Subject selection

[homeworkisapotato]

Hey guys! VCE subject selections are around the corner and I have to pick soon. I have two plans but I'm not sure which plan to pick:

Plan 1:
3/4 Bio
3/4 Psychology through distance ed since i couldn't get approval for 2 3/4s next year
1/2 Latin
1/2 Eng Lang
1/2 Methods
1/2 Chem
1/2 Food Studies

Plan 2:
3/4 Bio
1/2 Latin
1/2 Eng Lang
1/2 Methods
1/2 Chem
1/2 Specialist Maths

Plan 1 lets me finish two subjects early so I can study for the UCAT (I'd just relax the studying time with the 7th subject). Plan 2 would probably give me a higher ATAR (with Specialist and Latin together it's hard not to look at the scaling ). I really would love some advice from the community

[lm21074]

Hi homeworkisapotato!

Before you make your decision, I think you should consider your interests, the possible workload, and course prerequisites / what you might do for tertiary study. Following Plan 1 may bring a higher workload than Plan 2, but if you think you can handle it, absolutely go for it! Having a seventh subject could be useful in case one of your other six don't go as planned, but having six can allow you to dedicate more time to your 1/2s in Year 11 and get a stronger foundation in them (which is useful for subjects like Chemistry and Methods).

It might be helpful to look at the study designs and even some past exams to see what a subject and its assessments are like for each one you haven't completely decided on. You can also check out the VCE Subject Reviews and Ratings thread. Also, a chat with your careers advisor, your current teachers, teachers of the subjects you are considering, and/or your year level coordinator can be very helpful too as they know more about you than we do!

Regarding Latin and Specialist Maths, yes, the scaling brings your raw study score up considerably, but you can still get a high ATAR if you do any combination of subjects. It really helps to enjoy the subjects as you will probably be more motivated to study for them. Would you still pick them if scaling was non-existent?

Try not to get too caught up in the 'numbers' side of things because school should be about learning things that interest you, not what scores you get! You don't need to score 100% on every SAC to do well. Remember that you can get to that end goal, even if you don't end up on your desired path straight away.


Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision!

[homeworkisapotato]

Hi homeworkisapotato!

Before you make your decision, I think you should consider your interests, the possible workload, and course prerequisites / what you might do for tertiary study. Following Plan 1 may bring a higher workload than Plan 2, but if you think you can handle it, absolutely go for it! Having a seventh subject could be useful in case one of your other six don't go as planned, but having six can allow you to dedicate more time to your 1/2s in Year 11 and get a stronger foundation in them (which is useful for subjects like Chemistry and Methods).

It might be helpful to look at the study designs and even some past exams to see what a subject and its assessments are like for each one you haven't completely decided on. You can also check out the VCE Subject Reviews and Ratings thread. Also, a chat with your careers advisor, your current teachers, teachers of the subjects you are considering, and/or your year level coordinator can be very helpful too as they know more about you than we do!

Regarding Latin and Specialist Maths, yes, the scaling brings your raw study score up considerably, but you can still get a high ATAR if you do any combination of subjects. It really helps to enjoy the subjects as you will probably be more motivated to study for them. Would you still pick them if scaling was non-existent?

Try not to get too caught up in the 'numbers' side of things because school should be about learning things that interest you, not what scores you get! You don't need to score 100% on every SAC to do well. Remember that you can get to that end goal, even if you don't end up on your desired path straight away.


Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision!

Thank you so much for replying! I have decided not to do psych in distance ed but now I can't decide if I want to do Specialist Maths or Food Studies... I have a strong background in math but I also did an introductory elective in Food Studies and I really enjoyed it too. I want to get into med and if I can't then I want to get into research/pharmaceutical sciences. I'm leaning more towards Food Studies but I'm less confident in the subject and I'm scared I'm going to mess it up.. what to do??

[mango8]

I can't decide if I want to do Specialist Maths or Food Studies... I have a strong background in math but I also did an introductory elective in Food Studies and I really enjoyed it too. I want to get into med and if I can't then I want to get into research/pharmaceutical sciences. I'm leaning more towards Food Studies but I'm less confident in the subject and I'm scared I'm going to mess it up.. what to do??

Hello there!

