12 too) will have finished school ???I still feel like I'm in primary school...
I will forever be mad at VCAA for taking all the really cool organic chemistry stuff out of the study design though (you suck VCAA, I was really looking forward to learning about that stuff).Me too whys >:( It was going to be great and crossing off all that from the study design broke my heart a little.
Are you me? Are we the same person? Because I really feel you on this one. Every day my hate (AND love) for English grows and manifests itself in my frustration and inability to produce a great essay within an hour. And that's IF I decide to sit down and write an essay...
Ok, seriously, I think we are fragmented pieces from the same person or something cause this is something that I can relate too spiritually🤣. (English in one word is just = No)Yep, that's right we MUST be fragments of the same person, split and divided up among different schools (mm THAT must be why I feel so proud when you guys ace sacs ;D) And yes, english in one word IS No. I will forever be jealous of some of my friends who do both english and literature and are smashing it ;D
This sounds exactly like me with psych. (I have thereby concluded we are the same person). I can't wait to learn a bit more about the human psyche in uni too! I miss it, and honestly helping all my friends that also do the subject gives me joy (that sounds like a really nerdy thing to say but it's true).Haha if that's nerdy then I must be a nerd too! Thanks for reply whys, hope you have a fantastic week.
And congratulations on doing awesome in chemistry! I love chem too and its so great to see you're happy with how is going! ;DThank you! Also, you are so lucky to have already done methods, sometimes I feel like juggling two maths is so hard! When's your spec SAC? I'm so nervous that I'm literally not going to know anything but thank you for the seed of confidence! Can't wait to hear how your SAC goes, I'm sure you'll do fantastic! Have an awesome week too Arty thanks for the reply 8)
Honestly I feel you!! I almost forgot I had a SAC for spec until the date was announced - I believe in you though!!
Anyway, awesome to see an update Choco and cant wait for another one! Hope you have an awesome week ;D
Sounds like you have had a good week! Congrats about your chem score!Hi eloise, methods is going okay. Unfortunately, I barely have any time to spend on it at the moment after spending so much time doing spec, english and french. At the moment, I'm really just completing set exercises in class (which are super easy and take me hardly any time) rather than doing exam practice questions (I wish my school had let me take this subject early!) My SAC is not for another month though. Good luck for yours! I'm sure you'll do fantastic (I remember doing 3/4 SACs in Yr 11 and they were terrifying, so all the best!)
How's methods and french going for you? I am in y11 doing methods 3/4 and french 1/2 and I would love some advice esp for french haha. When is/are your methods SACs? I am super scared as mine are this week and next week and are worth 22%. French is super chill at the moment but I feel like I don't put enough effort in. How much extra French study do you do a week!
Giiiiiiiiirrrl! That is a MOOD (hence my lousy but great decision to do it again)...you could come help me with the Bio TYU thread? :PTHANK YOU J_Rho. Sure I can do this coming Monday if you want? I probably can't commit to regular days though, due to SACs and when life goes back, I'll be pretty busy 8)
Your journal is everything. I honestly relate so much and yet we don't even do the same subjects, congrats on your chem mark and enjoy your quiet week before SACs.
Hey hey Choco! ;DTHANKS AshOh goodie it's an update!
Congrats on the amazing score in your Chem SAC!! Give yourself a pat on the back and go CELEBRATE ;D. I still feel like I'm in primary school...
This year has been so weird that I sometimes forget that Year 12 is actually a thing, let alone, the idea of graduating and starting something new next year. :o
Thanks for updating us Choco and have an amazing week!
