Why VCE Feels So Confusing for Parents — And How to Get the Information You Actually Need
Release Date: 11/18/2025
VU: Why Should You Consider Victoria University
Course and Career Chat
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Victoria University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: The negative misconceptions many people still have about Victoria University and where they came from Facts to counter the misconceptions, including student perspectives and subject rankings The courses and...
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The University of Melbourne: Why Should You Consider It?
Course and Career Chat
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider The University of Melbourne? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: The Melbourne Model. What is it and what are the pros and cons? The number of majors available in The University of Melbourne's generalist undergraduate degrees like Arts and Science Breadth subjects...
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ACU: Why should you consider Australian Catholic University?
Course and Career Chat
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Australian Catholic University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: You don't need to be Catholic to go to ACU, and you won't have to study religion in your course ACU has a smaller campus than the other major universities in Melbourne, and that could be pro or a...
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RMIT University: Why Should You Consider It?
Course and Career Chat
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider RMIT University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: RMIT's location in the middle of Melbourne The fact that RMIT is dual sector and what that means for students looking at vocational training, higher education and pathway courses RMIT's amazing industry...
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VCE Results Are Coming: Understanding Your ATAR and Finding the Right Pathway
Course and Career Chat
VCE results are released tomorrow, and whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, this episode is here to support you. Even though we all know ATARs aren’t the most important thing in the long run, they do feel important right now — and that’s completely normal. In this short pep talk, I explain why your ATAR is simply a piece of data that helps you make your next step, not a measure of your worth, potential, or future success. You’re allowed to celebrate if you’re proud of your results, and you’re allowed to feel disappointed if they’re not what you expected. I...
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What Year 12 Students Should Do Before VCE Results: How to Finalise VTAC Preferences
Course and Career Chat
Now that VCE exams are finished, it’s time for Year 12 students to prepare their VTAC preference list before results are released next week. In this episode, I explain why finalising preferences early leads to better choices, how to set up your list with dream courses and pathways, and what to do if you still have no idea what you want to study next year. Timestamps: 1:30 — What to do after VCE exams 4:45 — Why you should finalise VTAC preferences before results 8:30 — What to do if you don’t know what you want to study Links: Work with me: VTAC dates:
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Why ATAR Goals Can Backfire — A Healthier Way to Approach VCE Goal Setting
Course and Career Chat
In this episode, I share why setting goals around a specific ATAR or study score can actually increase stress, reduce motivation and lead to burnout. Inspired by Dr Emily on The Imperfects Podcast, we explore a healthier approach to VCE goal setting — one that focuses on future pathways, not numbers students can’t fully control. Timestamps: 1:48 — Why I’ve never liked ATAR-based goals 3:55 — Dr Emily’s take on goal setting 5:20 — Why students burn out when they chase a number 8:20 — How to create healthier, more meaningful VCE goals Links: Work with me: The Imperfects Podcast...
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Why VCE Feels So Confusing for Parents — And How to Get the Information You Actually Need
Course and Career Chat
In this episode, I share how trying to navigate my son’s cricket club with zero information helped me understand exactly how parents feel when their child starts VCE. You’ll hear why VCE feels so overwhelming, why schools often don’t communicate clearly, and how understanding the system helps you make better decisions about VCE subjects, tertiary pathways and supporting your teen through Year 11 and 12. Timestamps: 0:45 — Trying to start cricket with no information 6:11 — Why VCE parents feel lost 10:24 — How I support families through VCE Links: Work with me: The Parents’ Guide...
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How to Choose the Right VCE Subjects, Tertiary Courses and Career Pathways (and Stop Cutting Off Your Options)
Course and Career Chat
Choosing VCE subjects and planning a tertiary pathway can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re worried about closing off future options. In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I share stories of four students who were unintentionally limiting their choices because of assumptions about what they could or couldn’t do. You’ll hear how, once they had the right information, they were able to make informed decisions about their VCE subjects, courses, and career pathways — and feel confident about their next steps. Timestamps: 1:00 – Penny’s story: Exploring creative careers...
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The Truth About ATAR Focused Tutoring Ads: Why They Feed VCE Anxiety (and What Really Helps)
Course and Career Chat
You’ve seen the tutoring ads — the ones bragging about all their tutors getting ATARs over 99, studying medicine or law, or being dux of their schools. These ads drive me crazy because they completely miss the point. In this episode, I explain why high ATARs don’t make someone a good tutor, how tutoring companies lean into a broken VCE system, and why they make promises they can’t keep. Most importantly, I’ll share how students can actually beat ATAR anxiety by finding their own path — no matter what results they get. 4:02 – Doing well in school doesn’t make someone a good...
info_outlineIn this episode, I share how trying to navigate my son’s cricket club with zero information helped me understand exactly how parents feel when their child starts VCE.
You’ll hear why VCE feels so overwhelming, why schools often don’t communicate clearly, and how understanding the system helps you make better decisions about VCE subjects, tertiary pathways and supporting your teen through Year 11 and 12.
Timestamps:
0:45 — Trying to start cricket with no information
6:11 — Why VCE parents feel lost
10:24 — How I support families through VCE
Links:
Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
The Parents’ Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/95