zsteve (99.95 ATAR): "Ask Me Anything!"

[Joseph41]

Hey y'all!

Exciting news coming your way. on Saturday, 15 July, Stephen Zhang - known as zsteve around these traps - will be holding an "Ask Me Anything" session.

This is amazingly good news for those of you in VCE at the moment (or in the future), and a great opportunity to ask one of VCE's highest achievers how exactly he did it.

Who is zsteve?

Spoiler

For those who don't know, Stephen is one of Australia's best VCE tutors, and he knows a thing or two about the system. He graduated in 2015, with a perfect 99.95 ATAR.
- 50 raw in Chemistry.
- 48 raw in Methods.
- 48 raw in Physics.
- 47 raw in Specialist Maths.
- 46 raw in English Language.

As if that's not absurd enough, he also studied uni extension mathematics, and scored the maximum 5.0 increment.

For his efforts, he achieved a Premier's Award as a Top All-Round High Achiever. Pretty impressive.

Since finishing his own VCE, he's delivered free lectures to literally thousands of VCE students across the state. He's currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, plus a concurrent Diploma in Applied Mathematics for good measure.

Further to all that, zsteve is one of the ATAR Notes Forum's most known members. A moderator, he's the reigning Forum MVP after hundreds and hundreds of helpful posts.

How does this work?

Spoiler

It's a pretty simple process!

This thread will remain locked for a little while to allow you time to think of your most burning questions for Stephen. It will be opened a few days before July 15. At that point (and on the day), you can send through your questions - and Stephen will answer them!

To ask a question, you'll first need to register a free account. Then, you can just scroll down to the bottom of the thread, and post your message using the "Quick Reply" function.

Over that Saturday, zsteve will get through to answer each and every one of your questions. It's that easy!

What can I ask?

Spoiler

So long as it adheres to the Forum Rules, anything at all!

NOTE: To ask a question, you'll first need to register a free account. Then, you can just scroll down to the bottom of the thread, and post your message using the "Quick Reply" function.

Stephen will now introduce himself below. Remember: a question unasked is simply wasted potential!

[zsteve]

Hey everyone
As mentioned above, my name is zsteve, and I've been a member of the AN forums ever since I started my VCE AN has always been a great place and I've had many good memories during my time here, ranging from intense academic discussions to late-night savagery on the IRC channel.

A bit about me - so I graduated VCE in 2015 and I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as  diploma in Applied Maths. I'm not too sure what I want to do in the future, but it will definitely be science related (and hopefully have some maths as well ). Shortly after starting uni I began doing work here and there for ATAR Notes (and here I am now!).

When I'm not studying/working/sleeping on public transport, my hobbies include computer programming (#l33t), spending time with friends, aaaand running and going to the gym (like ok pls, let me continue believing that this is a "hobby" -- I haven't been to the gym in like 2 months ).


Sooooo.... hit me up with any questions you may have =)

[Anonymous_]

Hey, got a few questions:

How many students are there doing the same degree as you?
Do you know how many students there are doing Bachelor of Biomedical Science and how many of them usually try out for a postgrad degree in MD?

[Calebark]

Hey, thanks for doing this!

1- Do you regret not attending a 'real' (for lack of a better word) secondary school for VCE?

2- What's your favourite joke?

3- Would Melbourne Uni or Monash Uni win in a fight?

[Bri MT]

Hey,

Hope this isn't too many questions

 VCE:
1. I'm wondering if you prioritised your subjects much or at all (spending more time on methods over chem for example)
2. What, if there are any, specific studying techniques apply for Eng Lang (specifically I would like to know how to improve written responses)
3. Did you spend practically every-waking-moment focusing on your studies?
4. Did you learn how to be ok with mistakes/how?

Science at UniMelb
1. Do people co-operate or is there a vibe of competitive animosity?
2. How long does it take for the science to feel real rather than very simplified?
3. Can you actually enjoy the nature aspects of campus or is it just too chaotic during semester?

Thankyou 

[sweetiepi]

Hey zsteve!

1. What VCE subject do regret not doing?
2. Which is better- Chemistry or Physics?
3. Chocolate milk or coffee?

[bsdfjnlkasn]

Did you have many set backs in year 12 as in, in terms of marks? Any advice for getting over them?

Well done on your incredible result

[Glasses]

Can I please have your autograph? #fanboying

Oh and...
1. Were you expecting and/or aiming for the score you did?
2. At uni, do you find yourself having the same level of dedication and the same aspiration to do extraordinarily well as (I assume) you had during VCE?

[Quantum44]

1. How many practice exams did you do for maths?
2. Which topic did you find the hardest in spesh and why?
3. Did you have a rigid study regime leading up to the exams?
4. What is your favourite programming language?

[The Raven]

Applied Maths vs Statistics Diploma. Which one to choose?

[miguel_1]

Hey, Steveee! Thanks for taking the time to do this!

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want - Ps. 23

1/ Are you religious?
2/ While completing VCE, did you regularly go to church as well?
3/ Did you have a casual job while doing VCE?
4/ Why did you choose to complete your bachelor of science and diploma at UoM?
5/ Is the vibe at UoM as bad as people describe it to be?
6/ Did you take a gap year before going to uni?
7/ Favourite scientist? Why?
8/ Do you believe we are only living in a simulation?

[Erstwhile]

Hi! I just have 3 simple questions I want to ask.
1. How did you fight procrastination?
2. What was your worst subject and how did you get better at it?
3. How many hours do I have to study everyday to achieve a 90+ ATAR?

Thanks for doing this Zsteve, best wishes! 

[exit]

I sent you a pm a few days ago, just pasting some of it here since you haven't replied yet:

Hey, Steve:

Thank you- Your Chem lecture was nothing short of excellent. I read that you found EngLang difficult and got a tutor.
- Do you have any tips/tricks to improving in EngLang to stand out ( i guess this is multiturtle's question, but more based on the 'stand out' aspect rather than 'getting good' ) and how did tuition help you in Englang? (was it private or group?)
-How many hours did you study a day? And in term 2/3, what was the average hours/day you put into study and how long are your 'study blocks' on average?
-Could you do a breakdown of how you allocated your time for each subject you did? (i.e. did find that you needed to study more consistently or more or harder for maths compared to sciences?  How did you allocate your time for studying for Englang?) Sciences, UMEP, Maths, Englang all require different amounts of time and approaches i imagine.
-How many quotes and how many examples did you memorise for EngLang?
-What is your opinion on people memorising phrases or paragraphs or even essays (then adapting them) for EngLang?


Thank you once again!

[Sconey]

Why did you choose English Language over I suppose the 'normal' English?

[PhoenixxFire]

How did you study for English Language?
How many hours did you spend on it (rough week guide)?
How hard did you find it?
Why did you choose English Language over regular English or literature?