J'aime le français mais je le trouve très difficile. J'ai besoin d'améliorer ma grammaire, mon vocabulaire, mon écriture, mon oral, il y a trop de choses auxquelles je dois penser! D'après moi, je ne suis pas la meilleure personne pour donner des conseils, parce que mes compétences françaises sont "meh". Cependant, j'étais la même comme toi en 1ère et je crois que je n'ai pas assez travaillé (je me suis concentré sur la biologie et les autres matières que je trouvais plus facile). Je conseille que tu travailles constamment sur ta grammaire et ton vocabulaire. Est-ce que tu regardes les films français? J'aime écouter de la musique française et des podcasts. Je sais que cela peut être difficile avec tes autres matières, mais si tu veux réussir l'année prochaine, je suggère que tu as un emploi de temps (par exemple, tu apprendras le vocabulaire 30minx 3 par semaine). En ce moment, je travaille probablement 3-5 heures supplémentaires par semaine pour le français (cela n'est pas assez, mais je n'ai pas le temps de faire plus avec mes autres matières.)
Your grammar is excellent to me! I like watching french films and I have about 10 songs that I like to listen to on repeat. Do you have any song/podcast/movie recommendations?I listen to SBS french and coffee break french on podcasts. For music, I like a variety of different artists including Lou, Angèle and Zaz. In terms of films, I mainly watch cartoons in french that I've seen before in english. Mostly because then I can still understand what is going on without any subtitles and really improve my listening skills.
three sacs in the space of 20 hoursGood luck, I can't believe they would space everything so closely, but I know you will do great, even if the spesh SAC is a bit odd with the posters. I personally like to think the teachers are somehow conspiring in the staff room of SAC torture methods for their students, but who knows what they get up too.
although maybe more stressful in the fact that I have really high expectations for it).Yes! Honestly, I feel like most subject pressure just comes from wanting to do well. That's awesome that can tutoring is helping you learn the content, I feel the exact same. I don't have anyone to teach it too, although I do annoy my family with random chem knowledge....
I’ve been tutoring my friends in chemistry and I think it’s really helping me learn the content!It's really good that this technique is working for you! I agree that it's very helpful! When I was preparing for my psychology sac, I was continuously teaching my brother (even though he wasn't really listening)and it boosted my confidence heaps!!
Other than that, I’m definitely proud of the consistency I’ve kept up in writing essays.That's so good!! Please give me your motivation to write essays because I have none...
The way we are doing the SAC is very strange, we have to do a poster (well, three posters) and I just don’t know how I feel about it. Also, it's not at all under test conditions, we just have to submit it at a certain time. In class, we just finished integration, which was not too bad. Sometimes I just want to give up on this subject because it feels too hard.That's interesting...at least it's not under test conditions and it's not time-limited. HAHA, ME. I've been feeling like that a lot lately about Spec. Some of the concepts questions are insanely hard, aren't they? I keep questioning myself, 'why, why, why did I pick this subject?'. But seriously though, I know you can push through! You can do it!! :D By the way, which topic is your favourite in Spec (that you've covered so far)? :D
I like this because it means we get to do them at school, however, it also means I have three sacs in the space of 20 hours. Also, french and spec on the same day, make me sad :(Literally some of the two hardest subjects on one day... :'(
Yay another update,Thank you Geoo! Your confidence gives me confidence :) Yeah, it's a little bit annoying but the term will be over soon! Haha, methods, what a subject (I shall be studying for methods in the two days after my spec french and english sacs oops). Good luck for methods though, you can DO IT!!!who cares if it is two in ten days
Good luck, I can't believe they would space everything so closely, but I know you will do great, even if the spesh SAC is a bit odd with the posters. I personally like to think the teachers are somehow conspiring in the staff room of SAC torture methods for their students, but who knows what they get up too!
I don't have anyone to teach it too, although I do annoy my family with random chem knowledge....Gosh I can relate! At the start of the year we were filling up at the petrol station and I was trying to explain to them all the different types of fuels and where they come from. They weren't too happy about it after the first 3 minutes...
Anyway, good luck with your upcoming SACs, i'm sure you'll do great! Enjoy your last week and a bit of remote learning!
Hey Chocolatemilkshake! ;DThat's a relatable mood, essays really drain my energy. You definitely would not want my not-at-all-english-inclinded brain, but here's some of the motivation ✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩, you CAN DO IT!!!
YESS, ANOTHER UPDATE!!
Please give me your motivation to write essays because I have none...
