Isn't a 44 (scaled) in year 11 indicative of something in the 97-98 region anyway?
These were raw 44+, but I think you are right. The people who I am referring to who "burned out" were actually really high achievers with academic awards in yr9-10 who neglected 1/2s and then had to push to catch-up whilst their peers began their 3/4s. Not the best idea.
Furthermore, my main argument why neglecting 1/2s is a bad idea is the issue of study technique. Basically, when you solely focus on your 3/4, sure you might get a 50 or something, but those study techniques will never work in yr12, as you have 5 subjects that really matter. It is impossible to do what you did to that 3/4 in yr11 with the 5 or so 3/4s + uni exts that you have in yr12. This is where many try to hastily develop bad study techniques in the summer break as they cram their 1/2 and new 3/4 knowledge over a short time. This is bad for a number of reasons, the foremost being that it leaves you mentally tired before all the SACs even begin, not a great start to the year.
Rumour has it MHS kids in the top half get a predicted ATAR of 99+. T/F?
Probably not. I have a friend who's UMAT was 94th percentile, ranked in the top half and didn't get a UNSW interview whilst another friend got 88th perc. with a higher yr11 ranking, and got one. So probably not.