firstly, any ATAR is possible no matter where you're from. Brendinkles is a fine example of achieving anything in year 12 and I'm pretty sure he'll come charging in with some big-ass paragraphs later on
I wouldn't go as far as calling your cohort a majority of "egotistical dipshits" that will ruin your chances. If you want that 95+ ATAR that badly just aim for rank 1 in SACs and they wont affect you - and if you're not rank 1 then I guess that "dipshit" has performed better.
your school might be eligible for access-melbourne or SEAS but I'm not totally sure about that myself.
your plans for your future will eventually change down the track, believe me, I once thought I'd be doing engineering back when I was in year 10-11. Take everything as it is in year 11 and dont stress too much~
That's fairly reassuring, aha. Most of the cohort actually don't care, though. They're very arrogant, constantly disturb classes, destroy school property and take classes they think they'll be marked up in. I'm already doing fairly well, but I'm seriously worried about my ATAR score.
I'm not sure who Brendinkles is, but hey, if they're reading this, please give me some advice? :3
Thank you, Furbob. If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up getting into?
Brendinkles went to one of the worst schools in the state and still achieved great scores through hard work and determination :)
That's fairly reassuring, aha. Most of the cohort actually don't care, though. They're very arrogant, constantly disturb classes, destroy school property and take classes they think they'll be marked up in. I'm already doing fairly well, but I'm seriously worried about my ATAR score.
I'm not sure who Brendinkles is, but hey, if they're reading this, please give me some advice? :3
Thank you, Furbob. If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up getting into?
Oh thank goodness. Apparently I live in one of Victoria's "scummiest neighbourhoods" according to a certain newspaper from a few years ago, and the highest anyone at my school has ever reached is around an 80, so I was really starting to panic. The average at my school is 40-60. :(
Brendinkles is everywhere (or in Narre Wazza avoiding getting stabbed) so he'll come
I'm doing Arts and Commerce at Monash (in my sig)
during a time when my school was averaging low 60s, a girl ripped a 99.15 (after having been in Australia for only 2 years). Just work hard, and you'll most probably get the result you want
Just make sure you do well in Literature (because English is a primary determinant for your ATAR) and work hard - haha I know this is pretty cliched advice but really that's all there is to it! You seem to be focused so just work consistently and ask your teachers for practice materials and so on when your 3&4's come along :) For now, put in the most effort into Software Development as it's your only 3&4 :) Coming from a rural school, you should also be eligible for seas and a number of scholarships too so those will lighten any stress as well :) I haven't done any of your subjects except 1/2 biology, 1/2 + 3/4 methods and 3/4 Texts & Traditions (but I think you might be studying a different section) though if you need any help or general tips about writing short answers, extended answers or exegetical responses, please feel free to ask! :) If you need practice sacs for methods or anything, I can email you some :) All the best and I really hope you get your 95+ ATAR!! :) I know right now it seems like 95+ is like a dreaaam but really if you can manage high 40's in at least two of your subjects and get a sound score in your English subject, you'll already be there :)
I'm not sure who Brendinkles is, but hey, if they're reading this, please give me some advice? :3yo i heard if you say his name 3 times in front of a mirror when the clock strikes midnight, he'll appear
I cannot wait to leave highschool and go to University.Yeah I know what you mean man. I really hated high-school for a very long time. Kids joke about school being a prison but dead set that's what school was for me lol. But extended visiting hours where you leave the prison between 3pm-8.45am the next day. We're talking daily fights, windows smashed, people thinking 4.20blaze it is just the coolest thing you can do in Year 8. If you can't wait to leave high-school and go to Uni, make sure you try hard in high-school and go to uni.
I'm hoping to undertake a Bachelor in Biomedicine...... some reassurance that its actually possible, along with any possible tips any of you may have.Fantastic. I'm sure you're aiming for 95 because with access Melbourne, that is the ATAR requirement for Biomed, no? Haha. Possible. Possible is what you make it, especially when you've figured out you want to do well so early. I have a few examples here.
yo i heard if you say his name 3 times in front of a mirror when the clock strikes midnight, he'll appearI can confirm.
yo i heard if you say his name 3 times in front of a mirror when the clock strikes midnight, he'll appear
How? Grind, grind, grind, grind, grind.