That's interesting...at least it's not under test conditions and it's not time-limited. HAHA, ME. I've been feeling like that a lot lately about Spec. Some of the concepts questions are insanely hard, aren't they? I keep questioning myself, 'why, why, why did I pick this subject?'. But seriously though, I know you can push through! You can do it!! :D By the way, which topic is your favourite in Spec (that you've covered so far)? :DTrue, it's very strange. Thanks for the encouragement though (You can do it too, in fact, you'll smash it!)
Good luck with your upcoming SACs and have a great rest of the week!! ;D
Hey hey Choco!Aww really? Wow that makes me so happyI honestly love it when you update frequently💖
Literally some of the two hardest subjects on one day... :'(
HOWEVER, I know 100% that you will be AMAZING and smash those two subjects out of the park. 8) It already sounds like painful to do one of those subject's SACs, let alone both on the same day sounds like absolute chaos. The poster SAC sounds a bit interesting? Let us know how it goes!
FrenchHey chocolatemilkshake,
Next SAC is soon but it’s a writing task so I’m not too worried (at least I can’t fully stuff it up like I did with the listening ::)). I have been trying to listen to french news every day! I’m starting to enjoy this subject more and really appreciate how learning another language is changing how I perceive my own language. Still haven’t received french SAC marks (dreading but also at the same time, I just want to get it over and done with).
Hey chocolatemilkshake,
Great work with that listening practice! Also, congrats your amazing 95% in the speaking SAC. Any tips?
Honestly though, your mindset is so inspiring! Its awesome to see that you've found the balance with everything! It'll def pay off in the end.Thank you! But your approach to VCE is JUST as inspiring and I'm loving the sincerity of your journal. Congrats on finishing the spec application task as well (only 1 to go ;D) Have the best week as well Arty
Awesome job on your SACs aswell! (And yay - Spec application task is done!)
Have an awesome week :D
Hey hey Choco!Hi Ash, thanks for stopping by ;D I'm leaning towards Monash at the moment but am also considering Melbourne, it's just so hard to decide (especially because there are no physical open days this year!). I know the Melbourne campus a bit more (due to KLD) but I know a lot of people who have really enjoyed Biomed at Monash... guess we'll see!
I'm so happy to see a new update for your journal! ;D(Oh boi I got so excited to see your name pop-up)
Congrats for getting through most of your SACs and good luck for the two you have coming up. (We all know you are going to smash them 8)).
For Biomed, is there a certain uni that you wanted to study at Choco? I'm so glad to see that you have found something you would like to pursue and as Arty has already mentioned, you are super inspirational. (I'm not kidding there you really are).
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a great week! You can absolutely do this and I 100% believe in you ;D
I’m really loving picking apart and analysing my texts (The Penelopiad and Photograph 51 are great, I mean not quite the level of Station Eleven but still pretty enjoyable). Also I like how the subject allows for collaboration (and passionate arguments) and just generally the creativity in it. That said, in 5-6 weeks when my comparative comes around I might pick maths over english again.I think I know exactly what you mean (surprisingly). I LOVE Photograph 51 and The Penelopiad so much, but unlike you, I love it way better than my text response text. It’s so fun to analyse, and the discussion that precipitates is always quite a heated debate with everyone trying to get their point across but in the end it’s all a whole heap of fun and we all learn something new. I don’t know but for some weird reason I find comparative easier and more interesting than text response. Also, what books did you order? New books are everything, so perfect and so addictive.
On another english-related note I ordered some books from Dymocks and now I can't wait for them to arrive. Who doesn’t love the smell of books and the promise of a world free of covid and masks and all the boring life things.
