As a year 10 student, choosing the most compatible HSC subjects for years 11 and 12 is imperative. It has a significant role to play in establishing your future. Once you enter the final laps of your high school, it is vital to choose the HSC subjects efficiently.
It will ensure a strong foundation of yours before entering the college. It will also play a pivotal role in preparing you for your future goals. These subjects should be valuable as well as relevant. Therefore, when it comes to selecting those subjects, you must pay extra attention.
So, here we are going to share the steps that you need to follow to choose the subjects for HSC. Following those steps will help you select the subjects that are best compatible with your interests as well as your career. Apart from that, there are numerous other specific factors that you need to keep in mind, which we are about to discuss. It will help you make the best and most fruitful decision.
Steps to choose the best HSC subjects for years 11 and 12:
- Step 1: The influence of passion in choosing HSC subjects
Now, passion is the first thing that you need to keep in mind. You must choose the subjects you are passionate about. You should know that you will need a lot of time studying your subjects. So, if you are not passionate about the subject, you will get tired of studying it.
To be precise, you will be spending 120 hours in year 11, and 120 hours in year 12 studying in the class. Keep a note about the fact that this time will not include exams and assessments.
Therefore, it is imperative to choose the subjects that you are interested in. Otherwise, your time and effort will go in vain. We can understand that choosing your preferred subject is not enough to achieve satisfactory grades in HSC. However, the probability will be higher.
- Step 2: Keep the end in mind:
Whenever you are picking up the HSC subjects, you have to keep the end in mind. To be specific, you are quite meticulous in choosing the university. You should know that every university course consists of ‘Assumed Knowledge’ and ‘Recommended Knowledge’ requirements for specific courses.
In case, you fail to study these subjects in years 11 and 12, it will make it tough for you to get the desired degree from a specific university. In some cases, it may become impossible. So, here, we are about to provide you with some examples, which will help you to get a clear idea.
MEDICINE AND HEALTH:
Medicine (UNSW Sydney):
Assumed knowledge: English as a second language and the fundamentals of English are not considered a suitable preparation.
Recommended studies– Chemistry
If you want to study medicine, it is recommended to take chemistry in years 11 and 12. This is a recommended subject. So, it signifies the fact that if you don’t take chemistry, you can still study medicine.
B Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine (University of Sydney):
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics or HSC mathematics extension
It is mandatory to take some units of study in biology and mathematics during the course. This course requires a course prerequisite of mathematics (Band 4). Here, the assumed knowledge will still be applied.
For dentistry:
Here, the prerequisite is to make at least 2U mathematics (Advanced) or Extension 1 maths. To be specific, Sydney University demands a minimum score in mathematics of a Band 4. You will see that the mark is greater than 70%.
In case you don’t take mathematics and do general maths instead, you can opt for a bridging course. However, you have to keep in mind that this course is pretty intense. Here, you will learn a lot of content quickly and there is a possibility that your foundation will not be strong enough.
B Psychology (Honours) (Macquarie University):
For psychology: Here, the universities will require either ‘Recommended’ or ‘Assumed’.
Macquarie University recommends taking mathematics in the years 11 and 12. It signifies the fact that you don’t have to take maths in years 11 and 12 to study psychology. However, expect to get exposed to advanced-level maths in the degree, which may create a lot of hassles for you.
Therefore, to get the most fruitful results, you should opt for studying mathematics in the years 11 and 12.
You must take note that Sydney University listed ‘mathematics’ as ‘assumed knowledge’ for psychology and that demands students to score a minimum Band 4 to be eligible.
B Applied Science (Physiotherapy) (University of Sydney):
Assumed knowledge: Physics, Chemistry
Recommended studies: Mathematics
Physiotherapy requires chemistry and physics as assumed knowledge. It is surprising for numerous aspiring physios as they live under a preconceived notion that biology will be a prerequisite.
Additionally, advanced mathematics is recommended as well.
ENGINEERING & SCIENCE:
B Engineering (Honours) (Flexible first year) (UNSW Sydney)
For engineering– You need to take 3U maths and physics
If you can dig out a bit, you will find out that a lot of students who want to study engineering often make the mistake of not studying 3U mathematics. It creates a lot of hassle for them in the future. So, if you want to study engineering, take mathematics in HSC.
Additionally, it is recommended that the students take another science such as chemistry or biology. Also, if you want to create a strong foundation in mathematics, opt for extension 2 (4U) maths.
B Science (Computer Science) Degrees (UNSW Sydney):
Assumed Knowledge: HSC Mathematics Extension 1
Recommended studies: Engineering studies, Information processes and technology, HSC mathematics extension 2, software design and development, and physics.
This degree requires students to opt for HSC extension 1 (3U) mathematics. You can stay assured that all the programming skills will be taught by all the universities. However, if you want to get a chance at a higher university, you can take physics, software design, processes and technology.