I can confirm.records say that guys name is samuel tan ;O
Also - I forgot. A guy by the name of Stephen Tan *bows three times* was the first person to ever 90+ my school. Also in 2008, also in the second year of the school running a VCE program (KB and P-12 are quite similar). Anyway, Stephen Tan *bows three times* was like "y'know what, fuck it, I'm graduating in a year where the average study score is 25 I'M GONNA GET A FUCKING 99.5". This guy slept at his desk because he'd be doing Spesh until the early hours of the morning. And that is the story of Stephen Tan *bows three times*.
I'd also like to point out: The year I graduated we weren't the worst in the state, we averaged 31 :D:D. All the shit cunts went to VCAL trololol.
Yeah I know what you mean man. I really hated high-school for a very long time. Kids joke about school being a prison but dead set that's what school was for me lol.... At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you are or who you're friends with, what school you go to. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work as hard. Hard work beats money when money doesn't work as hard. Nothing matters if you're ready to grind.
Brendinkles with some big-ass paragraphs: out.
when Brendinkles makes a huge-ass comment, thunder happens.
Or will that somehow indirectly summon our dark lord, Satan?
Dude, your school sounds almost exactly like mine. That made me feel a fuckload better. I've been so panicky about the whole thing (and personal issues lol) that I've had to go on stronger anti-depressants and anxiety tablets. >:c
I dont know about you, but I thought Voldemort was the dark lord :D
I would recommend you go on daily runs to deal with this. I too suffer from anxiety, so I just go for a quick jog to flush out the adrenaline :) I feel a heap better afterward
I'm hoping to undertake a Bachelor in Biomedicine or a Bachelor in Science, major in Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology, take a fourth year of Honours and then complete a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)seems way too specific. The subjects you do in VCE aren't even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uni and the workplace. Be prepared to have a totally different pathway than to what you have mapped out.
records say that guys name is samuel tan ;OOh my God I am so sorry. Yes, his name in 2008 was Samuel Tan *bows three times.*
Dude, your school sounds almost exactly like mine. That made me feel a fuckload better. I've been so panicky about the whole thing (and personal issues lol) that I've had to go on stronger anti-depressants and anxiety tablets. >:cWork and and breathe deep - it'll get you through anything :). I hope things get better soon, honest.
Does this mean that anytime I need a huge-ass essay on what to do with VCE, I should light am array of candles, stand in front of my mirror and chant "Brendinkles" repeatedly? Or will that somehow indirectly summon our dark lord, Satan?
Unless you have a really good work ethic and are extremely motivated in year 12, it doesn't matter if you're from Mac.Rob or literally the worst school in the state, you're not going to get an ATAR in the high 90s.
You're in year 11, it's such a young age to decide what you want to do and this:seems way too specific. The subjects you do in VCE aren't even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uni and the workplace. Be prepared to have a totally different pathway than to what you have mapped out.
Obtaining a bachelor in science doesn't require an ATAR in the high 90s, it's relatively low actually.
The ATAR is overrated in terms of importance. An internal transfer, in my opinion is much more easier than achieving a high atar to get into your course.
Also, don't get stuck behind the notion that 'you'll be wasting a whole year'. You'll still have completed a number of units in uni which will contribute to your degree. You've wasted no time at all.
Oh my God I am so sorry. Yes, his name in 2008 was Samuel Tan *bows three times.*
There is also Sharon Tan *bows three times*, the next eldest, and then Stephen Tan *bows three times*, who graduated in 2012 with 99.25. If you had ever met Stephen/Sam Tan *bows six times*, you would understand how I get mixed up so frequently.
Work and and breathe deep - it'll get you through anything :). I hope things get better soon, honest.
No, I will be summoned. But if you mentioned Satan enough times, it summons our very own dark lord, Enwiabe.
I do agree, running is the best medicine. I prefer to think of myself as Neville, except I became more socially confident after the Yule Ball.
