'Doing VCE' - the good, the bad, and the future

[Joseph41]

Things I’m glad I did during VCE:
- Choose subjects that I loved
- Not to allow my family to influence my choice of tertiary courses
- Delete Facebook (to eliminate the distraction but looking back, I think I used VCE as an excuse to delete toxic people from my life – absolutely no ragrets there)
- Spec and Methods in Year 11
- 7 subjects
- Joined ATARNotes
- Found a hella amazing English tutor
- Maintained a supportive af network comprising of old and new friends

Things I wish I did during VCE:
- A language
- Sleep more
- Eat more and eat heathily

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done during VCE:
- forsake sleep for study on way too many occasions
- Not dealing with stress/anxiety well enough
- Wrote too many English essays in order to deal with said stress
- Not socialise enough/go to any parties at all during Year 12 (seriously like my biggest regret)

Awesome! Thank you, HLS.

It's interesting that you think you wrote too many English essays; do you think that had a negative impact in the end?

[FallingStar]

Since many things have already been covered, I may repeat some stuff.

Things I’m glad I did during VCE:
 - Worked on it even though I didn't get the ATAR I wanted. I am currently doing a course on doing well in uni (run by my uni) and noticed that many of the skills you learn during VCE actually carry over to university, believe it or not.
 - Did Chinese (although controversial, this subject was a test as to how I react being thrown into the deep end as I've quit in year 7 and then relearned it in year 10, doing unit 1/2. I did go to China prior to that but that still doesn't prepare you for such a big jump.)
 - Learnt a few motivational songs to get me ready for the exams (but don't sing them during the exam, even in your head. Sing them before the exam).
 - Stayed in the school library to avoid the distractions that family often bring (when they are on the TV all afternoon) and, to have a restricted access to the Internet (which helps reduce distractions).

Things I wish I did during VCE:
 - Take some stress management courses or have some stress management strategies
 - Realise earlier that ATAR does not matter as much as I thought. People in my course have came through TAFE by getting a High Distinction in their (related) TAFE subjects, even though they did not have enough ATAR to get into the course straight out of high school
 - English Language instead of normal English
 - Seek help more often.
 - Find quieter places to study. This was very difficult as many of my school cohorts prefer the noisy, extroverted environment but I find it too distracting to work in.

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done during VCE:
 - Fussing about ATARs and SACs (like others said, played the numbers game). Seriously, it adds unnecessary stress and VCE is stressful enough by itself.
 - Not having a plan for immediately after the exams (which ended up as a boring, tedious affair as a result).
 - Procrastinate by surfing the Internet about stuff unrelated to my studies.
 - Not taking time off studying, especially close to exams.
 - Prioritising certain subjects over others.

Final words: Whilst you can gain an insight as to what these other students have said, you have to work out what works for you. Never ever use a strategy just because they've worked for some high achiever.

[Joseph41]

- Stayed in the school library to avoid the distractions that family often bring (when they are on the TV all afternoon) and, to have a restricted access to the Internet (which helps reduce distractions).

Yaaasss, I absolutely feel this - I did the same thing!

- English Language instead of normal English

Why's that, out of interesting?

- Seek help more often.

100%, absolutely. Such an important aspect in so many areas of life - you might as well start early!

- Not having a plan for immediately after the exams (which ended up as a boring, tedious affair as a result).

What would have you done, in hindsight?

Final words: Whilst you can gain an insight as to what these other students have said, you have to work out what works for you. Never ever use a strategy just because they've worked for some high achiever.

I toootalllly agree with this, too. Thanks for the insight!

[K888]

Figure I might add my 2 cents to this discussion I struggled with my regrets because in the end, I got an ATAR that was beyond my wildest dreams, so whilst there is stuff I could have done, is there a point in fretting over it? I wouldn't change my VCE experience for the world (minus the personal crap outside of school that happened), I'm now doing the course of my dreams and have so many good memories to look back on.

