4U Decision: Please provide any advice you can give (1 Viewer)

[lachy95]

Hey Guys,

I appreciate that guides for this thing are already up. But I am in quite a unique position. And yes this applies directly to 4U.

I am in Year 11. My current units are as follows:

2U Drama (I can rank 1 or 2)
2U English (rank 1)
1U English Ext. (rank 1)
2U Modern History (rank 1)
3U Maths (rank something like 12)
2U Chemistry (rank something like 8)

Right now, I'm considering dropping Chemistry for 4U Maths. (I will also definitely pick up a 4th unit of English). My logic is that Chemistry is a subject which has average scaling and one that I'm not topping (or able to top) - plus I'm told it requires extreme attention to detail. It is a good study subject though. I don't enjoy it THAT much.

Maths on the other hand, whilst I'm nowhere near topping, is a subject I enjoy studying for. If I put in a solid, organised study block I can rank 5ish for 3U. But I'm probably working 125% of what rank 1, 2, 3, and 4 are.

HOWEVER, it must be said that I'm not a mathematically-minded person. Hence the English Extension, Modern History and Drama. My capacity for understanding concepts is most likely restricted compared to other people. I will not top 4U Maths. It's just not an option. To be honest, my absolute highest rank would probably be 5. And thats if a relatively small number of people do it. I also make silly mistakes (a lot)

Positives of 4U for me:

- The scaling is so good. I don't need the burden of ranking 1st in 4U Maths to get a good result.
- It means my 2U Result (which is scaled poorly and hence requires max rank) doesn't get counted.
- Apparently, nobody ever regrets the decision to do 4U
- Apparently, it is extremely rare to have 4U the units which aren't counted in ATAR.

The one disadvantage is the workload. And I already have the burden of not being a naturally talented mathematician. This, by the way, combined with 2 Major Works: Drama and EX2 English.

So, the choice is between:

1) Keep Chemistry
The communicative subject (which I'm generally better at), but the one that requires very specific attention to detail. Due to its ordinary scaling, I'll have to rank well. Which means a lot of work and a bit of luck. This option would require doing 13 units (EX2 English is a no-brainer).

2) Drop Chem, Do 4U Maths
The subject that requires a massive amount of work and conceptual understanding (or does it?). I'll probably have to smash out the better half of both Major Works in the summer holidays.

One last thing: My aim for the HSC is a high ATAR (99.7). I don't need to care about having fun. I will be boarding so I'll have lots of time on my hands. If the end result of one of these options is a guaranteed* (to a probable extent, I understand nothing can ever be guaranteed as far as success in the HSC is concerned) higher ATAR, then any amount of extra study hours is worth it.

THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[madharris]

I think you should pick 4u maths up and keep chemistry for about 4 weeks.

During these four weeks, read over the HSC chemistry syllabus

Get a feel for the subjects, what ever you struggle at/dislike the most drop that!
Who knows, maybe you might like both of them and drop something else

EDIT: I just say that last paragraph. YOU NEED TO HAVE FUN! otherwise you will burn out. Do a manageable time each day however, allow yourself some rest/free time. You should increase the amount of study at least a month before, but if you're constantly doing 8hours a day, it will become repetitive and boring

 

[lachy95]

Thanks madharris. Very interesting suggestion. 14 Units could get a bit intense, though. Although its definitely an option.

And, yeah, I would have fun. I'm just trying to force myself into a good pattern of study.

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[cutemouse]

My logic is that Chemistry is a subject which has average scaling

In 2009 a raw mark of 60 or so was scaled to around 80. I don't think that's "average scaling" IMO...

In regards to 4U maths, if you can answer the following question correctly then you should do 4U:

Solve for x: |x+1| = -5

 

[Shadowdude]

Your "positives" for MX2 are pretty bad, tbh.

"Positives of 4U for me:

- The scaling is so good. I don't need the burden of ranking 1st in 4U Maths to get a good result.
- It means my 2U Result (which is scaled poorly and hence requires max rank) doesn't get counted.
- Apparently, nobody ever regrets the decision to do 4U
- Apparently, it is extremely rare to have 4U the units which aren't counted in ATAR."

Scaling? No 2u result? 'Apparently' statements?

Scaling is nothing to you if you don't do well. If you're happy your 2u result isn't counted, I'm sure your maths marks are very bad - and you're going to die in MX2.

I know a few people who have regretted 4u, and the last thing is probably true just because of the sheer scaling. But most people who take MX2 are okay at maths, so they'll at least get a good-ish mark.


Keep Chemistry, imo. You need better reasons to take up 4u, like "I like maths" or "I'm good at maths" or "I am interested in pursuing maths at a tertiary level".



Also don't give me that "i'm not a mathematically minded person because i do english" thing because my degree program says otherwise.

 

[Nooblet94]

Chemistry is one of the best scaling subjects (although you shouldn't let this affect your decision)

 

[D94]

In regards to 4U maths, if you can answer the following question correctly then you should do 4U:

Solve for x: |x+1| = -5

Clever. Are we in some alien field?

 

[theind1996]

Do 4U and Chemistry imo.

If you want 99.7, you need to take scaling into consideration, and combined with having 2 major works, I'd say drop Drama/EE2.

Modern is a decent scaler, Chemistry is good, Drama scales poorly, and 4U Maths is an excellent scaler, so if you're capable of even getting a mark of 80 in 3U (which you seemingly are), go for it.

 

[kayven]

Your doing very well in all your subjects, especially English. I would say that you could probably handle 4 unit maths but coping with 3u english and 4u maths would be hard. I've heard cases where people dropped 3u English because of it. Why not do 4u English? I asked my friend about it and she said its not that bad (but major work is annoying).

My honest opinion, give it ago and if it is too hard drop it .

 

[lachy95]

thanks theind1996 and kayven. i think id best keep drama - im doing a category of major work that not too many people do. and so hopefully i'll get into onstage. i'll also be doing 4U english.

Has anybody heard of (or experienced) any cases of 4U Maths NOT working out or maybe being not counted?

I suppose another factor could be that i can allocate my time for coaching/tutoring to 4U Maths and have that affect my 3U maths as well. however, if i do chem i'll probably want to be coached in both chem and 3U maths. so doing 4U maths would be a more effective use of tutoring time and money.

Some people have also suggested picking up Ancient History but its too late and i dont really want to risk it with two humanities.

 

[D94]

Has anybody heard of (or experienced) any cases of 4U Maths NOT working out or maybe being not counted?

http://www.uac.edu.au/documents/atar/2011_HSC_Table A6.pdf

Table A6 shows that of those who took MX2 and received an ATAR, it counted for 98% of students. Therefore, 2% of students didn't have MX2 being counted towards their ATAR for those who received an ATAR

 

[lachy95]

Thanks D94 thats some interesting information in that table