What if you don’t know what university or TAFE course, or what career you want to pursue? I work with heaps of high school students who either have no idea yet what they want to do, or who want to do EVERYTHING and need help narrowing it down. Here are some ways you can start to work it out.

2:56 Talk to people

The people who know you best, like your parents or friends, will likely have some insights into what you might be good at, or how you can pursue a career where you can do more of the things you like to do. Alternatively, you can talk to people about the work that they do so that you can make a decision one way or another about whether you’re interested in this particular job. You can also talk to the teachers of the subjects you like about what types of courses and careers their subject could lead to. A career counsellor will also have insights into particular courses that would suit you, or could put you in contact with past students who can tell you about what they’re doing. You could also listen to past episodes of this podcast to hear students’ perspectives of particular websites.

7:41 Check out unis and TAFEs

Check out exactly what some of the unis or TAFEs have to offer by looking at their websites. You can often filter a search so that you’re looking at subject areas that interest you, and then you can read about courses and google the job titles that they list on course pages to get a better sense of where the course could lead. You can also visit a uni or TAFE you’re interested in. Go to an Open Day, or if you’ve missed them and need to make a decision sooner, contact them and see if you can join a tour, or just turn up and walk around the campus to get a sense of what it’s like.

10:29 Do some work experience

You probably did/will do work experience in Year 10, but you can do more than one work experience placement (even if you have to do a second or third placement in the school holidays). You can still do work experience if you’re in Year 11 or 12, or even if you’ve finished Year 12. Speak to your career counsellor to see if they have any contacts you could speak to about doing a work placement, or look up local businesses and see if they’d be happy to have you come in.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

Exams are just about over, and now you’ve shifted to looking at your VTAC preference list and wondering what ATAR you might get. Lots of students are asking about ATAR calculators and which one they should use. Let’s have a look at how you can best work out your ATAR.

1:33 How hard is it to work out what ATAR you might get?

Guessing your ATAR is really difficult because your ATAR is a ranking, based on your study scores, which are also rankings. See Episode 58 (linked below) to get a really clear understanding of how your ATAR would be calculated. There are a couple of ways you may be able to get an idea (eg if you have a sibling who went to the same school doing the same subjects and you perform very similarly academically, or your teachers might have an idea if they’re very experienced) however I explain why even these guesses aren’t super accurate.

10:00 What is an ATAR calculator?

A quick google search will tell you that there are heaps of ATAR calculators to choose from, and nearly all of them will be advertised as the most accurate one. To use an ATAR calculator, you need to guess each of your study scores, and then it will use an algorithm to decide what ATAR it thinks you will get. The problem here is that it’s really hard to guess your study scores, and then your ATAR is a ranking, not a straight calculation. While the algorithm might come close, without accurate study scores it’s really not going to give you a good indication of what ATAR you might get.

So which ATAR calculator should you use? None of them.

13:43 What should you do instead?

Instead of trying to guess your ATAR, do some more research around courses so that you can include your dream course or courses, but then also find other courses that you’d be just as happy to do, or that can be used as a pathway into your dream course. Create a great VTAC preference list, and keep the extra information in your desk drawer in case you want to make some changes to your preference list in the change of preference period.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

How are ATARs calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58

I’m talking to anyone who is choosing and finalising their VCE subjects, and I’m answering the question “How many VCE subjects should I do?”

2:13 How many VCE subjects do you need to get an ATAR?

According to VCAA, you have to do an English subject, and then at least 3 other VCE subjects (so 4 VCE subjects in total). Most schools will have their own rules about what they expect their students to do, but officially, you only need to complete 4 VCE subjects.

3:54 How will your ATAR be calculated?

See the episode linked below that goes through this in detail, but understanding how your ATAR will be calculated is important when you’re weighing up how many subjects you need to do. The important part for today’s discussion, is that the main part of your ATAR is calculated from your English result, your next top 3 results, and then 10% of a 5th subject and 6th subject if you do it.

5:57 Should you do a 6th VCE subject?

