Ep 103 - Should You Drop a VCE Subject?
Should you drop a VCE subject? Before you make the decision, there are a few important things to consider.
It’s common for students to reach a point during VCE where they start wondering whether they should drop a subject. Maybe they’re struggling with the content, their results aren’t what they hoped for, they don’t enjoy the subject, or they’re worried about the workload.
But dropping a VCE subject isn’t a decision that should be based on one bad SAC result or a difficult few weeks.
Before you decide, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture: What do you want to do after Year 12, and will dropping this subject affect your options?
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I talk through some of the questions I encourage students to consider before deciding whether to drop a VCE subject.
What should you consider before dropping a VCE subject?
1. Do you know what you want to do after Year 12?
Your future plans are an important starting point. If you already have a particular university or TAFE course, career or area of study in mind, check what subjects you need to keep your options open.
You don't necessarily need to have your entire future mapped out, but having an idea of the types of courses or careers you're considering can help you make a more informed decision.
2. Is the subject a prerequisite for a course you might want to study?
This is one of the most important things to check before dropping a VCE subject.
Some tertiary courses have specific VCE subject prerequisites. If you drop a subject that is required for a course you're considering, you may no longer meet the entry requirements.
And remember that prerequisites can be different from subjects that simply help you prepare for a course. Make sure you check the current prerequisites for the courses you're interested in rather than relying on assumptions or advice from other students.
3. Are you struggling because you need some extra support?
Sometimes the problem isn't the subject itself — it's that a student hasn't yet found the right way to understand the content.
Before dropping a subject, consider whether additional support could make a difference. This might mean speaking to your teacher, getting some tutoring, changing how you're studying or asking for help with a particular area you're finding difficult.
If you can improve your understanding and confidence, dropping the subject might no longer seem necessary.
4. Are there alternative courses that don't require this subject?
If the subject is a prerequisite for one particular course, that doesn't necessarily mean your entire career plan disappears if you drop it.
Look at the bigger picture. Are there related courses that could lead to similar careers without requiring that particular VCE subject?
Sometimes exploring your alternatives can take the pressure out of the decision.
5. Is not liking the subject telling you something important?
On the other hand, struggling with or disliking a subject isn't always something you should simply try to overcome.
If the subject is closely connected to the course or career you've been calling your "dream", ask yourself whether you actually enjoy the type of work involved.
You don't have to love every subject you study at school. But if you're consistently miserable doing the kind of work that your future course or career involves, it may be worth reconsidering whether that pathway is really right for you.
Should you drop a VCE subject?
There isn't one right answer for every student.
The decision to drop a VCE subject should take into account your future course options, prerequisites, academic performance, workload, wellbeing, interests and alternative pathways.
And importantly, dropping a subject doesn't automatically mean you've failed or given up. Sometimes it is a sensible decision that allows a student to focus their time and energy more effectively.
The goal isn't to keep every possible option open forever. It's to make a decision that gives you the best options for the future that you actually want.
Questions to ask before you drop a VCE subject
Before making the decision, ask yourself:
What courses or careers am I currently considering?
Is this subject a prerequisite for any of those courses?
What happens to my future options if I drop it?
Am I struggling because I don't understand the subject, or because I don't enjoy it?
Could extra support improve my results or confidence?
Are there alternative courses with similar career outcomes?
Would dropping the subject allow me to perform better in my other subjects?
Am I keeping this subject because I genuinely want the options it provides, or because I feel like I should?
If you're unsure, don't make the decision based on your current result alone. Take the time to look at where the subject fits into your broader VCE and career plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop a VCE subject?
Whether you can drop a VCE subject depends on your school's VCE requirements, your study program and the timing of the decision. Talk to your school before making any changes to your subjects.
Will dropping a VCE subject affect my ATAR?
It can, depending on which subjects you continue studying and the requirements for calculating your ATAR. Dropping a subject isn't automatically a bad decision, but you should understand how changing your study program could affect your ATAR and tertiary options. Learn more about how ATARs are calculated before making your decision if your concerned about it.
Should I drop a VCE subject if I'm getting bad results?
Not necessarily. A poor result can be a sign that you need additional support, a different study strategy or more time to understand the content. Before dropping the subject, consider whether your performance is likely to improve with the right support.
What if I don't know what I want to do after Year 12?
You don't need to have your entire career decided before choosing your VCE subjects. However, if you're considering dropping a subject, it's worth investigating whether it is a prerequisite for any courses or pathways you might potentially want to pursue.
What if I hate a VCE subject that's a prerequisite for my dream course?
This is worth exploring rather than automatically assuming you have to continue. Ask yourself whether you dislike the subject because you're struggling with it, or whether the subject is giving you useful information about the type of study or work involved in your intended career. You may also want to investigate alternative courses and pathways.
Where can I check VCE subject prerequisites?
Always check the current course information provided by the university or tertiary institution you're considering. Prerequisites can vary between courses and can change over time.
Links mentioned:
Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
VTAC CourseSearch: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search