'Failed' my Methods SAC, can I still get a 42?

[AvogadroCadabra]

We recently had a Calculus/Integration SAC and even though the cohort unanimously agree it was pretty difficult, I didn't perform as well as I know I could have (panicked and snowballed). In Units 1/2 I averaged 97%, and for the first SAC worth 50% of internal, I got 88% (upper quartile was around 65%). This SAC was worth 25% of the internal grade, and I am expecting 60% for my score after calculating the marks I know I lost + more. Hopefully for the next SAC, worth the final 25% of internal, I can get it together and get ~90%.
I am confident in full-marking (or losing max. 2 marks) for Exam 1, and also getting an A+ for Exam 2. Can I still get a study score of 42?

[zhen]

I feel like it's definitely possible to get a score of 42 in methods since the exam is weighed so much in methods. But it'll still be really difficult.

[VanillaRice]

Don't be disheartened by this SAC!
Remember your actual SAC score is irrelevant in terms of calculating your study score - it is your rank within your cohort which matters. You said your cohort agreed that it was difficult, so as long as you are able to maintain your rank with respect to everyone else, the percentage that you get for this SAC won't matter in the long run.
Provided you maintain a relatively high rank in your cohort, and judging by your expectations for how you'll do in the exam, a study score of 42 is definitely possible! 

[AvogadroCadabra]

Don't be disheartened by this SAC!
Remember your actual SAC score is irrelevant in terms of calculating your study score - it is your rank within your cohort which matters. You said your cohort agreed that it was difficult, so as long as you are able to maintain your rank with respect to everyone else, the percentage that you get for this SAC won't matter in the long run.
Provided you maintain a relatively high rank in your cohort, and judging by your expectations for how you'll do in the exam, a study score of 42 is definitely possible! 

By high, how high roughly? I have a very strong cohort and our SACs are generally much harder than VCAA exams.

[VanillaRice]

By high, how high roughly? I have a very strong cohort and our SACs are generally much harder than VCAA exams.

This is something that is really hard to judge, and is quite dependent on things such as the difficulty of the exam and how your classmates perform on the exam. My general rule is to simply try the best that you can (because really there's no beating that, right?), and hopefully receive a pleasant surprise at the end.

That being said, the exam is indeed worth a high portion of your overall study score compared to other subjects, so your SACs, and hence ranking will be less important here (since you keep your exam mark, but your SAC marks can change). But, considering you mentioned having a very strong cohort, I would say that if you were (and are prepared to work to) maintain a rank which is amongst the top students (I won't mention a particular number - I feel it is irrelevant and quite difficult to give one) you will be in good stead to achieve your goal (if not higher).

I'm not sure how you feel you fit in terms of your cohort, but if you can maintain a high average (with respect to others) like you mentioned, even if you are not in the top, say 5, 10 students, you can still achieve a high study score. Further to this, considering the fact that your SACs are relatively difficult, as well as your confidence in being able to do well on the exams, plus your strong cohort, I really don't think you have to worry too much 

[Shadowxo]

Getting a 42 (raw) is tough. The exams are worth most of your mark (2/3rds) so it's definitely possible to do well, even 42+ but it is 1/3 internal assessment, so you'll have less leeway when it comes to the exams. If everyone else has done poorly which they may very well have done, it should hardly affect your rank (especially as it's only 25% of your internal score) but if they haven't, it may. Judging from your earlier scores though you could do well, especially if you're confident in getting good exam marks (I only got A in exam 2 but got a 42 so it's certainly possible to do well with one mark not as high!). So yes, you could still get 42 but you'll have to (continue) working hard. Good luck