Which subject to do? (1 Viewer)

[liamlolz]

Guys, I need some help!

I don't know whether or not to drop Physics at the end of the semester and pick up specialist.
Here's my pro's and con's for both:

Physics
Pros:
-I know I should be able to do at least average at it in year 12
-I am moderately interested in it.
Cons:
- Bores me sometimes
- Never excited for Physics lessons

Specialist Maths
Pros:
- I like Maths
- Will allow me to do a semester less of a subject in Uni
- Possibly boost ATAR because of higher scaling (Not a deciding factor for me though)
Cons:
- It will be harder and I may fail it. It's said to be the hardest SACE subject.
- Never experienced it before so I might not even like it.

Which ever I choose I will have to do it in year 12.

I don't think y'all have Specialist Mathematics in the HSC, but it's a harder Maths subject that focuses on 'engineering type' maths, namely Trig.

I would do both, but my school makes it compulsory to undertake a subject called Research Skills which is the most useless subject ever. I may be able to not do it with the support of my parents by calling the SACE board.


So, which should I do? Or how should I decide?

Thanks!

 

[rumbleroar]

I'm assuming that "specialist math" is like extension 1 or 2 maths over here?
I think if you believe you can do better in it, it's a much better reason to choose that than physics. Are you able to pick both or are you only able to pick one? I'm not familiar with subjects in SA, so I can't give you very good advice.

I recommend flicking through the syllabi of each subject and determine whether or not you like the sound of what's going to be taught.
TBH, I reckon you should go for maths, because it sounds like you're not as interested in physics, and I always recommend people take the subjects they really like because more passion = more dedication to your subject = higher likelihoods of higher marks because you spend more time on it.

You will also find maths a much more flexible field if you're deciding for a range of degrees in university.

Best of luck

 

[liamlolz]

I'm assuming that "specialist math" is like extension 1 or 2 maths over here?

I am not really sure because the Maths subjects are so different here.

Are you able to pick both or are you only able to pick one?

If I were to, it'd be going against school policy (as I explained in my original post, 'research skills' is required so that I would have too many subjects). I would then have to argue with my school, which would not be fun.

I recommend flicking through the syllabi of each subject and determine whether or not you like the sound of what's going to be taught.
TBH, I reckon you should go for maths, because it sounds like you're not as interested in physics, and I always recommend people take the subjects they really like because more passion = more dedication to your subject = higher likelihoods of higher marks because you spend more time on it.

You will also find maths a much more flexible field if you're deciding for a range of degrees in university.

Best of luck

Yeah I've been going through the year 12 past exams to see which looks more interesting.

Thanks for your input, I will take all you have said into consideration.

(Good luck this year on your HSC, by the way!)

 

[strawberrye]

Perhaps you should seek the advice of your teachers and see which subject they recommend you to take upon-sometimes your teacher knows better than you of your own academic capabilities because they can more objectively evaluate your academic potential, sometimes you tend to underestimate your own potential. If possible, I would also advise you to talk to students who have undertaken both subjects before and see what they suggest and how they found each subject. Sometimes just looking through exams may not be adequate to give you an accurate idea of which subject you will enjoy more, and thus, will be more likely to excel in. Regardless, I wish you all the best for you to ace your senior year studies