Things I'm glad I did during VCE:
- Paid attention in class (honestly, the key to success is paying attention. It removed the need to do so much work at home)
- My friends and I had a rotating roster for someone to bring cake one day every week
- Made an effort to have a good relationship with teachers
- Didn't let the pressure of VCE get in the way of my friendships
- Took days off studying
- Had a part time job & played sport
- Had a pretty chilled attitude in the lead up to exams (partly because I was sort of like "ah screw it I'm so over this" haha), it made the whole process 100% easier
- Spoke to people when I was struggling instead of suffering in silence
- Revolutions in year 11 (was easily my fave subject, but it has so much content, so doing it in year 11 meant I got to focus on it entirely and actually enjoy it)

Things I wish I did during VCE:
- I wish I was actually organised
- I wish I lived in the moment a bit more and embraced every moment...the year goes so quickly
- Study ahead of time (& complete assignments ahead of time) instead of doing things last minute
- Talked to more people! It's the last time your cohort is together as a group, so definitely make an effort to speak to people that you wouldn't usually speak to

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done during VCE:
- Got Netflix (and binge-watched season 1 of the crown when I should have been studying for my french exam)
- Procrastinated SO much
- Used my frees for non-academic purposes
- Methods (my teacher was awesome but honestly, that subject was just depressing)

[Joseph41]

^Awesome! Nothing wrong at all with having few regrets - I'm sure many would love to be in that position haha.

- Paid attention in class (honestly, the key to success is paying attention. It removed the need to do so much work at home)

100%. This is so fundamental, but it makes such a difference!

- I wish I was actually organised

Yeah? What would you do if you had the time again? Like, how would you go about it?

Thanks, K888!

[sweetiepi]

My 2 bob into this haha

Things I'm glad I did during VCE:
- Joined AN
- Took study breaks
- Went to sleep early/woke up early (can't say the same now- I've been waking up late for the past 3ish months, God help me next week then )
- Getting along with my teachers, listening to all their advice.
- Paying attention to class
- Using mind-maps, flashcards and posters to aid my studies
- Got involved in a few outside-school activities.
- Listen to the radio to hear out for current events

Things I wish I did during VCE:
- Made a study timetable that stuck
- Kept my room clean (It's legit still a mess hahaha)
- I wish I kept psych. Enough said
- Took more photos. There is always a lot of memories and photo ops to be had.
- Utilise my whiteboard a lot more often

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done during VCE:
- I should of never taken my spares/study periods as times to do other stuff
- Studied on my bed, when I couldn't be bothered studying at my desk
- Getting more stressed about assessments than I should of.
- Booted my younger siblings out of the room when I was studying. (to be fair, 4 and 5 year old kids don't understand hahah (although my 15yo sister does))

My final remark:
There is definitely fun to be had in year 11 and 12. Cherish it.

[Joseph41]

My 2 bob into this haha

A very valuable two bob, my friend!

Things I'm glad I did during VCE:
- Joined AN

What was the best thing about this, do you think?

- Got involved in a few outside-school activities.

What sorts of things? Like, clubs?

Things I wish I did during VCE:

- Took more photos. There is always a lot of memories and photo ops to be had.

I love this one - and I don't think I've heard it before. Great advice!

- Utilise my whiteboard a lot more often

Seriously can't emphasise enough how effective a well-utilised whiteboard is.

There is definitely fun to be had in year 11 and 12. Cherish it.

100%. Thanks, insanipi!

[K888]

Yeah? What would you do if you had the time again? Like, how would you go about it?

Well, I think I really should have used my diary...I used it at the start of the year but ditched it pretty quickly (mind you I did just opt to type things into a note on my laptop instead, but I really think I should have actually used my diary).
I also should have set aside actual times where I would do study/homework, not just do it at variable times, because then once you're in a routine it's so much easier to do day in, day out without much thought.
I think I also should have been more organised in terms of staying up to date with things like chem questions/using checkpoints - I'd smash out a lot, then leave it for ages and do nothing, then repeat the cycle, instead of just doing a steady amount on a regular basis.

So yeah, really should have been more consistent I guess? Would have made things easier and made for a few less late nights...but still, what I did in VCE doesn't keep me awake at night or anything, overall I'm very happy with how I approached the year

[sweetiepi]

What was the best thing about this, do you think?

Hmmm, the best thing imo is being part of a rad community, need I say more?

What sorts of things? Like, clubs?