B Science:
Assumed Knowledge: Chemistry and mathematics along with one of biology, earth, and environmental science, HSC Mathematics Extension 1, and physics.
There are numerous prerequisites for science. It comprises chemistry and mathematics (advanced) at a minimum. Also, there will be additional science or maths.
To get the chance in the university, you either need to study 2 sciences and 1 maths, or 1 science with 2 maths. Keep in mind that Sydney University requires a minimum 70% score in mathematics.
COMMERCE & LAW
B Commerce (UNSW Sydney):
Assumed Knowledge: Mathematics
Recommended studies– English (Advanced), HSC Mathematics Extension 1
Lots of students study commerce degrees, and many opt for standard maths in years 11 and 12. You must know that it is a mistake.
Commerce requires a minimum of mathematics as well as recommended extensions 1 (3U) mathematics. Yes, you can study courses along with taking standard maths in years 11 and 12, however, it will become tougher for you for the first year of a commerce degree as there will be numerous core compulsory subjects that rely on mathematics.
B Actuarial Studies (UNSW Sydney):
Assumed Knowledge: HSC Mathematics Extension 1
Recommended Studies: English (Advanced), HSC Mathematics Extension 2
If you have plans to pursue actuarial studies, make sure that you are taking a minimum extension of 1 (3U) Maths. However, it will be helpful for you if you want to take 4U maths. It will provide you with the confidence to excel at the university.
Combined Law Degrees (University of Sydney):
Assumed knowledge: None
For another degree: Law combined with a B in Commerce, B in Economics, B in Engineering Honours, or B Science will require a prerequisite of mathematics (Band 4). The assumed knowledge will work.
There is good news with a laws degree is that it doesn’t have any assumed knowledge requirements. Perhaps, you have to make sure that your English ability is up to the mark. It is imperative to stay strong in English if you want to get the most fruitful results from your studies. So, take advanced English in HSC and prepare for your degree.
- Step 3: Consider the HSC subject workload:
It is one of the most significant steps that you need to follow. The reason is that you don’t want to take on more work than you can handle.
Here, the main thing that you need to do is to think about the major works. Generally, it is recommended that you stick to a maximum of two major work subjects.
They are known as major work for a reason. So, if you are planning to take more than two at a time, it could be quite exhausting for you.
Also, you are allowed to drop down from a subject, but you can’t move up.
- Step 4: Factors that influence the scaling of HSC subjects:
Now, it is the final step that you need to follow.
We have already discussed in the first step that you must choose HSC subjects that you are passionate about. It is more important than the subjects that simply ‘scale’ well.
Perhaps, taking is imperative to take scaling into consideration, especially when it comes to choosing the level of Maths and English that you are about to take.
Scaling deal for HSC English:
You could be in the bottom 25% of English advanced. That mark, when scaled to calculate your ATAR, will be as high as the scaled mark that you will get in the top 25% for English Standard.
Scaling for HSC Mathematics:
You need to understand that scaling implications for maths are not as extreme. For instance, if you are bottom 25% for mathematics, it is similar to being in the top 40% for standard or general maths.
Well, there is one important thing that you need to keep in mind. Sometimes, dropping to general maths can be advantageous for you from the point of view of scaling. However, there is a kick to it. If you drop down to general maths, it would be hard for you to meet the prerequisites of a university.
In that case, one of the most important things that you need to do is to take a bridging course before getting admission to a university.
Scaling for HSC Physics, Chemistry, and Biology:
Chemistry and physics are similar to P25 Scaling. For physics, you will need 23.4 and for chemistry, you will need 24.9. So, you can understand that chemistry is marginally better. Biology is far behind these subjects. You will need 18.3 for biology.
You must keep one point in mind physics and chemistry are the prerequisites for numerous universities. It makes them a great option at this level. However, you must remember step 1 and pick subjects that you enjoy the most.
For instance, there is a possibility that you like biology the most. In that case, you must take it. If you can achieve a mark of P90+ in Biology, your scaled mark will be 40. Similarly, if you pick up chemistry, which you don’t like much, because of the better scales, you may find yourself in the top 25%. Here, the scaled mark will be 39, which is worse than biology.
Therefore, it is always the best decision to take the subjects that you love the most.
Some quick and surefire tips to choose the best HSC subjects:
- Make sure to select the subject that you like the most.
- Get advice from your parents and teachers.
- Avoid putting much pressure on your head.
- Consider your preferred course and university meticulously.
- Consider other tasks before making the final decision.
Important questions to ask yourself before making the final decision:
- Which subjects do I like the most?
- Am I keeping my options open?
- Have I conducted the right research?
So, these are all the things that you need to keep in mind before choosing your HSC subjects. If you are looking for a place that will help you choose the best HSC subjects, you can get in touch with Kalibre Education. Stay assured that, they will help you to prepare for the HSC subjects.