Do you enjoy Specialist Maths as well? If you are both confident and capable, and you love it, you will undoubtedly thrive, and may I stress the importance of not choosing subjects based on scaling. Methods is mainly a prerequisite not spesh for med and sciences, but I would suggest reviewing specific courses you are interested in to identify what exactly is needed. On the other hand, I myself would have loved to do food studies, as it would have provided a much needed distraction from all my other super content heavy, rigorous subjects with lots of rules you have to follow in terms of answering questions and writing responses, and to have a chance to do something I loved.

If you realised your passion for food studies, then go for it. You won't know until you try, and Year 11 is an excellent time to try a bunch of subjects to see where you flourish, and what drives you to succeed. There have been many people who have changed their minds multiple times throughout Year 11 to see what suits them. The underlying root with the fear of messing up is because you care. There’s a sense that if you mess this up then it’s over. It's not. Life is unpredictable, and ironically, the only constant is change. Let the changes happen. There is only a certain amount we are in control of, and then, we have to let things fall into place. Focus on what you can control, not what you can't. Stepping into unknown territory is always scary, but that's when you grow, and when the magic happens. Don't be scared. Be confident that you can do anything you set your mind to, and if everything in life went smooth sailing, we would not learn and grow.

I wish to remind you that contained within every effort, every step, and every so called failure draws you closer to your treasure — your pot of gold.

All the best, and let us know what you decide!

[homeworkisapotato]

Hi homeworkisapotato!

Before you make your decision, I think you should consider your interests, the possible workload, and course prerequisites / what you might do for tertiary study. Following Plan 1 may bring a higher workload than Plan 2, but if you think you can handle it, absolutely go for it! Having a seventh subject could be useful in case one of your other six don't go as planned, but having six can allow you to dedicate more time to your 1/2s in Year 11 and get a stronger foundation in them (which is useful for subjects like Chemistry and Methods).

It might be helpful to look at the study designs and even some past exams to see what a subject and its assessments are like for each one you haven't completely decided on. You can also check out the VCE Subject Reviews and Ratings thread. Also, a chat with your careers advisor, your current teachers, teachers of the subjects you are considering, and/or your year level coordinator can be very helpful too as they know more about you than we do!

Regarding Latin and Specialist Maths, yes, the scaling brings your raw study score up considerably, but you can still get a high ATAR if you do any combination of subjects. It really helps to enjoy the subjects as you will probably be more motivated to study for them. Would you still pick them if scaling was non-existent?

Try not to get too caught up in the 'numbers' side of things because school should be about learning things that interest you, not what scores you get! You don't need to score 100% on every SAC to do well. Remember that you can get to that end goal, even if you don't end up on your desired path straight away.


Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision!

Hello there!

Do you enjoy Specialist Maths as well? If you are both confident and capable, and you love it, you will undoubtedly thrive, and may I stress the importance of not choosing subjects based on scaling. Methods is mainly a prerequisite not spesh for med and sciences, but I would suggest reviewing specific courses you are interested in to identify what exactly is needed. On the other hand, I myself would have loved to do food studies, as it would have provided a much needed distraction from all my other super content heavy, rigorous subjects with lots of rules you have to follow in terms of answering questions and writing responses, and to have a chance to do something I loved.

If you realised your passion for food studies, then go for it. You won't know until you try, and Year 11 is an excellent time to try a bunch of subjects to see where you flourish, and what drives you to succeed. There have been many people who have changed their minds multiple times throughout Year 11 to see what suits them. The underlying root with the fear of messing up is because you care. There’s a sense that if you mess this up then it’s over. It's not. Life is unpredictable, and ironically, the only constant is change. Let the changes happen. There is only a certain amount we are in control of, and then, we have to let things fall into place. Focus on what you can control, not what you can't. Stepping into unknown territory is always scary, but that's when you grow, and when the magic happens. Don't be scared. Be confident that you can do anything you set your mind to, and if everything in life went smooth sailing, we would not learn and grow.

I wish to remind you that contained within every effort, every step, and every so called failure draws you closer to your treasure — your pot of gold.

All the best, and let us know what you decide!

Hi! Thank you so much for replying! I have decided to take your advice and jump into food studies
Your advice was really helpful and I'm really grateful! I also love the quote
Btw I LOVE reading your vce journal.

Thanks again @mango8 and @lm21074 for your advice!