Things like being a survey panellist last year for a uni (who were looking for VCE kids at the time) (Seriously got so many freebies for doing one survey/month hahahahaha, not regretting that, at all :p) and indeed being part of a club which gave greater insight into the world of pharmaceuticals (run by Monash, obviously haha).

[NAT0003]

I'm in year 11. Why does vce feel like such a torture and nightmare. Like seriously, so many sacs, exams,  feel so overwhelmed. And at the end of year 12, we get an atar an everyone judges us by that. And then there is scaling, the whole vce system is just horrible

[Maya24]

I'm in year 11. Why does vce feel like such a torture and nightmare. Like seriously, so many sacs, exams,  feel so overwhelmed. And at the end of year 12, we get an atar an everyone judges us by that. And then there is scaling, the whole vce system is just horrible

Im in the same boat as you. Its torture.

[K888]

I'm in year 11. Why does vce feel like such a torture and nightmare. Like seriously, so many sacs, exams,  feel so overwhelmed. And at the end of year 12, we get an atar an everyone judges us by that. And then there is scaling, the whole vce system is just horrible

Im in the same boat as you. Its torture.

It's too late at night for me to post an appropriate reply but I will say if you need someone to talk to, feel free to send me a PM! Happy to chat about anything and help you guys
Will post a reply to this tomorrow (if I find the time ) & I'm sure there will be some words of wisdom from other users as well

[appleandbee]

Things I'm glad I did during VCE
-Planning my study around 'to do' lists, so listing out tasks for the day such as 'watching videos, understanding and writing out notes for Spectroscopy for Chemistry' , it really provides more direction and breaks everything down
-Focused on conceptual based learning like actually understanding the logic behind the content, as well as doing wider reading and researching. Not to the point of spending time on things that are irrelevant, but instead those that add more depth to your responses (like researching the cultural and historical landscape and literary critiques on novel in English) or helps you understand the content better (like proofs in maths like partial integration)
-Being involved in a few extra-curriculars such as cello, social service, yearbook, debating, house activities
-Researched and applied for overseas and interstate universities (I didn't end up accepting the overseas offers mainly because of financial reasons, although I wished I accepted ANU, but applying is still still a great experience. Don't be afraid to do things off the beaten track if you find a path/degree/uni that suits you, I feel like this forum has a habit of bringing down people who do so)
-Developing mental strenght and grit (in the words of social psychologist Angela Lee-Duckworth) although I probably acquired such things earlier on through a difficult upbringing rather than VCE)
-Watching Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech and JK Rowling Harvard one. Although I still fear failure, they are both inspiring and down to earth. TED talks are great too.
-My english and maths tutors who tutored me even though I was poor. The things they've taught me (mainly the conceptual approach) gave me a great foundation in the areas of relevant studies such as philosophy and maths.

Things I wished I did
-handled crippling anxiety a bit better
-did VCE Physics (and maybe Global Politics) because I may major in Physics
-put more effort into Chemistry (did very little study for the last 2/3 of the year, due to poor SAC marks, having 3 teachers and knowing that it was going to be my 6/7th subject. I got an ok score- below 40.). I'm not advocating for spending heaps of time on subjects that you hate or know that it's going to be a 5th or 6th, but at least invest some developing a foundation, understanding some key basic concepts etc. A subject can end up being useful to your future studies (such as is the case for me with Chemistry). Many Science students I know regret not taking maths seriously enough because of its application in the natural sciences. Many Politics+History students I know wished that they put for effort into maths because economics complement those disciplines.
-Developing a strong work ethic for subjects I didn't enjoy much so that I can still do well in them. Especially in uni, you'll may have to do subjects that you don't enjoy or are very badly taught. Since uni grades are measured in WAM your worst subjects will be weighted equally unlike VCE. 
-Explored and utilised visual learning techniques (mind-maps, diagrams, flowcharts). I'm currently experimenting with them.
-Did sport and exercise (completely neglected those two things during VCE)
-Seeking help from teachers and asking questions in class (I've always felt quite insecure about what I don't know even though it's always going to be much more than what I know)
-Put more effort into school debating. I didn't realise that I was going to spend but 10 hours a week on debating related activities (uni debating, personal practice +research and judging school debates)

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done

-Procrastinated a lot especially really close to exams. The stress was paralyzing to the point that I procrastinated.
-Regular all-nighters. I've haven't recovered from that cycle yet but I'm improving.

