Subject selection can help set yourself up for success
It’s easy to look at success and try and find a common denominator,but what’s the trick to getting there?
Whilst it’s true that every successful career is built on a solid foundation of knowledge, I believe it’sconsistency and planning that’s the real key to success,which you can achieve by well-considered subject selection!
If I hadn’t spent the time to really think about my subjects in year 10, I would’ve found my first year at University exceedingly difficult.
No matter what pathway you have your sights set on, you can set yourself up for success by getting off on the right foot with your subject selection.
You’ve probably already heard that the subjects you choose in year 11 and for your HSC, should be ones you genuinely enjoy. This rule hasn’t changed. It won’t ever change. Interest in what you’re studying is a huge motivator to study!
This article will set out precisely some of the considerations you should make in the subject selection process, to help make your first year at University in a STEM degree as easy as possible!
Step 1: Build a strong foundation
One subject that is common to every STEM degree is a first-year mathematics course. Maths courses aren’t just for mathematics majors, they’re ubiquitous in STEM degrees.
Mathematics is the language of a scientist. Most universities list their prerequisites and assumed knowledge on their faculty pages.
Remember:Even if you don’t complete any Mathematics at high school, you will still be able to enrol, you’ll just have to complete abridging course.
The same applies to all other courses. If your course required Chemistry, or another HSC course you didn’t complete, so don’t fret! They’re basically short courses that allow you to catch up!
My goal here is to help make your first year as easy as possible. I cannot more strongly endorse completing at least Mathematics Extension 1 for your HSC.
It is assumed you know all the things covered in this course at most major institutions including UNSW. Here is a passage directly, from UNSW’s first year advice page:
数学1主要针对HSC数学扩展1的学生1.
对于低于此的标记，您建议您做一个Mathematics Bridging Course.
步骤2：开始指定目标
一旦您拥有坚实的基础，我们需要开始研究哪些特定科目对您的学位最有帮助。这是一个可能对您有所帮助的粗略摘要：
| 有兴趣？ | Try: |
|---|---|
| Anything Bio related: Biomedical Engineering, Medical Science | Biology |
| Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering | Engineering Studies |
| Coding/Software Engineering | 软件设计和开发 |
| Networks/Databases | Information Process Technology |
| Physics | Physics |
| Physics and/or Mathematics | Mathematics Extension 1 |
步骤3：用您喜欢的东西填充其余的主题！
I said at the beginning of this article, to take subjects you like. In case you’re not convinced, let me take a moment to try and convince you!
您现在是否有一个主题，或者您过去曾经鄙视的主题？想象一下,要把这两个years.
Disliking you subject will put you off studying, which will make the exams harder, which will make you more demotivated and hate the subject even more.
It’s a vicious cycle, that you don’t need to put yourself through. Never pick a subject just because you’ve heard it scales well, and don’t pick a subject just because someone else tells you to! That includes me!
I said to strongly consider Mathematics Extension 1, because it will make your first year easier,but if you hate mathematics, don’t take it if you don’t want to!
Looking for some extra help with your studies?
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Vamsi Srinivasanis looking to uncover the next hidden truth of the universe. He was fascinated by the beauty of Physics and Mathematics during his HSC. Now, he’s in his third year of a dual degree in Physics/Computer Science. Vamsi wanted to share his passion for Maths and Physics and has been an Art of Smart coach for the past 3 years. He coaches students in Physics as well as all ranges of HSC Maths from General to Extension 2. In his spare time you can find him watching Tennis or listening to his favourite podcast ‘Hello Internet’.