Something else that was super exciting, now that I’m officially an adult, I gave blood for the first time! It was pretty awesome and it was amazing to see them suck 500mL of blood out of my body with so few side effects. Like super duper cool. Also, free food, I mean nothing really to complain about right? Can’t wait to find out my blood type soon (is it weird that I’m so excited for that?)and something a little more deep if you feel like readingOkay so a lot of people are aiming for medicine on AN (not surprising given that the majority of this site is full of high achieving students) and for this reason I think it's been hard to admit that I do want to get into medicine too. Honestly? I think I’m (ridiculously) scared of being judged by random people on the internet if (I mean when) I fail to get in. Is that weird? I mean it's easy to tell my friends and stuff at school because I'm literally the only one in my year level aiming for med, so at school not getting in doesn't feel like a failure but just a different path to success. But on the internet full of amazing and inspiring students who all seem to top everything, I guess...mm I don't know, feel like the effort I put in wasn't worth it if I don't make it? I know that's not true and that I should celebrate my VCE success even if I don't get in (or meet my study score goals) but I thought I’d chuck that out there. Sorry if that made absolutely no sense.
Also some of you migghghght be wondering so I was reasonably happy with my UCAT score too (not the best but it should be enough (just just just enough) to hopefully get an interview). Ultimately and to end on a positive note, whether it be medicine or biomedicine I can’t wait to be a uni student next year. I have loved school and I do love school and I love being known at school but at the same time I’m ready for a change (and to start studying primarily science. Man I miss bio so much!)
Hi choco!Hi whys! Wow it's cool that we're doing the same texts and it's great you find comparative easier than text response. Anyway thanks you so much for your incredibly supportive response. Reading this made me feel so much better and reminded me to focus on working hard now rather than worrying too much what the future will bring. Thanks again for the reply (whenever I see you your Lion King gif around the forums it makes me smile ;D)
I think I know exactly what you mean (surprisingly). I LOVE Photograph 51 and The Penelopiad so much, but unlike you, I love it way better than my text response text. It’s so fun to analyse, and the discussion that precipitates is always quite a heated debate with everyone trying to get their point across but in the end it’s all a whole heap of fun and we all learn something new. I don’t know but for some weird reason I find comparative easier and more interesting than text response. Also, what books did you order? New books are everything, so perfect and so addictive.
Wow, that sounds great! And yeah, free food is the best. B) Congrats on being legal too, and good on you for donating blood.
Anyways, if you take anything from this, let it be that you shouldn’t be afraid of people judging you and your goal is perfectly valid. You’ve got this!!!![/spoiler]
I'm more of an English student than a maths student too (despite studying bio, chem, methods, psych, physics, and now doing advanced science in uni with a math minor ahaha). All fields need people who are good at communication and comprehension definitely including science and med :)Yes I agree communication is such an important skill. Also I suppose there are tonnes of different ways we use english in our lives and in the workplace (I suppose I've only just come to appreciate that now). Thanks for the reply Bri I appreciate this so much and it definitely makes me feel better. Also an update...I'm A positive! 8)
Good on you for donating blood! Definitely not weird to be excited to find out what your blood type is (and even if it was there would be nothing wrong with it) :)
[/spoiler]
Hey Choco!!🍫🍫Thanks so much Ash! It's nice to know that I'm not alone and I always look forward to your uplifting replies. Hope you have the best weekend too Can't wait to see your next update 8)
I'm so happy to see an update from you and woah more of an English student? (I can see that happening especially with the way you described how you see your English texts!). Also congrats on giving blood for the first time! That's an achievement alone and finding out what your blood type is sure does sound exciting.
Love your journal update Choco and I'm looking forward to seeing more from you in the future. Make the most of the rest of your weekend ;D
Hope your doing well with vce, I was wondering how you exactly balance your time between subjects?
Hi Choco! Your journal has been nothing but a pleasant read and I love your work ethic! I can't wait for more updates ;DThank you this means so much ;D
This was certainly disappointing to think about at first, but I also realised that nobody cares when you’re actually working in medicine whether you completed the course 2 years earlier or not. In general, I think I've pretty much convinced myself that just because I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure.So true! I mean, everyone's going to become a doctor in the end anyway and it doesn't matter what path you take to get there.
In general, I think I've pretty much convinced myself that just because I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure.Ever since you told me this, I've been thinking how true that is. I believe you will get to where you want with your hard work and because you have such a good attitude with respect to your goals.