I would recommend you go on daily runs to deal with this. I too suffer from anxiety, so I just go for a quick jog to flush out the adrenaline :) I feel a heap better afterward
Can confirm; I've suffered from an anxiety/panic disorder since Grade 3 - getting through tough situations like VCE (and to be honest, it doesn't get that much tougher than VCE) is a matter of balance.
Xlaiyn, if you want to succeed in VCE and be better off for it both mentally and physically, you need to find that balance between work and rest (and by rest, I mean getting out and exercising). Personally, running doesn't do much for me, but I can guarantee you that going to the gym shitloads throughout Year 12 is one of the main reasons that I did fairly well (96.55 is okay for my school). When you do strenuous exercise, you demolish stress - and let's not sugar-coat it, there'll be plenty of that for you in the next year and a bit.
For some people, grinding is the way to go - and if you can manage it, by all means. But I don't condone doing so, simply because VCE isn't separate from the rest of your life. In short, if you don't take care of yourself both mentally and physically, it will be extra hard to do well. Studying incessantly, in my opinion, isn't the only key to success.
That isn't to say that you shouldn't work a lot. You'll need to, especially with your subjects (good choices, by the way!). For the vast majority of us, slacking doesn't work - and people tend to slack when they're good at things. For example, I only wrote 3 non-SAC essays for English throughout year 12, and somehow pulled off a 48. DON'T DO THIS. Practice refines everything.
Best of luck, and in case you haven't already noticed - everyone on ATARnotes is here to help. There's someone who can answer any question you have :)
For some people, grinding is the way to go - and if you can manage it, by all means. But I don't condone doing so, simply because VCE isn't separate from the rest of your life. In short, if you don't take care of yourself both mentally and physically, it will be extra hard to do well. Studying incessantly, in my opinion, isn't the only key to success.Yeah I would actually follow this advice strictly. Your health and well-being should /always/ be your number one priority. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't in Year 12. I will never forget going three straight days/nights without sleep and then sleeping through morning Psych/recess because I fell behind in my classes and needed to catch up. Balance will /always/ be the key, in everything you do in life. Balance is very, very important. Everything in life should be done holistically imo.
I cannot wait to leave highschool and go to University. I'm hoping to undertake a Bachelor in Biomedicine or a Bachelor in Science, major in Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology, take a fourth year of Honours and then complete a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). My main problem is that for each University I've looked at, the minimum ATAR is in the high 90s. I'm determined to get a score of at least 95, but I need some reassurance that its actually possible, along with any possible tips any of you may have.
I'm currently in Year 11, and am studying:
- 1/2 Media
- 1/2 Math Methods (CAS)
- 1/2 Literature
- 1/2 Chemistry
- 1/2 Biology
- 1/2 Text and Traditions (my school made this compulsory. ew)
- 3/4 Software Development
The majority of the cohort in my year level is made up of egotistical dipshits, so I'm at a slight disadvantage if anything ends up being scaled, although I come from a rural highschool, so apparently VCAA will take that into consideration. Help?
96.55 is okay
O.o okay?! Just goes to show how elite AN forumites actually are.
