Public vs. Private

[aloysia]

Hey, I was wondering how you can still do well and get high study scores if you go to a low performing school?
I go to a public school that generally has a pretty low percentage of students with study scores over 40%. I read that you get marked and scaled as a cohort and consequently if your cohort does badly on exams then your mark will suffer. This seems really unfair if you are a top student at a public school and an average student at a private school will get the same study score as you.
Any tips on what to do to be able to get high study scores if you're in a poor cohort?

Thanks

[olly_s15]

you remain unaffected if you're a top student - don't worry, the system is fair

[jimmy999]

One of my mates at uni went to an under-represented school where no one got over 90 in the last 3 years. Yet he got an enter of 99.15. If you're a smart person, then your score will be what you deserve. The only real difference between public and private schools is usually private schools can hire better quality teachers and provide more material. However it's up to the student on how well they actually perform

[ninwa]

Mao went to a public school which only even started offering VCE in 2007 and got 99.65. Then again he is Mao. But it's definitely possible.

[Eriny]

I went to an underperforming public school and got a 50 for one of my subjects and an ENTER over 98. Don't worry too much, you can still do very well, you could still technically get 99.95.

[mba]

From my understanding of the system you don't get "dragged" down by a crappy cohort if you get top grades in the exam. Moderation is more for the mid-range average results were they have to spread most of the marks.

[ninwa]

Any tips on what to do to be able to get high study scores if you're in a poor cohort?

Oops didn't see that bit.

I admittedly went to a private school, but some of the subjects I did were seen as "dumbarse" subjects i.e. the low achievers were encouraged to study them and the high achievers generally saw it as a waste of time. So, speaking from experience, try to stay ranked no.1 in your SACs (and obviously do well in the exams), you won't be affected by a crappy cohort that way.

[aloysia]

Thanks!

[LFTM]

It really shouldn't matter, as long as the student is willing to  put in the effort.

[taiga]

If you are the top student in your class, no one can bring you down but yourself.

If you are a student of equally good standard at a private school, but are not at the top of your class, you can be brought down by others.

[John President]

The difference between Public and Private schools? Perception. It's not a case of you only being as smart as the school you attend - it's the work you put in. I'm in a similar boat, I go to an average public school also and I have no qualms about my potential to get a high mark, even though I do not wear a blazer or tie.

[iffets12345]

I don't think we should totally smooth it over as saying NO ADVANTAGE for going to a private school. That's a bit too optimistic.
There definately is, but it simply won't affect you if you make sure it doesn't (e.g study hard etc).

[iffets12345]

No, if you are in a generally strong cohort, you are dragged slightly up. I think she was referring to a normal cohort.
If you are in a normal cohort in a private school but you are not ranked 1, you're not going to get the rank 1 study score unless you ace the exam.

[Greggler]

good students will excel no matter the enviorment.

private schools are all about the extra curricular opportunities. Also you're 'likely' to get better teachers at private schools who know the vce system better etc. and therefore will help you prepare for exams.

 But really, if you work hard you'll do well no matter what school.