Wherever my life heads I will be thankful for the incredible education I've had and the experiences/friendships along the way.That's a really good mindset you have as ultimately, out experiences are what shape us and make us learn from our failures and that's what makes us stronger.
In general, I think I've pretty much convinced myself that just because I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure. Wherever my life heads I will be thankful for the incredible education I've had and the experiences/friendships along the way. At the moment for anyone interested I think I’m leaning towards Biomedicine at Monash and not Melbourne simply because of convenience.When I read this I started cheering! This is honestly the best mindset to have and I’m so very proud of you for that!!! We have so many different pathways in and you’re absolutely right, it doesn’t matter how long it takes if we can get there in the end.
If there is one subject that I’m confident in, it’s this one and if I’m honest I will be disappointed with anything less than a 45. I’ve done quite a few practice exams so far so hopefully that coupled with some hardcore revision will get me through. In fact, it’s an absolute relief to sit down and do a chem exam after struggling through spec or english. I’m glad that I have at least one subject I feel mildly confident in.Honestly this is the biggest mood ever. I totally feel you! Chemistry exams are so 'relaxing' to do ahaha. And yes, much more comforting than spec.
I’m finding that I can actually complete exam 1 relatively confidently but exam 2 is a mess.I totally agree with this one! Exam 1s are actually kind of fun.....then exam 2.......so difficult!
I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure. Wherever my life heads I will be thankful for the incredible education I've had and the experiences/friendships along the way. At the moment for anyone interested I think I’m leaning towards Biomedicine at Monash and not Melbourne simply because of convenience.Like everyone has said above, this is such a great mindset to have. I am SO confident that you will achieve your dreams because you are so hardworking, and no matter what happens, everything will fall into place as it comes.
I’ve been on a few picnics with my friends too (and the magpies kept trying to attack me and take my jam donut which was a terrifying experience because, for anyone that doesn’t know, I’m terrified of birds. And yes that was a little bit of an exaggeration…). Okay, moving on to some actual school stuff.BHAHAHA you should probably join Geoo in her Great War of the Arachnids and Ornithurae!
ChemistryBloody hell, you're so smart
If there is one subject that I’m confident in, it’s this one and if I’m honest I will be disappointed with anything less than a 45.
My oral exam is SO SOON (anyone else doing a LOTE I feel your pain).All the best!! You'll smash it, especially with all the passion you have for it that you showed in the other thread!
In general, I think I've pretty much convinced myself that just because I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure. Wherever my life heads I will be thankful for the incredible education I've had and the experiences/friendships along the way. At the moment for anyone interested I think I’m leaning towards Biomedicine at Monash and not Melbourne simply because of convenience.You're absolutely right that not getting into undergrad med does not mean that you're a failure or that you're not good enough for med. Many of the best and happiest doctors right now got in through postgrad, and besides, going postgrad means that you get to live the journey towards getting your degree for longer, and we all know that it's more about the journey than the final outcome. Your mindset is amazing and super positive, and you're such a huge inspiration for all of us.
Well that’s it for now, I’m not sure if I’ll write another entry before exams start because I don’t actually have that many interesting things to write about :) Anyway all the best to everyone doing a 3/4 subject and a toast to the class of 2020, we’ve got this ;DI'll probably end up pestering you with PM's over the month but officially all the best for your for exams. You are such an amazing person and so damn hardworking, no matter what the outcome is you'll be where you're meant to be and where you'll be the happiest. Here's a toast to you and your studies🥂
the magpies kept trying to attack me and take my jam donut which was a terrifying experience because, for anyone that doesn’t know, I’m terrified of birds.This sounds like something out of a horror movie. 😱 [That jam donut must have looked pretty tasty though... If I were a magpie I would totally be stealing random donuts🤣]. Jam donuts are the best, especially when they are nice and warm!
