Ep 79 - What is your VCE subject ranking?
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What we’re talking about:
If you're studying VCE, you've probably heard people talking about subject rankings and worrying about where they sit compared to everyone else. But what exactly is a VCE subject ranking, how does it affect your study score and ATAR, and how much should you actually worry about it?
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I explain what your VCE subject ranking is, how it contributes to your study score, and why it's not something you should spend too much time stressing about.
Instead, I'll share what you can focus on to improve your performance in VCE, from using your SACs as learning opportunities to understanding how to present your answers in the way examiners expect.
What we're talking about:
1:45 What is a VCE subject ranking?
Find out what a VCE subject ranking actually is and how it is used in the calculation of your study score, which contributes to your ATAR.
6:49 Why is your subject ranking not as important as you think?
It's easy to get caught up worrying about where you rank compared to other students. But your ranking isn't something you can directly control, so I explain why it's more productive to focus your energy elsewhere.
9:26 What can you control in VCE?
Learn how to use each SAC as an opportunity to prepare for the next one. Knowing the content is important, but so is understanding how to structure and present your answers in the way VCE examiners expect. Focus on what you can improve, rather than where you sit in the rankings.
Frequently asked questions about vce subject rankings
What is a VCE subject ranking?
Your VCE subject ranking reflects your performance in school-based assessments compared with other students studying the same subject at your school. It is one factor used in the statistical moderation of school-based assessment scores.
Does your VCE subject ranking affect your ATAR?
Your ranking can influence how your school-based assessment scores are moderated, which contributes to your final study score. Your study scores are then used to calculate your ATAR. However, your ranking alone does not determine your study score or ATAR.
Can you improve your VCE subject ranking?
Rather than focusing on your position relative to other students, concentrate on improving your own performance. Use feedback from SACs to identify gaps in your knowledge, practise applying what you've learnt, and develop the skills needed to answer questions effectively.
What should you focus on instead of your VCE ranking?
Focus on understanding the subject content, learning from your assessment results, responding to feedback and practising how to communicate your knowledge in the way examiners expect. These are practical steps you can take to improve your performance throughout VCE.
The bottom line
You can't control where you rank against other students, but you can control how you prepare, how you learn from your SACs and how you improve your exam technique. Put your energy into those things instead of worrying about your ranking.
You don't need a better ATAR. You need a better plan.
Links mentioned:
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VCE Study Designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx