Advice please: Adult VCE at CAE

[Tsav]

Hi,

I'm 23 years old and am planning on going to Uni for engineering. I have only completed up to year 10. I have looked into many of the pathways - bridging courses,access/cap - and am thinking for settling on the path of VCE.

Some of my reasoning for choosing the VCE route is because: it wouldn't lock me into a set path and it would give me a solid foundation in English and maths (or so I would think) - the cost is comparatively low compared to a bridging course/CAP too.

I was hoping to get some advice from people in the ATARnotes community on my situation.

Much appreciated,

J.

p.s. I hope this post was in the right section.

[DSubShell]

Hey there. I am only 18, but I thought I should share my opinion anyway and see if it helps.

Firstly, I'd like to say that I really admire you for "coming back to school" and considering doing VCE. I think it shows that you are really motivated and you will definitely end up in your course of choice

Having just completed VCE, I would definitely recommend it. It is quite a tough experience, and many people don't like it, but that's mainly because we do it because we "have no choice".
As a 23 yr old, who's coming back to do it for himself, I'd say you would have a far more pleasant experience. You would be more motivated, more mature and ready to handle these studies, and thus more inclined to succeed.

The benefits you mentioned are also very viable, especially about the flexibility which I definitely think is important. Cost is also a great factor to consider.

Honestly though, the issue with VCE is that it is essentially one big competition. Most people don't get the greatest foundations in their subjects because they do it to succeed, rather than to actually learn. VCE would mainly be advantageous if you're ready to spend a year learning for marks, rather than for true knowledge (That should come in Uni). If you want to get the maximum out of the VCE in your position (pretty much just the ATAR), then you mainly learn/study for the exam, not for the subject. That being said, learning definitely does happen, and if you do the right subjects, your maths/english skills will improve.

In the end, it all depends on what type of person you are, and if you are able to put the extra miles into study for one year to do well in the "competition".

In conclusion, I do reccomend it. But that's just from my personal experience... I hope others with more similar experiences can help you out

[Tsav]

Thanks DSubShell for taking the time to post.

Your outlook on VCE is similar to mine, and I hope it's a good perspective to have. I would also (probably) have to do year 11, so it's essentially 2 years of "learning for marks" - I forgot to mention that part - I intend on doing maths/science subjects for the prerequisites.

Any other advice by yourself, or others, would be much appreciated.

Thanks again.

[sparked]

Given that you are an adult revisiting the VCE I think you'll be in such a better position to maximise your ATAR. Here are some things I would recommend for you (take my advice/ramblings as you will, this is my experience with getting the dream ATAR):

Throughly prepare for your English subject (MUST be calculated as your 'top 4' subjects), TAKE a language, and, as you're preparing for engineering, probably take 2 maths (methods and specialist) as well as 3/4 chemistry as a prerequisite for science!

An english subject is, obviously, non-negotiable. You will need to work hard to 'adjust' to the VCE-style of English assessment i.e. essay formats. Given you are 23, you should have fairly developed expression as it is! Really put time and effort into this subject as it will significantly contribute to your ATAR.

LANGUAGE! DO FRENCH! Using your 'adult connections' spend two years becoming fluent in a language (speaking classes/foreign travel etc.) Languages are HIGHLY favoured by scaling in the ATAR and French, outside of the classroom, will not be difficult to pick up! Using a program/tutor/class you will be able to rapidly excel given you are not facing the time constraints of a classroom/limitations of others not working at your pace. French as a language in the VCE is ESPECIALLY favoured, particularly given it is not as difficult as, say, Japanese (which isn't scaled as highly).

Mathematics prerequisites are obvious choice and chemistry may also be a prerequisite for the course you want to do! These subjects obviously require consistent work, but you can go ahead/at your own pace when doing these through CAE.

At your age, you have the freedom to pursue your determination! I really think you can do it - best of luck :-D

[Tsav]

LANGUAGE! DO FRENCH!

Apologies for this slow reply.

Thanks for your input. I found it very helpful. What you said about taking a language, such as French, interests me. Do I need prior knowledge of the language when applying for VCE unit 1? I have enrolled in chem/physics/methods units 1/2 and will be enrolling in an English subject through DECV -- the TAFE/distance providers for VCE did not offer LOTE subjects (that I could see, anyway).

Thanks again.

[WonderBunny]

I did adult VCE at the CAE and I loved it. I got the score to get into the course I wanted and I learned a lot along the way. I recommend it to anyone thinking of going back to study.

Just a word of warning about languages though, year 11 is not beginners' level. Most people doing year 11 started in year 7. Languages are offered by distance through the Victorian School of Languages, from beginners' to VCE. I did Latin by distance with them. It was a great experience. However, it would take several years to get to VCE level taking their subjects, so it may not be an option for you.

Anyway, good luck!

[Tsav]

Thanks, it's always good to hear about others who enjoyed their time at CAE.

I thought that might be the case with LOTE. No matter, I have my hands full with other subjects, anyway.