I know that it’s completely possible that I'll be able to get a graduate medicine place and this also gives me a few more years to mature before diving headfirst into a career (I’ve applied interstate for undergrad as well, but again very unlikely unless my ATAR is surprisingly amazing). In general, I think I've pretty much convinced myself that just because I'm not going to get in doesn't mean I'm not good enough for a career in Medicine or that I'm a failure. Wherever my life heads I will be thankful for the incredible education I've had and the experiences/friendships along the way. At the moment for anyone interested I think I’m leaning towards Biomedicine at Monash and not Melbourne simply because of convenience.*Furiously waving pom poms in the air*
EnglishI feel you. It's so hard to sit down and write an essay. My body literally dreads it. My mind and body SCREAMS when I put pen to paper 😂
Yeah, I don’t know what’s happening with this subject. I know I should be putting the most work into it but for some reason writing an essay feels so hard all the time. I’ve started making some mind maps though and this has been good with helping me memorise the content/ideas/quotes.
SpecialistOOP I feel this. If I want to feel bad about my mathematic abilities I just do spec exam 2 practice HAHA. Keep going! I'm sure you'll smash it by exam time :)
I’m finding that I can actually complete exam 1 relatively confidently but exam 2 is a mess.
Hey Choco!Gosh thank you so much Evolio, I love reading your entries too! Yeah I always feel so much better and more productive once I've done exercise (even if I am using it to procrastinate).
Can I just say, I absolutely love reading your journal entries and am always super excited for the next time you post! ;D
Wow, that dance class does seem like fun! I haven't danced in a while but whenever I do it's so fun and it's also great physical exercise!
That's amazing that you're feeling that way about Chemistry! Haha, I totally get you though! Whenever I get tired of Literature or Specialist, I always go and do Psychology and thankfully it calms me down after so much frustration with a Spec problem.Yes, definitely I have faced and continue to face many problems with Spec and slipping into an "easier" science subject is a blessing. Thank you for the reply Evolio (good luck with the hay-fever) and have a great week too!
I feel that way about Literature too! Some of the themes are so complex and abstract and it's so hard to just sit down and write a full comparative essay. Hopefully it becomes easier for you to write essays!
Loved the update! I hope you have a great week Choco! 8)
Hi choco!Wow that's so cool and yes bio is truly a beautiful subject (aha you're making me jealous, my bio days seem like so long ago).
Ever since lockdown started my dance lessons have moved to zoom so I definitely get how fun it is! Except on days like yesterday when I just become a ball of sweat, haha. You with chem is me with bio, it’s always a wonderful subject to go back to if I feel upset and worried over my other subjects.
I’m the opposite, this weather is way too hot for me!! I’m honestly dying and I much prefer the sunny days with a gentle breeze rather than humid weather or sweltering heat.Yeah I totally understand the sticky and sweaty mess of exercising when it's over 25 degrees although it IS really nice when you want to just sit outside and read a book/do some work. Although, I think it's the memories that I associate with heat and summer (no school stress, all the end of year celebrations, Christmas, holidays, swimming with friends, etc) not just the heat itself.
When I read this I started cheering! This is honestly the best mindset to have and I’m so very proud of you for that!!! We have so many different pathways in and you’re absolutely right, it doesn’t matter how long it takes if we can get there in the end.Aw thank you! It's made me a lot more comfortable when approaching exams and everything. I'm sure you'll smash through the study too and I'm excited to see your pathway into the future as well, we're almost there :) Thanks for the heartfelt reply whys.
All the best for exam prep, I’m sure you’ll smash it!
Hi Choco! Was so happy to see an update!AHa yes I'm glad that someone is on the same page as me with spec (sometimes I have this misconception that every single person dong spec is an absolute genius, not to say you're not though but it's good to know some people feel the same) And thank you so much, you're incredibly hardworking too and I love how you do art and spec, that's probably not a common combo (fun fact, art was actually my reserve subject for spec if I didn't/couldn't do the class). Anyway, all the best for exams too, you'll do amazing 8)
Honestly this is the biggest mood ever. I totally feel you! Chemistry exams are so 'relaxing' to do ahaha. And yes, much more comforting than spec.
I totally agree with this one! Exam 1s are actually kind of fun.....then exam 2.......so difficult!
