I'm currently in Year 11, and I've finished 3/4 Biology.
My other subjects are (1/2):

  • Literature
  • Chemistry
  • Psychology
  • General Maths

I'm given the choice to pick up another subject for next year (to make 6 total). Originally, I wanted to stick with only my four for Year 12, but I feel as though I didn't do my best in the bio final exam, so I'm considering it. If I do pick a sixth, it will most likely be Health and Human Development (but there's other options too).

Should I pick up the extra subject or stick with the extra time? I'm not that confident in chemistry, so the free study periods may help with strengthening that. Otherwise, the idea of six subjects sounds like it could help give me a boost in my ATAR, although some have told me it doesn't do much.

Please help me out!! Subject selections close soon for me.
Thank youu

7 days later

do what u want tho the boost is only 5% you really only need it if aiming for 99.85 or above unless if ur doing spec which u dont need it (i think) i defo wouldn't do it if my bio score was <45 tho

    I'm also a year 11 going into year 12 next year so I might not be an expert on this but I'm going to share my perspective just to give another opinion and hopefully provide some help.
    My advice would be to choose it if you have genuine interest in the subject and think it could be interesting or achievable for you. Generally choosing subjects purely to get a higher score doesn't work as things like extra subjects or scaling can't provide as much as genuine interest and motivation to study. Most schools also let you drop subjects in year 12 if you're still meeting the vcaa requirements for vce so you can always try and ditch it later if it's too much. Maybe you could also talk to one of your teachers about whether they think it's a good idea or not?
    Goodluck with year 12 next year and I hope you enjoy your subjects, no matter what you end up picking 🙂

      19 days later

      Rey_of_sunshine HI! Thank youu, this helped me lots. I was too busy worried about an extra subject for the boost in ATAR, when I think I should be focused on doing my best in the four I have. I did have a meeting with my VCE head coordinator and they told me that the extra subject boost wouldn't do as much as I thought it would, and that I'm likely to do well even with only four subjects next year. And you're right; genuine interest beats everything else when it comes to study motivation. I'm really happy with what I've picked, and I'm hoping the best for us next year!! Good luck friend <3

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