How easy or hard is DA in comparison to software development?
Not overly difficult - the more boring one of the two imo (subjective of course). More of the information systems side than the software development side. Very much IT/business geared rather than Computer Science geared. Databases, excel, data analysis, networking and security (plus more). It'll be interesting as next year there's a new study design (for all Computing, not just DA). Would strongly recommend you review the 2025 study design that's been released plus review what materials are on offer wherever you end up doing it - as they will be deciding on specific platforms you'll use.
The question of difficulty is again, very subjective. I personally love the maths and programming side of things so every time I look at DA's content, I squirm. In fact I'm not overly fond of Softdev either - I personally find that Applied Comp in general isn't overly attractive as an option to students as-is, but that's just me! HOWEVER, everyone has different tastes so I can't really say how you'll respond to it until you at least consult what it involves/look at some past materials/actually do it 🙂 I did 3 years of immediately after Year 12 at uni level as well and my thoughts/feelings didn't change all throughout it!
Is it ok to keep up with DA virtually ? Would love to hear what's worked well/ hasn't worked
Will be fine. My only concern would be the SAT - if you're doing it virtually make sure you have someone you can check in with and bounce ideas off. Wouldn't go as far as a tutor but get somebody who has done it or a teacher you know who teaches it or has taught it in the past.
Impact of scaling down - thoughts?
Yeah the scaling isn't great so the aim is to do well - you can mitigate the impact of scaling by your achievement! An unfortunate consequence of Applied Computing in general. I wouldn't base your decision off this alone.
How do factors like time management and difficulty level compare between Accounting and DA ?
Can't answer this re Accounting.
Any other recommendations/pitfalls, considering I'll end up having a few scaled down subjects if I take DA..
Scaling's impact is mitigated the higher you score. Review your priorities and desires for the end of Yr 12 and beyond. If you're aiming for a very high ATAR, reducing some low scaling subjects might be the best choice. Looking at the scaling reports for the past 2 years, DA's scaling actually isn't as bad as what I thought it would be.
My advice here is if you know Tech is what you want to do when you leave school, it doesn't make sense to choose a subject that has minimal to no relevance. Stick with what you're good at and what you need for uni prereqs as a first priority. Speak to your careers counsellor at your school as they can sit down with you and go over impacts at a personal/individual level also - they will know you and can easily seek out advice from others at a school-level if needed.
If you're somebody who is considering something high-level Tech e.g. Computer Science/Engineering, I would consider Algorithmics as well as a subject. If your school doesn't offer it (which is very likely), VSV or CHES are two options. Very good prep for university level Comp Sci - only caveat here is a good understanding in Maths (e.g. passed Methods 1/2), not easy! Even if you don't end up doing it, go have a peek at the content / past exams etc 🙂
My two cents (or more ...)! Good luck with your decision making.