Back on topic, its good to be healthy,happy and social (somewhat) even in year 12. If it wasnt for my friends, family and jogging last year, i would have crashed and burned long before the end of year exams. If you balance out your life properly, everything (including academics) will follow an upward trend. Overexerting your energies on any one task is counterproductive and causes for nothing but stress (as alondoek and brendinkles have said previously). If you study 7+ hours after school everyday, for instance, its only a matter of time before you give up on school entirely. Pace yourself, and dont cheat yourself out of enjoying year 12 for what it truly is ~ a year where you can hang out with your childhood friends and pursue fresh dreams. embrace it :D
And also, i know how much vce emphasises numbers and atar and whatnot... and its great to have a goal in mind... but i implore you to do just one thing. When you sit down to study, make sure that the reason for that study is intrinsic; study because you love the subject, not because you want X study score or Y Atar, at least while youre physically studying. It important to just detach yourself from the statistical monotony of vce as much as you can :) goodluck
Edit: please ignore spelling mistakes :S I am really tired and i have no idea why Im not trying to get to sleep
I honestly know how you feel :) Last year, I completed year 12 at one of the worst schools in Victoria (bottom 25% in the state). Before I entered VCE, I hardly learnt anything in class: the teacher would spend 10 minutes teaching and the rest of the time they'll be trying to tell the class off and to quiet down. As a result, I did enter VCE struggling with English, as it isn't my native language, and understanding the complex concepts of the scientific and maths subjects I chose. I knew this was due to a true waste of my education during years 7-10 but that didn't stop me from trying to achieve my aims of an Atar around 90. However, in year 11 my hopes fell down as I was achieving results that I was completely unsatisfied with despite my hard work in my subjects, a D+ in English and a C on my Biology exams. Then came year 12, a stressful and painful year. I used the summer holiday to read as many complex scientific articles as I could to improve both my English skills and my understanding of my science subjects. Additionally, throughout year 12 I did as many practice exam questions from books I had bought from eBay lol and had written many practice essays. I achieved a 38 in biology, a 35 in English and A on my English exam(D+ in year 11 exam) and an atar of 90. So don't be disheartened if your school is a low performer, what you ultimately will achieve will hopefully come down to YOUR own hard work and dedication towards your studies. Just work hard, never give up and maybe that 95 atar will be waiting for you. Good Luck :D
My chemistry class was hectic throughout the whole year (too many jokers). Still managed to be my best subject through commitment. At the end of the day hard work gets you places.
Chemistry rewards those with strong conceptual understanding. It's also problem solving orientated so doing trial exams helps a lot. I used two textbooks (one pdf) as allowed for better understanding. With the new change with no mid year exams consistency is more vital and knowing how to answer longer question types is a new skill that needs to be know. Its not only knowing the course but being able to communicate that to the marker.
I cannot wait to leave highschool and go to University.
I'm hoping to undertake a Bachelor in Biomedicine or a Bachelor in Science
My main problem is that for each University I've looked at, the minimum ATAR is in the high 90s.
I don't know your situation and it may very well suck but once you get to uni, you'd be surprised how many people would want to reverse this direction (maybe even myself a little). Cherish it, if it's absolutely horrible, then, make the best out of a bad situation.
Most science courses are not 90. I know Monash is around 80, melbourne is somewhere around 88 i think and it all drops off a fair bit after that. So, i wouldn't worry too much. All uni's teach basically the same thing in undergrad. It's not like you'll massively miss out if you go to La Trobe Vs Monash. Even then, you can transfer if need be.
I got no tips except the obvious, work hard. People can give you all kinds of fancy and flashy advice but in the end, it really just does boil down to this. In VCE and in life in general, it doesn't matter to the extreme how smart or capable you are at x, its if you actually work towards x. I've seen many people who are incredibly intelligent do almost no work in uni and totally drop the ball. If you handed in no work but say "Oh, lecturer, i'm so intelligent though", you're still getting a 0. If you're in the workplace and do nothing but say "No, really, it's ok, i'm a genius" you won't have a job very long. In the end it all boils down to action over inaction.
If you don't get where you want uni is very flexible. There are pathways to transfer around and its a lot less rigid and structured than school.
But the biomedicine course I've been looking at is a 95 :(
Bachelor of Science would be my backup, if need be.
That makes sense though. I'm just worried that I'll put in tons of effort and get nothing out of it.
If you got into bachelor of science, it won't be limiting you from anything that BBiomed has. There are way more majors in bSC and bBiomed has all these compulsory subjects too like math and statistics. Just some food for thought...
Thank you! I was mainly worried that I would be limited if I didn't get into a biomed course, mainly because in the brochures I was looking at there were certain jobs (ie. laboratory technicians, forensic scientists etc.) that were in the biomed one that were absent from the Bachelor of Science. D:
They teach almost exactly the same thing in Bachelor of Science. If you're learning physiology in science, it's not like they'll leave out how the heart works but tell the biomed kids how it does.
We've had discussions over this heaps of times on the forum now (you can search for them if you like) but biomed and science teach pretty much the same thing. A fair few people (myself included) think science is actually the better choice compared to biomed because there is more freedom in what you chose and more wiggleroom.