The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a critical stage in the academic journey of us Victorian students. I know exactly how it feels to be stressed, scrolling through TikTok instead of preparing for SACs and Exams… and then feeling disappointed in myself after. Here’s my list of the best VCE Study Tips to get you a head start in 2025!
With multiple subjects, countless study hours, and the pressure of achieving the best ATAR score, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you navigate this challenge, I’ve compiled some effective study tips that can guide you to excel in your VCE exams and beyond.
VCE Study Tips – Collected by Haobo.
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1. Understand the VCE Study Design Inside Out
Look. At. The. Study Design. I can’t mention this enough! Thousands of students who don’t even take a look at the study design go through VCE every year. It’s made to be a cumulative collection of everything you need to know.
Every VCE subject has a study design, which acts as a syllabus outlining what you need to know for the exam. Thoroughly reading and understanding this document will give you clarity on the key areas to focus on. Mark the areas that are emphasized more and ensure that your revision aligns with the study design. Remember, studying smart is about targeting what’s essential.
Tip:
- Download the study designs from the VCAA website.
- Make a checklist for each key knowledge point to track your understanding.
- Make sure you read the latest 2025 version of each.
2. Create a Realistic VCE Study Plan
When I say realistic, I mean realistic. After several years of teaching, I’ve found that underestimating how much you’ll do is 100x better than overestimating. Plan as little as 10 minutes of study for each subject per day, then you can do more if you’re already at the table.
Time management is crucial during VCE. Create a study plan that includes not just your study time, but also time for breaks, leisure, and sleep. Prioritize subjects based on your strengths and areas needing improvement. Allocate more time for subjects or topics you find challenging, and review these areas regularly.
Tip:
- Use digital tools like Google Calendar or a study planner app.
- Break down large topics into smaller chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- UNDER PLAN where you can and exceed expectations.
3. Develop Effective VCE Note-Taking Strategies
Notes are not effective just on their own. Make sure you actually utilise them properly or you’re just wasting your time.
Effective notes are concise, well-organized, and highlight the main points. Whether it’s a detailed summary or mind maps, find a style that works for you. Make your notes visual by using colors, diagrams, and illustrations, especially for subjects like Biology or Chemistry, where processes and concepts are best understood through visual aids.
Tip:
- Consider using the Cornell Note-Taking Method, where notes are divided into key ideas, details, and summary sections.
- Review and condense your notes weekly to reinforce memory.
- Make sure you listen and understand the content that the teacher explains during class.
4. Practice with VCE Past Exams
One of the most effective ways to prepare for VCE exams is by doing as many past exams as possible. This helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format, time management, and the type of questions typically asked. Analyze the marking schemes and examiner reports to identify common pitfalls and understand what assessors are looking for in your answers.
Tip:
- Aim to complete at least 3–5 past exams for each subject. If you’re aiming higher, you can go upwards of 20.
- Time yourself to simulate exam conditions and build confidence.
5. Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
Active recall involves testing yourself on the content rather than passively rereading it. For example, try writing down what you know about a topic without looking at your notes. Combine this with spaced repetition, where you revisit topics at increasing intervals to strengthen your memory.
Tip:
- Use flashcards, either physical or digital (e.g., Anki), to quiz yourself.
- Schedule revision of older topics in your study plan to prevent forgetting.
6. Seek Help Early and Regularly
If you’re struggling with a particular topic or subject, don’t wait until the end of the term to seek help. Speak to your teachers, join study groups, or consider getting a tutor. Many students find it helpful to study with peers to exchange ideas and clarify doubts. Asking questions and discussing challenging problems will deepen your understanding.
Tip:
- Join online VCE forums or Facebook groups to connect with other students.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for additional resources or practice questions.
7. Prioritize Wellbeing: Rest, Nutrition, and Exercise
Burnout is a real risk during VCE. Overstudying can lead to fatigue, decreased focus, and poor retention of information. Make time for regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, and get adequate sleep. These habits will not only help you maintain your energy levels but also enhance your cognitive performance.
Tip:
- Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to stay focused and relaxed.
- Ensure you’re getting at least 8 hours of sleep, especially in the weeks leading up to exams.
8. Master Time Management in Exams
Even if you know the content, poor time management during the exam can cost you valuable marks. Read through the entire exam paper first, and start by tackling the questions you’re most confident with. Allocate time to each question based on its marks, and keep an eye on the clock.
Tip:
- Practice timing yourself when doing past papers to get a sense of pacing.
- Leave 5–10 minutes at the end to review your answers and make any necessary changes.
9. Use Subject-Specific Strategies
Each VCE subject has its own demands and quirks. For subjects like English or Literature, develop your essay-writing skills and build a repertoire of quotes. For Maths and Science subjects, focus on problem-solving skills, formula recall, and application of concepts. Tailoring your strategies to suit each subject will maximize your potential.
Tip:
- For English, practice writing under timed conditions and get feedback on your essays.
- For STEM subjects, create a formula and theory sheet to review regularly.
10. Stay Positive and Confident
Finally, your mindset plays a massive role in your success. Believe in your ability to achieve your goals and maintain a positive outlook. When faced with setbacks, treat them as learning opportunities rather than failures. Celebrate small achievements along the way to keep yourself motivated.
Tip:
- Don’t tell yourself that you’re a failure. You’re not. This is your journey and whatever happens, you did it!
- Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your own progress and growth.
VCE is a demanding period, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s also an opportunity to develop discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will serve you in university and beyond. Use these tips to optimize your study approach and take control of your learning. Good luck, and remember that your best is always enough!
These are some of the best VCE Study Tips collected by Haobo after his years of VCE study and tutoring. See our website for premium tutors and free VCE resources!
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The Author
Lead VCE Tutor
Haobo Zhang
High-demand, leading tutor from the University of Melbourne specialising in VCE Maths and Biology. Founder of HZ Tutoring.
Scholarships
100% scholarship for Academic Ability at The Geelong College and Kardinia International College. Geelong College VCE High-Achiever. Top percentile in the Melbourne High selective test.
Awards
High-ranked Superprof VCE ‘Super Tutor‘ in 2023. Highly-reviewed tutor with countless 5-star ratings. Top private VCE company tutor in 2023. Top 10% in booking requests for VCE and Scholarships in 2024.
Qualifications
Founder of HZ Tutoring. Scaled 44 in Methods and 49 in Specialist. Hundreds of hours of tutoring. Written VCE trial exams. Prize in the Australian Maths Competition. WWCC approved. Results. Always
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