Ep 108 - Why ATAR Goals Can Backfire — A Healthier Way to Approach VCE Goal Setting
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What this episode is about:
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I talk about why setting goals around a specific ATAR or study score can create unnecessary stress for VCE students. After years of teaching and working with students, I’ve seen how ATAR-based goals can lead to burnout, disappointment, and a distorted view of success — simply because an ATAR is a ranking, not a guarantee.
Inspired by an episode of The Imperfects Podcast with Dr Emily, I explore a healthier, more empowering approach to goal setting in VCE — one that focuses on the course or career students want next, rather than a number they can’t fully control.
If you’re a parent or student wanting a clearer, calmer approach to VCE, this episode will help you rethink goals, reduce ATAR pressure, and focus on what actually matters.
1:48 — My perspective on goal setting
Even though I worked hard at school, I was never a traditional “goal setter.” When I became a teacher, I struggled with the idea of helping students set ATAR goals because a ranking doesn’t give you the level of control you think it does. Setting a goal you can’t fully control often leads to disappointment.
3:55 — A new take on goal setting
I share a powerful insight from Dr Emily on The Imperfects Podcast:
“Setting a goal and not achieving it can still be rewarding if you can be really proud of the way you approached it.”
This approach aligns perfectly with the way I work with students — focusing on growth, effort and direction, rather than a specific number.
5:20 — How students often set VCE goals
Many students who aim for a particular ATAR end up creating a two-year, high-pressure plan that involves sacrificing sleep, hobbies and wellbeing. Even then, they’re not guaranteed to achieve that number. When their whole goal is tied to an ATAR, missing it — even slightly — feels like failure.
8:20 — A healthier approach to VCE goals
Instead of setting an ATAR target, I encourage students to focus on what they want to do after VCE. Your ATAR becomes just one piece of information that guides your next step. This approach leads to:
healthier study habits
more motivation
clearer decision-making
better alignment with future pathways
less anxiety and burnout
When students focus on the courses or careers they’re excited about, goal setting becomes empowering — and something to be proud of.
Links mentioned:
Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
The Imperfects Podcast Episode S7 E44 Dr Emily - Goals For Your Goals: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-imperfects/id1476501557?i=1000731475926