Knowing how your ATAR is calculated, I have some questions for you to consider if you’re trying to decide whether or not to do a 6th subject. Is it a prerequisite? Is it something you’re really interested in? Is it very different to your other subjects so it will help you feel more balanced in Year 12?

7:42 Don’t do a 6th VCE subject to try to get a better ATAR

Yes, it’s true that you will get 10% of your 6th subject added to your aggregate. But what’s the cost of doing that subject? Will doing that subject mean that you don’t have as much time to focus on your other subjects? If that’s the case, then you could actually end up with a lower aggregate and ATAR than if you had just completed 5 subjects and scored higher in those subjects. Listen as I explain it using calculations to make it more clear.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

How Are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58

If you’re trying to decide whether you want to do a scored VCE, unscored VCE or VCE-Vocational Major (VM), then listen up! In this episode I’ll explain the implications of choosing each type in terms of what happens when you want to apply to TAFE or university.

1:57 What’s the difference between a scored and an unscored VCE?

If you do a scored VCE, then you’ll get an ATAR that you can use to apply to university and TAFE courses. There might be other criteria, but most Bachelor degrees require an ATAR, so doing a scored VCE is the most efficient way of getting into one of these courses. How an unscored VCE works may differ depending on which school you go to, but it essentially means that you won’t get study scores for your subjects or an ATAR at the end of the year.

3:47 Is an unscored VCE new?

Most parents haven’t heard of an unscored VCE because it was very rare when we were at school. When students were kept at home during lockdowns throughout the pandemic, more students chose to do an unscored VCE because of the anxiety they were feeling about not being in the classroom. Since students have been back at school full time, the number of students doing an unscored VCE has decreased but it’s not back to what it was before covid, so while a minority of students are choosing to do an unscored VCE, it’s a larger minority than most parents would think.

4:40 Do all courses require an ATAR?

While the vast majority of Bachelor degrees require an ATAR as part of the selection criteria, not all do. You can find Bachelor degrees that only require completion of Year 12 and maybe a prerequisite subject. There are also Diplomas and TAFE courses that don’t require an ATAR.

5:38 If you do an unscored VCE, you can look at pathways into Bachelor degrees

If you don’t have an ATAR, there are still other ways that you can do a Bachelor degree at university if you want to. Listen up to hear more about guaranteed pathways, recommended pathways and why I think RMIT and Swinburne are great options for you if you need a pathway into a course.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

How ATARs are calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58

2:16 A note for parents about prerequisites

If you finished high school a while ago, you need to know that the prerequisites for courses have changed dramatically since we were applying to university. We’ve seen an increase in mental health issues, anxiety and comparison for today’s students, and this has led to less students choosing what some people call “harder” subjects. A lot of universities have jumped on board and changed their prerequisites to match what students are actually choosing. So my message to you is to look at what the prerequisites actually are instead of making assumptions about what subjects your child will need to do to be eligible for certain courses.

6:10 Should you do subjects like Specialist Maths?

If you love the subject, want a challenge and want to explore the particular topics within a subject, then yes, absolutely! If you’re only choosing it because you think you need it, and you are worried about how you’re going to cope in VCE and how you’ll balance the workload, then double check the prerequisites for the types of courses you’re looking at and make an informed choice about whether you need to do it or not.

8:10 If I haven’t studied subjects that used to be prerequisites, how will that impact me later on?

When universities change the prerequisites for a course, they will adapt the course to suit the new prerequisites. For example, they’ll take the content out of the VCE subject that traditionally they would have expected students to know, and they add it into the course. For a lot of students, this is a better way to do it because they no longer have the stress of VCE and ATARs over them as their learning more difficult topics.

10:40 Why do some universities still have the “harder” subjects as prerequisites?

