Need help prioritising my time

[gilgamesh1121]

I never seem to have enough to accomplish my preferred amount of study, get through my additional resources and other school work. Also here's some additional info about me:
- I'm in year 11
- I'm aiming for 98+
- I'm in a average performing school (st ives high)
- I'm taking Eng Adv, Maths Ext1, Chem, Physics, Econ, SDD
 
I used to believe that if i prioritise what's most important to me I could complete everything, so I'd like feedback on what to prioritise and what to drop:
1. Focus on Weak subjects ( English, Physics, and SDD, which i might drop)
2. Focus on strong subjects that take alot of time ( i.e. maths, econ, chem)
3. Focus on the assessment vs important skills and content for hsc (Grammar, handwriting)
4. Drop my job (I work a 10 hour shift on the weekend)
5. take 4 unit and drop sdd and physics
5. only drop sdd
6. drop math ext1 because i takes alot of time
7. take tutoring for weak or strong subject

[PeriPeri101]

Hi! I am in year 11 as well and I struggle sometimes as well with what to prioritise and actually getting things done.

In terms of what subjects you want to drop for next year, don't base it off what is going to rank well. Ultimately what is going to bear you the best mark is actually how well you go in it, even though you are in comparison with thousands of other students. For me I am dropping legal (at this point of time) as I dislike the teacher, workload is a lot and I hate memorising dates. What subjects are you hating right now - or you dread? Can you imagine yourself taking them next year, as the pace really ranks up.

In terms of your job, if you only have one shift a week (even though its 10 hours) it might be considering keeping. I have a job and it is really important to have that communication with your boss so when it comes exam and HSC time, they know to lower the shifts. It is really up to you and how you are coping with a job in high school; and if you personally believe it is decreasing the amount of potential you have to succeed. Although take into account as we get older, having money is a big YES!! and you never know you might want to do a year of full time work before uni or whatever you want to do.

For tutoring, if you can afford it I say go for it. A past student had tutoring for ALL of her subjects and got a 97 ATAR. I get tutoring for 2 unit Maths and I find it so helpful, I am ahead of my class and it really is worth it in my opinion. So it really boils down to what you personally need.

In terms of studying, my main tips are:

1. to do list
Really encouraging and satisfying when you can actually tick off what you are doing. I make a to do list at school ready for as soon as i get home for school. I also use weekly goals which are tasks that I want to get done in the week rather than homework from that day.

2. Tomato Timer
https://tomato-timer.com/
The tomato timer is really helpful for me as you have 25 minutes of study then short breaks to debrief and recharge. Quality over Quantity...just because you do 5 hours of study does not mean that you necessarily have done study that will produce great results. 25 minute increments have been proven to retain concentration and motivation

3. Find your space
I cannot study at home at all. I do not have a chaotic household, but I am too distracted to switch onto Netflix or go to the fridge. Utilise the public library - seeing other people study actually is really motivating and you can get a lot done. See if your school has study groups or homework clubs that you could join!

Thats all from me ! Good Luck 

[Joseph41]

Welcome to ATAR Notes! What do you feel is eating up most of your time at the moment? I'd encourage you to keep your job if you can. Definitely great experience assuming it's not too much of a burden, and obviously good for the savings!