Like everyone has said above, this is such a great mindset to have. I am SO confident that you will achieve your dreams because you are so hardworking, and no matter what happens, everything will fall into place as it comes.
Loved reading this update Choco - made me so inspired. I am so positive you will smash exams. Look after yourself, and enjoy these last few weeks of school! ;D
Hey Choco!! I was sooo excited when I saw that you updated <3Thank you so much homeworkisapotato! I honestly love helping you out with bio study so feel free to pester me all you want. Regardless of that, I know you are going to do so well on the exam. Thanks again, this message means a lot :)
You're absolutely right that not getting into undergrad med does not mean that you're a failure or that you're not good enough for med. Many of the best and happiest doctors right now got in through postgrad, and besides, going postgrad means that you get to live the journey towards getting your degree for longer, and we all know that it's more about the journey than the final outcome. Your mindset is amazing and super positive, and you're such a huge inspiration for all of us.
I'll probably end up pestering you with PM's over the month but officially all the best for your for exams. You are such an amazing person and so damn hardworking, no matter what the outcome is you'll be where you're meant to be and where you'll be the happiest. Here's a toast to you and your studies🥂
Hey hey Choco!!🍫🥰Heyo ash :) Haha I love it when I see YOUR journal updates ;D The Jam donut was pretty tasty, although I'm sure if you were a magpie you wouldn't have been as aggressive as this one.I love it when I see journal updates from you!!
Zoom dance classes sound so good, especially since most of us are always hunched over our tables.😍This sounds like something out of a horror movie. 😱 [That jam donut must have looked pretty tasty though... If I were a magpie I would totally be stealing random donuts🤣]. Jam donuts are the best, especially when they are nice and warm!
You are so passionate in Chem!! I could never find Chem to be relaxing at all [well except Redox] and it is super amazing to know you have that 'one subject' you can study and feel super comfortable doing. Also, good luck for your French oral exam coming up!! You are going to do amazing and we all believe in you. [My friend loves you Choco by the way! She absolutely LOVES your personality]Haha I'm sure that you feel just as confident in physics! And thank you, I'm super nervous but can't wait to feel the freedom after the oral (and that's so nice - I loved her too such a french inspiration to me)
*Furiously waving pom poms in the air*Wow my own cheerleading team (made up of whys and ashmi I think??) I feel honoured ;D Thank you! I'm super excited to see where my future will head and the fact that it's very much a mystery right now makes it even more exciting. I know that you'll end up somewhere amazing too.
Yes, you GO CHOCO!! That is a beautiful mindset to have and it is amazing to see the open-minded thinking going on here. Just like everyone else who has already commented, there are always pathways into things you want to do and in the end, so long as you have the passion, you will get there. It is the experience of a journey that will definitely make the whole thing worthwhile in the long-run!
I feel you. It's so hard to sit down and write an essay. My body literally dreads it. My mind and body SCREAMS when I put pen to paper 😂 OOP I feel this. If I want to feel bad about my mathematic abilities I just do spec exam 2 practice HAHA. Keep going! I'm sure you'll smash it by exam time :)Aha yes I will be so relieved once the english exam is over...and hopefully we BOTH smash spec. I mean, even though exam 2 is hard and some of the questions I'm like :o I try to make myself feel better by saying, well you did choose spec and I think it's supposed to be hard?
I just want to say a HUGE thank you. Your mindset is so uplifting and inspiring. Thanks for your positivity towards your studies and your life in general, it honestly inspires me (and I'm sure so many other people). All the best for the start of term 4 and for your exam revision period.Thanks so much this means the world! I know you will do absolutely incredible on your exams and good luck for term 4 too!
Chapter 12: Results
04/01/21
Okay so I haven’t posted for ages but here goes again! First of all a massive congratulations to the class of 2020 and also all those doing 3/4 subjects this year. I hope that you are proud of yourselves for getting through such a difficult year :)
So, then there were results. I went to sleep absolutely fine but woke up at 4:45am and my mind was buzzing too much to be able to go back to sleep. And then that email arrived at 6:38… (some of you may already have seen my results posted but here they are again anyway.)
