How hard is it to maintain a "75 WAM"?

[MrCommerce]

Hi guys! Would really appreciate some help with my preferences

So i'm contemplating undertaking a guaranteed Juris Doctor pathway which requires an ATAR of 99.00+ and a "75 WAM". (With Commerce as my undergraduate)

I have family members who say maintaining a 75 average is easy, whilst other friends of mine (including my school careers counselor) claim that this is incredibly hard. Obviously, this would depend on the individual's capabilities, but it would be nice to gather more viewpoints.

So in your opinion, how hard is it to maintain a 75 WAM across the three years of a undergraduate course (Commerce in my case)?

It's important to me because if it's too risky, i may simply consider a commerce/law double degree at Monash.

Thanks!

[alondouek]

It really depends on how you find the uni environment and workload. I personally think it's not overly hard to do, but some who don't find the independent learning style of university to be best for them might struggle. It's definitely achievable by anyone though, some may find it requires more effort than others.

Your later-year units are also worth more towards your WAM (hence "weighted"), so you should definitely be 'in the groove' of your course by then!

[hobbitle]

I agree with the above.
75% is very much achievable if you settle in ok to the Uni environment and were a 99.00+ ATAR student.
You need to do more than just attend stuff, you'd need to pull consistent study hours per week, but it's not crazy hard or anything.

[MelonBar]

Note that in uni there is a more discernible relationship between hours put in and grades received. If you are prepared to put your head down I'd say there isn't much to worry about.

[sluu001]

The "culture shock" in what brings down most HS students. You no longer are hounded if you do not complete assignments or attend classes - and there are plenty of days where going to the pub sounds much more inviting than spending 2 hours in a lecture hall.

This freedom can take quite some getting used to for new students - and I've seen plenty of 99ers who absolutely bomb uni because they came from a "spoon-fed/forced" regimented environment.

[Hancock]

BTW, that 99.00+ guarantee is only for a full-fee place. Meaning that it is 33k per year, or ~100k for the entire JD course. If you want a CSP place (~10k per year), you'll have to do the LSAT like everyone else.

[Starlight]

The "difficulty" that people find a 75 WAM is subjective. It depends on the types of subjects you're doing and whether you are employing the correct study methods, both of which are likely to improve as you progress through your course. Everyone is going to have differing opinions regarding the listed WAM.

 

This freedom can take quite some getting used to for new students - and I've seen plenty of 99ers who absolutely bomb uni because they came from a "spoon-fed/forced" regimented environment.

I'd like to reiterate this. You will be studying independently most of the time and a classroom environment (except for tutorials and after lectures) where you can freely ask questions is rare.

[Hancock]

From what I can tell, 75% isn't hard to achieve if you put in some work. However, the key word here is "some", which will mean different levels for different people.

Basically, 75 is definitely, definitely achievable.

[MrCommerce]

Wow! Thanks for the insight guys.


It seems to me that the general consensus is that it is achievable as long as i'm willing to put in the work. I generally like to consider myself as an independent student (even in highschool) so i don't believe university should be TOO overwhelming - in saying that, i can see where there would be temptations to skip lectures etc. since there's a lack of supervision.

[alondouek]

Wow! Thanks for the insight guys.


It seems to me that the general consensus is that it is achievable as long as i'm willing to put in the work. I generally like to consider myself as an independent student (even in highschool) so i don't believe university should be TOO overwhelming - in saying that, i can see where there would be temptations to skip lectures etc. since there's a lack of supervision.

Good luck! The trick is to put yourself in a frame of mind where you are genuinely enjoying what you study; it's easier to succeed if you do

[simonhu81292]

I agree with all of the above
But extra note coming from an Graduate in Bcom I would recommend that "consistency is the key"! Especially your first year, all the introductory subjects may seem simple but it still requires effort. Some of the tutorial questions may seem easy and you may develop the attitude to skip the question and just go to tutorials.
Hope you keep in mind that attitude is very important, learn to love and develop passion towards the subject
75 is definitely achievable but don't let few commerce subjects discourage you  

[vcestudent94]

Wow! Thanks for the insight guys.


It seems to me that the general consensus is that it is achievable as long as i'm willing to put in the work. I generally like to consider myself as an independent student (even in highschool) so i don't believe university should be TOO overwhelming - in saying that, i can see where there would be temptations to skip lectures etc. since there's a lack of supervision.

Yeah it doesn't sound like it would be too much trouble for you. Sometimes skipping lectures isn't necessarily a bad thing. It all depends on what subject it is/who the lecturer is/your own learning preference etc. The key isn't attending every lecture and class, it's knowing what's expected of you and putting in consistent work.