This is a question that has been asked a couple of times in the past.
The general consensus was if you work hard for math during your long break after HSC and also work very hard during the semester, you may just pull through.
Talking about programming/problem solving faster, what did you guys do for your Something Awesome? There were quite a bunch of people doing like hackerrank/project euler for "problem solving".
I managed to get both the pracs (triangle and simplify). Triangle could be done within minutes whereas simplify was a little more tricking with the last test. On the other hand, I got absolutely rekt by the theory.
@turntaker, https://github.com/Cyberbully/COMP1917-14s1
Those are some...
KotaBear99 is correct that the 'need' can just be personal.
You want to pick a project which complement your skills and interest so you will have no trouble finding motivation until the end.
If you hit your estimate, you will almost get in for sure unless there is a huge surge of kids wanting to hop onto the hype train.
afaik, software engineering isnt that different to any other engineering course. Be prepared for > 3 days a week.
http://www.pasthsc.com.au//HSC_Mathematics_files/2UnitPastHSCBreakdown.pdf
http://www.pasthsc.com.au//HSC_Maths_Extn_1_files/Extn1PastHSCBreakdown.pdf
For HSC papers.
I'm sure the best way to get a 'correct' answer is to pose an 'incorrect' one so this is my take:
I think general education are the subjects outside of your faulty whereas free electives are the ones that are in your faculty?
It really depends on the environment the kid is in. If it is an asian kid, you just have to be more strict and stern. If they still do not listen to you, bring it up to their parents.
It sounds like you're working really hard to make it interesting but it won't help if the kid just does not...