Wait’s over for Year 12s

THE wait will be over for Geelong VCE students this morning, when Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results are released.

But a Deakin University psychology expert has urged students to maintain perspective if disappointed by their scores.

Statewide, 47,450 students will receive their ATAR and bragging rights belong to female students, with an average score of 66.25 for girls and 63.70 for boys. Across the state, 36 students received the top ATAR of 99.95 — 28 boys and eight girls.

Students can access their results on the VTAC app and online from 7am today or by mail on Monday.

Education Minister James Merlino congratulated all students who committed determination and hard work to complete the VCE.

“Those getting results today will experience a rollercoaster of emotions, but I hope they are proud of everything they’ve achieved over the past 13 years of schooling,” he said.

Deakin School of Psychology academic Dr Subhadra Evans said if students were disappointed with their ATAR, some simple tools could help relieve their stress.

“We are often our own worst enemy when it comes to criticism, and students can be very, very hard on themselves,” Dr Evans said.

“One method for reducing stress is ‘mindful self-compassion’ — thinking about how we would talk to someone we cared about who was going through a difficult time, and treating ourselves with the same compassion.”

Dr Evans said something as simple as a 30-minute walk released chemicals in the brain that can alleviate stress.

“Talking to someone is also good — speaking to someone that you trust, and particularly someone that is in a similar situation and dealing with similar issues, has proven to be of major benefit,” she said.

“Students are under a lot of pressure to succeed, but part of stress management is putting things in perspective.

“Though of course that can sometimes be difficult to do, it’s important to keep in mind that today’s result is not the beall and end-all. We have a lot of flexibility in study in Australia, and there are always other study options and pathways that are available.”

Deakin Pathways student recruitment manager Janine Kuster said she and her team would work overtime this weekend and in the coming week, hosting events for prospective students to discuss post-ATAR study options.

Ms Kuster said she and other Deakin Pathways advisers were there to help students who didn’t get the score they were hoping for.

To speak with the Deakin Pathways team, call 1800 MY FUTURE (1800 6938 8873) or visit deakin.edu.au/courses/ entry-pathways to live chat.