The more prestigious universities often have higher ATAR requirements and prerequisites for their courses, and this is because their courses are in high demand and they need a way to distinguish between the students applying for the course. It doesn’t necessarily make the course better. Employers are much more interested in which applicants can show that they are capable of doing the work, so it’s more important to find courses that allow students to do internships or placements and engage with the industry they’ll be working in.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

VCE Subjects: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Yours - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/56

0:00 Updates for 2024

This episode is an update of Episode 60 that I recorded last year all about the GAT. Nothing has changed except that I mentioned VCAL last year but you can ignore that now (I also mention VCE and VCE Vocational Major, so everyone’s covered).

2:05 What does the GAT look like

Understanding the format of the GAT can help you feel more comfortable as you walk into the test on the day. I explain what the 2 sections are so you know what to expect in terms of the content and the way it’s all set out. I also mention who needs to to what section depending on your individual circumstances and whether you’re doing VCE or VCE Vocational Major.

5:20 What is the GAT used for?

The GAT will only ever be used to give you a positive benefit. It can be used to check that the SACs at your school for a particular subject as a whole have been moved high enough to more accurately reflect how difficult they were compared to the SACs at other schools. From a personal point of you, it can be used to check if your exam for a particular subject should be marked again if your GAT result suggests that your exam result should have been higher. It can also be used to help calculate a derived score in the rare case when you may not have been able to sit a SAC or external exam. Your results will only ever be increased because of your GAT results.

11:45 Should you study for the GAT?

Hopefully by understanding the format of the GAT, you can see that there’s not a specific curriculum that you need to learn to prepare for the GAT. You might feel better and more prepared if you have seen what the questions might look like and what the cover page will look like. See the links below if you’re interested in doing that.

Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services

Blog post: What is the GAT?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/roadmapblog/gat

GAT cover pages: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/index.aspx

GAT overview: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/GATOverview.aspx

1:11 What is Engineering?

Most students who are into Maths and Science have heard the suggestion that they should look at Engineering, but what even is it? Check out the episodes I’ve linked below to hear students and recent graduates talk about their course and what their day looks like if they’re already working as an Engineer. Engineers create and build solutions to problems in a whole range of areas, and they use different calculations, methods and materials to solve the problems in the most efficient way.

3:17 What type of Engineering should you do?

Different universities will offer different specialisations, including Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Software and Robotics and Mechatronics. Think about what type of science you like at school and see what specialisation would use that science the most, and if you’re not sure, Google the different types to find out more. If you’re still not sure, you don’t need to stress - most courses have a common first year so that you can get a foundation in Engineering to start with and get a taste of the different types before you decide which pathway you want to follow.

6:16 What should you look at in a Bachelor of Engineering?

Are you more academic? Or would you prefer to take things apart and see how it works? Engineering courses will all have a bit of both, but make sure you choose a course that allows you to lean into whichever type of learning you prefer. As always, you should also look at the placements or internships that are available within the course so that you can see what it’s actually like to work as an Engineer while you’re still studying, as well as building a network, learning heaps and potentially landing a graduate position with them when you finish your course.

9:27 If you’re considering Engineering, what else could you look at?

There are lots of courses that are similar to Engineering in some way. If you like the idea of building and designing things, you could consider Architecture or Design. If you’re interested in the Health field you could look at Biomedical Science or Biotechnology. If you like the idea of Software Engineering, then Information Technology or Computer Science might interest you. Aviation or Space Science are worth looking at if you’re interested in Aerospace Engineering. Make sure you check out these other courses too so that you can choose the one that suits you best. Another option that is particularly in demand at the moment is Cybersecurity. If you want to find out more, I have two episodes about Cybersecurity that you could listen to (see the links below).

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com

Other episodes about Engineering:

Electronic Engineering and Cybersecurity - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/71

Cybersecurity - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/51

Biomedical Engineering and Medicine - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/4

Robotics and Mechatronics - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/11

Software Engineering - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/15

Architecture - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/35

Civil Engineering - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/53

Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/63

1:16 What do you need to do to become a psychologist?

If you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, you need to do quite a bit of study including an undergraduate degree that is accredited by APAC (the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council). So as you’re looking at courses, if there’s any chance you’d like to become a psychologist later, check that the ones you’re looking at are accredited so that you’re on the right path.