BIOLOGY: 50
A+ A+ A+
From last year :)
ENGLISH: 49
A+ A+ A+
A FORTY-NINE in English! This was a very big surprise and I never expected this high (maybe a 45 but never so close to a 50). I duxed English at my school which I’m super proud of. Also if any of you are doing Station Eleven this year I’m happy to read essays and give feedback (the text response was definitely my best part of this exam). I think SnowLeopard asked me to do an English guide? Not sure how helpful I would be but I might try to put one together after I get back from holidays.
CHEMISTRY: 43
A+ A+ A+
So I’m definitely disappointed with this but it was expected after I didn’t do so well in the exam. I still duxed the subject at my school which is nice but for my favourite subject last year I wish I hadn’t thrown the exam so bad. Especially since it ended up being in my bottom two (and the whole year I was certain it would make it into my primary four).
METHODS: 41
A+ A A+
I’m very happy with this. After exam 1 I certainly did not expect to get above that magic 40. It ended up being in my bottom two like I predicted so that wasn’t a surprise (although maybe a surprise that my lowest scaled score was methods at 45.86, that was a surprise).
FRENCH: 37
A A+ A
Some part of me wishes that I could have hit that 40 in French, but I’m still quite happy with this score. It scaled really nicely and made my primary 4 which was a surprise (and I duxed this subject too :))). I’m actually quite keen to continue with French next year (which is weird considering I was certain in 2019 that I would stop it after year 12). It probably has been the most useful class and I’m eager to keep improving my skills.
SPECIALIST: 36
A+ B+ B
Again expected and I'm satisfied with it. I think I did my best with this subject. It certainly wasn’t my passion or anything (not like bio and chemistry) and I certainly didn't put as much work into it as I put into English, but I did what I could and the scaling was very beautiful (ended up being my 3rd best subject after scaling so that makes it worth it).
ATAR: 99.70 (whoops almost forgot to put this in). Completely surpassed expectations. At the start of the year my real hope was to achieve 99.50+ and to do better than this, despite feeling horrible after many of my exams, was incredible. I think I would have liked a few more subjects over 45 but my English result boosted my ATAR and made up for my disappointing chemistry score.
So there it is, my results. Oh, and another thing, I ended up getting a MONASH MED INTERVIEW OFFER! Am I expecting to get into Medicine? Probably not, no. My UCAT score is very low compared to a "competitive" UCAT score (it was my ATAR that really saved me here - in fact it was English that saved me) and thus, I would say that I’m at the “bottom” of those receiving an interview. Given I haven’t done too much preparation, I’m not expecting to do incredible or absolutely ace the interview (which is probably what I would need to do to get an offer into the course). Regardless I’m just going to try my best. I’ve left the next three days entirely for practice and at the end of the day, I am really proud of myself for receiving an interview offer (even though I probably won’t quite cut it for the course itself). I figure that it is really good practice for my interview skills (especially since I’ll have to do such interviews 3 years later if I still would like to enter graduate Medicine.) Although any general advice for the MMI would be welcomed, I'm super nervous!
Okay and for some non-school related stuff, I’ve gone back to work recently which has been fantastic and I also trained all through exams which was AMAZING. I highly recommend to the class of 2021 participating in extracurriculars even during exams. It was a really great way I could clear my head and go into the exam the next day a littler "fresher." I’m also going away (after my interview which is in a few days) to spend some time with my extended family which will be great to get my mind off uni preferences.
To close, thank you all so much for your support this year through my journal and a massive shoutout to all you wonderful people that have commented and helped me get through the year. A 99.70, wow, I couldn’t have done it without AN :)
I’ll probably do one more post after preferences are offered to officially “close” this journal journey. Whilst Medicine is obviously my first preference at the moment I’m expecting that I’ll probably do Biomedicine at Monash. Evidently my ATAR will get me clearly into the course so at least I don't have to worry about that. I am super excited about study this year and I can’t wait to have the uni experience.