Ep 109 - What Year 12 Students Should Do Before VCE Results: How to Finalise VTAC Preferences
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What this episode is about:
Now that VCE exams are finally over, Year 12 students enter an important window: setting up their VTAC preference list before VCE results are released. In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I explain exactly what students should do this week to prepare, why finalising your preferences before results day matters, and how to make confident choices even if you’re unsure about what you want to do next year.
If you’re a parent supporting a Year 12 student, or a student feeling uncertain about your next steps, this episode walks you through how to choose courses, how to use pathways strategically, and how to build a VTAC list that gives you the best possible chance of getting into a course you’ll love.
1:30 — What students should do now that VCE exams are over
Most students submit their VTAC application earlier in the year just to “tick the box,” often without deeply exploring their options. Even with a short meeting with the school career teacher, many students haven’t had the time to properly curate a VTAC list that reflects their true interests, strengths and long-term goals.
4:45 — Why you should finalise preferences before VCE results
I explain the two big reasons students should finalise their VTAC preferences before ATARs are released:
You’ll choose more honestly — When you don’t know your ATAR yet, you’re more likely to put your dream courses at the top and treat your ATAR as just data, not a limitation.
You’ll avoid tech issues — VTAC websites are known for slowing down on results day. Finalising early removes that stress and ensures you meet the deadline.
Setting up your list with aspirational courses at the top and smart pathway options below creates the best chance of getting into a course you genuinely want.
8:30 — What if you have no idea what you want to do next?
If you're unsure what to do next year, start by exploring what you love doing — subjects, hobbies, interests and tasks that energise you. Then work backwards:
Which courses allow you to do more of that?
What pathways exist if you don’t get straight into your dream course?
I share how I help students map out options so they feel confident on results day, no matter what their ATAR is.
If you need help figuring out your next steps, reach out at kim@roadmapeducation.com or visit www.roadmapeducation.com.
Links mentioned:
Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
VTAC dates: https://vtac.edu.au/dates