3:05 What is it that you like about psychology?

Are you interested in the anatomy of the brain and the biology related to psychology, or do you look forward more to the topics related to human behaviour and mental illness? While all accredited courses will cover both, make sure the course you end up choosing gives you an opportunity to really focus on the areas of psychology you really like.

4:55 Other options to consider

If you like psychology but you know you don’t want to become a psychologist, there are other options you can consider. Behavioural science, counselling or marketing are good examples of these. I also mention two courses at Deakin that focus on marketing and human resources respectively from a psychology perspective, and they’re also accredited so you can pursue further study in psychology later if you choose (see links below).

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com

Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology) at Deakin University - https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-marketing-psychology

Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) at Deakin University - https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-human-resource-management-psychology

Previous episodes related to Psychology:

Arts and Psychology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/34

Psychology and Behaviour Therapy - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/19

Criminology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/10

Psychological Studies - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/7

2:50 Don’t assume you know what you can study in Bachelor Science

I did all maths and science subjects in VCE, and never even considered a Bachelor of Science. Why? Because I felt like I wasn’t that good at Chemistry or Physics, and I didn’t realise that I could do a Bachelor of Science and major in Maths or something similar (which was clearly my strength and something I loved to explore). Don’t make assumptions - check the majors so you know what a course is actually about so you can make an informed decision.

5:23 What types of majors can you study in a Bachelor of Science

If you’re considering a Bachelor of Science, you really want to check what majors are offered at the university you’re looking at to see if they focus on the types of areas you’re interested in. Start by asking yourself questions about what you already know you like. What science subject at school do you like best? What topics do you like within that subject? If you’re not sure, hop onto the websites for the different unis and read through the majors offered to see which one has a couple of majors that you could see yourself studying, and then explore them in your first year before you choose which one to focus on.

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com

Previous episodes related to Science:

Laboratory Medicine - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/61

Laboratory Assistant - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/55

Food Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/50

Science and Baking - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/48

Science Advanced - Global Challenges and Palaeontology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/47

Science and Global Studies - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/31

Forensic Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/28

Pharmaceutical Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/23

Science, Arts, Sustainability and Meteorology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/22

Pharmacy and Audiology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/20

Geology and Scientific Research - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/18

Science and Veterinary Medicine - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/13

1:33 What is a Bachelor of Arts?

Don’t confuse “Art” with “Arts”! While the subject Art at school involves things like painting and drawing, a Bachelor of Arts is more about humanities and exploring ideas through a particular perspective. Some people are reluctant to pursue a Bachelor of Arts because they think it won’t lead anywhere, however if you look at the majors within the course, there are heaps of things you can study within a Bachelor of Arts that very clearly leads to a particular job or career.

6:42 What if you don’t know what you want to do in your career?

If you don’t know yet what you want to do in your career, that’s totally normal and completely fine. I firmly believe that if you’re passionate about something and keep learning and networking in that area, opportunities will become available to you. I give a couple of examples of people who studied Arts and didn’t know where it was going to take them, including Ash Barty’s mindset coach, Ben Crowe.

8:56 A Bachelor of Arts works really well as part of a double degree

A fantastic way to explore a greater range of areas, round out your education and have more to talk about in job interviews is to combine Arts with another degree.

10:51 The majors that are offered are important

A Bachelor of Arts at 2 different universities can look completely different, so make sure you take a look at what’s offered so you can choose the right one for you. I go through some of the majors offered at The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, Swinburne and Deakin to give you an idea of what your Bachelor of Arts could look like depending on where you choose to study.

My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com

Previous episodes related to Arts:

Anthropology and Human Rights: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/45

Speech Pathology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/39

Arts and Psychology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/34

Politics, Philosophy, Economics, Arts and Law - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/26

Science, Arts, Sustainability and Meteorology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/22

Teacher, Tutor, Entrepreneur - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/21

Arts and Law - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/16

Communications (Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising and Media) - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/3