Six science-backed VCE study hacks
Preparing for Year 12 exams is no cake walk. And if the sweet treats aren’t doing what they should, where do you turn? Well, this is it: your science-backed VCE survival guide.
A clinical psychologist, a cognitive neuroscientist and a Swinburne student walk into a podcast studio.
Why? To share everything they wish you knew about Year 12. From studying smarter, to avoiding burnout, and how someone who’s ‘really, really bad at studying’ still wound up with an ‘embarrassingly good ATAR’.
Listen to What I Wish I Knew, or read on for the experts’ top VCE do’s and don’ts.
1. Do: Look for the fun
Making studying fun is a tall order. But according to neuropsychologist and senior lecturer Dr Catherine Orr, it could be the secret to committing information to your long-term memory.
'Think of your long-term memory as like a network,' says Dr Catherine.
'Linking new information that we’re trying to learn to information we already have is really going to help embed it in your long-term memory, and also increase your understanding.'
How does this look in practice? Try associating what you’re studying with something you already know and love, like the plot of a favourite movie or TV show.
Can geography link to Game of Thrones? Can chemistry connect to Crazy Rich Asians? It might sound ridiculous, but this tactic can help new information get a foothold in your memory.
Third-year IT student Aiden said it best. 'If there’s any fun to be found in a subject, I think that is the key.'
2. Don't: Drop your hobbies
Copping criticism from a parent or teacher for spending too much time on your hobbies? Well, it turns out they play a critical role during VCE, giving you a support structure and time to de-stress.
Aiden shared his experience.
'I did a lot of music in high school. Band was one of my favourite places to be. It took me away from everything, and I could just have fun.'
'My year level co-ordinator pulled me out of the music program, and he was like, you've got to focus on your work. But I couldn't maintain it for very long. I think that was the point at which I actually burned out.'
Dr Kelvin Wong, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at Swinburne, agrees – hobbies are a must during VCE for stress relief.
He says, 'my best self-care tip for stressed students would be to really connect with something that you enjoy that is not studying.'
3. Do: Take frequent breaks
The myth persists that quality study looks like sitting at your desk for hours on end, staring at textbooks. Consider this myth: busted.
Dr Catherine says: 'You need to have a break from actively reading and rehearsing to consolidate things in your long-term memory.'
'Consolidate just means to kind of lock it in. And one of the best things you can do is to have a break from that active learning, reading and rehearsing stage of learning.'
'Try to get outside and get some natural light, get some fresh air, and try to take a bit of a break from active learning.'
So, next time someone asks why you’re stepping away from your studies for a break – you can let them know it’s all part of your science-backed method.
4. Do: Know your stress signals
Stress looks different for everyone. But Dr Catherine shared a few ways to notice your own signals.
'A lot of people feel their stress in their body. They might feel their throat getting tight. They might feel physically hot.'
'That might be an indication that you need to take a little break. Do something to regulate your body and bring your heart rate and your blood pressure down a little bit.'
For others, stress can be more of a mental game.
'They might find their thoughts are racing. They might have what we call “avoidant thoughts”, where it's almost like their thoughts bounce off the thing that they're trying to study.'
If you can get attuned to your own stress signals and check in with yourself regularly, you’ll know when it’s time to take a step back and reset.
5. Don't: Ghost your friends
You’re in this together. And just by hanging out, chatting, and making space for some fun, you and your friends can support each other through the pressures of VCE.
In fact, it’s Aiden’s number one piece of advice he would give to his younger self.
'I think if I put a bit more time into my friends, that would have been good. Invest time into friends, and don't be afraid to do that. Because it's not all about study. It's the people around you.'
6. Do: Keep things in perspective
We know you’ve heard it before, but it’s true: you are not your ATAR. And if you don’t get the ATAR you wanted for your first preference, it isn’t the end of the road.
Dr Kelvin says, 'Something that I wish I knew was that this is not the end. There are so many different opportunities in university.'
'Maybe you'll pivot. Maybe you'll meet some people who present you with different opportunities. Keep an open mind towards the experience.'
Do what you can during VCE, and know there are a whole lot of pathways that can get you where you want to be.
For some food for thought, check out our Early Entry Program, and UniLink diplomas.
Want more support as you prepare for uni?
Whether you’d like to explore your course options or need guidance on arranging your VTAC preferences, we’re here to get you where you want to go. Reach out to our team of Future Student Advisers and book a one-on-one appointment.
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