VCE RACE Strategies

Strategy #1:

It’s much easier to ‘keep up’ rather than to ‘catch up’, so revise completed topics on a regular basis. It’s also faster to regularly revise compared to re-learning subject materials “from scratch” before your exams. Keep in mind that the brain needs to cover new information 3 or 4 times before it’s fully transferred to long-term memory. This means that you should plan on revising course materials at least twice before your VCE exams.

Strategy #2:

Take advantage of every opportunity to prepare for your SACs & exams. A little study “here & there” can add up to HUGE amounts of time. Just 15 minutes of extra study each day during the school term will slash your VCE exam preparations by almost 23 hours!

Strategy #1:

Work ahead of school in as many subjects as you can. Even if you only understand half of what you read, everything will fall into place when you cover the same topic at school. Your ability to apply examinable concepts, solve analytical-style applications and answer previously unseen questions will greatly improve, decreasing the time you spend studying, while boosting SAC & examination marks.

Strategy #2:

Start formal exam preparations as early as you can. You’ll commit information to memory more thoroughly (and in less time) when you’re less stressed, saving countless hours in study time! As an added bonus, you’ll also make a big positive impact on stress levels & study loads during the challenging & draining weeks before your final exams.

Strategy #1:

Put aside 16 – 24 hours each week (including school holidays) for personal study (Year 12) and 14 – 20 hours if you’re in Year 11. After completing your homework & SAC preparations, use the remaining time to:

#   Work through topics ahead of school.
#   Revise a topic that was covered weeks or months ago (by keeping that knowledge fresh in mind – you won’t
#   need to waste time relearning topicsfrom scratch’ before your VCE exams!)
#   Work through past VCE exam questions (and assessor’s reports).

Strategy #2:

Protect yourself from academic burnout & work at a consistent, steady pace across the whole year. You won’t experience the widespread apathy & exhaustion that starts in Term 3, nor will you need to use the Term 3 school holidays to recharge your batteries and start your preparations for your VCE exams. Instead, you’ll be able to use the school holidays to get further ahead in your studies, giving you a further advantage in your quest for the highest possible ATAR result.

Strategy #1:

Work through past VCE exam questions from the beginning of the year, as you complete each topic at school. It takes time to develop strong problem-solving & application skills, so if you leave this process to the last minute, you won’t obtain the marks you’re capable of achieving. Note: If you’re aiming for a 38+ study score, you’ll need to work through AT LEAST 15 exam papers & assessment reports in each subject  (30 exams in maths subjects) between now & your exams.

Strategy #2:

Take advantage of opportunities that will expose you to different insights & explanations, as well as different applications & problem-solving strategies. Read widely, do as many different exam-style questions as you can, attend revision lectures delivered by VCE exam assessors & give every mark-boosting opportunity the chance to help you achieve your ATAR goal.