EDIT:nicer format  [/list]

[Joseph41]

Well, I think I really should have used my diary...I used it at the start of the year but ditched it pretty quickly (mind you I did just opt to type things into a note on my laptop instead, but I really think I should have actually used my diary).
I also should have set aside actual times where I would do study/homework, not just do it at variable times, because then once you're in a routine it's so much easier to do day in, day out without much thought.
I think I also should have been more organised in terms of staying up to date with things like chem questions/using checkpoints - I'd smash out a lot, then leave it for ages and do nothing, then repeat the cycle, instead of just doing a steady amount on a regular basis.

So yeah, really should have been more consistent I guess? Would have made things easier and made for a few less late nights...but still, what I did in VCE doesn't keep me awake at night or anything, overall I'm very happy with how I approached the year

Ah, diaries are so useful! Do you plan to use one this year? (I recommend it, haha.)

Interesting what you're saying about the routine. So in hindsight, would have you created like, a proper study timetable, and then tried to stick to that rigidly?

Hmmm, the best thing imo is being part of a rad community, need I say more?
Things like being a survey panellist last year for a uni (who were looking for VCE kids at the time) (Seriously got so many freebies for doing one survey/month hahahahaha, not regretting that, at all :p) and indeed being part of a club which gave greater insight into the world of pharmaceuticals (run by Monash, obviously haha).

Hahaha yeah, I think you've summed it up; ATAR Notes is definitely a rad community.

The survey panellist thing is pretty nifty. What did that entail?

I'm in year 11. Why does vce feel like such a torture and nightmare. Like seriously, so many sacs, exams,  feel so overwhelmed. And at the end of year 12, we get an atar an everyone judges us by that. And then there is scaling, the whole vce system is just horrible

Im in the same boat as you. Its torture.

Very honestly, I hated Year 11 but loved Year 12. Things can get better pretty quickly - I promise.

Things I'm glad I did during VCE
-Planning my study around 'to do' lists, so listing out tasks for the day such as 'watching videos, understanding and writing out notes for Spectroscopy for Chemistry' , it really provides more direction and breaks everything down
-Focused on conceptual based learning like actually understanding the logic behind the content, as well as doing wider reading and researching. Not to the point of spending time on things that are irrelevant, but instead those that add more depth to your responses (like researching the cultural and historical landscape and literary critiques on novel in English) or helps you understand the content better (like proofs in maths like partial integration)
-Being involved in a few extra-curriculars such as cello, social service, yearbook, debating, house activities
-Researched and applied for overseas and interstate universities (I didn't end up accepting the overseas offers mainly because of financial reasons, although I wished I accepted ANU, but applying is still still a great experience. Don't be afraid to do things off the beaten track if you find a path/degree/uni that suits you, I feel like this forum has a habit of bringing down people who do so)
-Developing mental strenght and grit (in the words of social psychologist Angela Lee-Duckworth) although I probably acquired such things earlier on through a difficult upbringing rather than VCE)
-Watching Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech and JK Rowling Harvard one. Although I still fear failure, they are both inspiring and down to earth. TED talks are great too.
-My english and maths tutors who tutored me even though I was poor. The things they've taught me (mainly the conceptual approach) gave me a great foundation in the areas of relevant studies such as philosophy and maths.

Things I wished I did
-handled crippling anxiety a bit better
-did VCE Physics (and maybe Global Politics) because I may major in Physics
-put more effort into Chemistry (did very little study for the last 2/3 of the year, due to poor SAC marks, having 3 teachers and knowing that it was going to be my 6/7th subject. I got an ok score- below 40.). I'm not advocating for spending heaps of time on subjects that you hate or know that it's going to be a 5th or 6th, but at least invest some developing a foundation, understanding some key basic concepts etc. A subject can end up being useful to your future studies (such as is the case for me with Chemistry). Many Science students I know regret not taking maths seriously enough because of its application in the natural sciences. Many Politics+History students I know wished that they put for effort into maths because economics complement those disciplines.
-Developing a strong work ethic for subjects I didn't enjoy much so that I can still do well in them. Especially in uni, you'll may have to do subjects that you don't enjoy or are very badly taught. Since uni grades are measured in WAM your worst subjects will be weighted equally unlike VCE. 
-Explored and utilised visual learning techniques (mind-maps, diagrams, flowcharts). I'm currently experimenting with them.
-Did sport and exercise (completely neglected those two things during VCE)
-Seeking help from teachers and asking questions in class (I've always felt quite insecure about what I don't know even though it's always going to be much more than what I know)
-Put more effort into school debating. I didn't realise that I was going to spend but 10 hours a week on debating related activities (uni debating, personal practice +research and judging school debates)

Things I did but probably shouldn't have done

-Procrastinated a lot especially really close to exams. The stress was paralyzing to the point that I procrastinated.
-Regular all-nighters. I've haven't recovered from that cycle yet but I'm improving.

EDIT:nicer format  [/list]

Wowee - amazing post, appleandbee!

1. Straight up: how amazing are to-do lists? Hahaha. I just love them so much.
2. "Don't be afraid to do things off the beaten track if you find a path/degree/uni that suits you" - absolutely love it. Great advice.
3. Great perspective about what we know and what we don't. Asking questions is so important.

Thank you so much. Incredible post.

[K888]

Ah, diaries are so useful! Do you plan to use one this year? (I recommend it, haha.)

Interesting what you're saying about the routine. So in hindsight, would have you created like, a proper study timetable, and then tried to stick to that rigidly?

Mm, yeah, I think so. Personally, the whole drawing up a timetable and sticking to it strictly isn't really my style but I think it definitely would have been worth a shot at least and I should have stuck to it for a while to really see if it worked for me.
And yes, I'm using a diary this year! Really trying to use it. Need to work out a system that works for me with uni but I'm getting there I think it will be even more key this year because I no longer have teachers setting reminders about due dates, etc. and I really need to stay on top of my game.

It's too late at night for me to post an appropriate reply but I will say if you need someone to talk to, feel free to send me a PM! Happy to chat about anything and help you guys
Will post a reply to this tomorrow (if I find the time ) & I'm sure there will be some words of wisdom from other users as well

So, finally getting to my reply (and apologies in advance for the long post)- as Joseph41 said, and as is the case for a lot of people, year 11 is awful & year 12 is so much better! Definitely was the case for me. In year 11, I lacked that tangible outcome at the end which comes in year 12, which was something I really needed to motivate myself.
Firstly (and this is easier said than done), you need to not stress about scaling and about how the whole VCE system works - you can't change it, so there's no point in worrying yourself sick about it - just focus yourself on doing the best that you can do. VCE really tests your ability to focus on your effort and block out what others are doing.

Secondly, it helps to not go looking weeks and weeks ahead and think about all the SACs and everything you have coming up- sometimes, you just need to take it day by day, just look to what is next and prepare for that (just keep swimming, etc.) Don't stress about the exams to come - they are inevitable, so instead of worrying about how unprepared you might be, think about how it's an opportunity for you to learn as much as possible to impress the assessors, or for you to show off what you do know.

Thirdly, stuff what anyone else says! What matters is what you think of your effort, that you are happy with yourself. People who judge you are narrow minded and you really shouldn't pay them any heed. Also tacking on to this because I suck at formatting replies- don't be afraid to make mistakes!!

Also, I'd just like to say, try to remember that in year 11, what matters to VCAA is that you get an S, so you don't need to run yourself down by doing endless amounts of study to try and get the top grade (please don't take this as me condoning not putting effort in though ). Make sure that you leave time for leisure and socialising, etc.
Remember too that you're just at the start of VCE, and you will adjust to it. Everything is relative. I remember thinking before I started VCE "holy crap how am I gonna write an English essay in a SAC in 90 minutes?!" and "how on earth can I write 3 essays in 3 hours??" - very quickly, it became the norm, and by the end of year 12 I could easily write an essay within 50 minutes and finish an english exam within time too, without feeling overwhelmed.

Try and live in the moment enjoy your friendships, use this chance to make mistakes and learn from them, and if you really are struggling - speak up!! Talk to a friend, a teacher, a counsellor, your GP, etc. Don't suffer in silence