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Are your VCE exams just around the corner? Need advice on how to manage your time from now until they start? Here are our top VCE exam tips for preparing for the VCE exams on time.
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Feeling the pressure of your VCE exams? With the right VCE study timetable and time management strategies, you can feel ready and less stressed as your exams approach.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you create a VCE study schedule that works for you, from now until the big day.
For more information on the VCE and how ATAR scaling impacts your VCE results, check out our Beginner’s Guide to ATAR Scaling.
Table of contents:
Start your VCE exam preparation by getting a clear picture of what material you need to cover and what to focus on in the time you have left.
Write down all the subjects you’ll be taking for your VCE exams, then go deeper.
Break each subject into its key topics. For instance:
This will help you manage your workload better as you can create smaller, more achievable study goals. It will stop that “Where do I start?” spiral.
Use your study design or past SACs to double-check you’ve covered everything.
A key element of time management for VCE is knowing how much time you have left before your exams.
Check the date of your exams, then work backwards.
How many study weeks do you have left? How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to revision?
Account for:
You want to create a timetable that fits smoothly into your life: don’t overload yourself and burn out. Balancing between study and normal life will keep you motivated and productive.
Not all topics need the same amount of time. Be strategic. While you want to cover everything, you also want to make sure you’re using your time where it matters most.
For topics you find more challenging, you can allocate more time to them. For areas you’re already confident in, you can set aside less time.
Now it’s time to put everything together in a study plan. Use a calendar or planner (digital or physical) to set up your VCE study timetable. Here’s how to fill it in.
Outline weekly goals
Decide what topics you need to cover each week. Write a list of weekly goals for each subject, specifying which topics should be studied and revised by the end of each week.
For example:
Once your goals are clear, you can allocate tasks to specific days.
Set study blocks
To use your study time effectively, use study blocks of 45-60 minutes, with short 5-10 minute breaks in between.
Studies show that shorter, focused study periods with purposeful breaks help you perform better.
Write down the specific subjects and topics you plan to cover in each block.
Tackle more challenging topics during longer study sessions and use shorter blocks for lighter topics.
Schedule practice exams
We all know practice exams are extremely important for doing well in the VCE.
Set aside dedicated time for them in your timetable, ideally after you’ve revised the key topics for each subject.
You should have enough time afterwards to go back and review any areas you struggled with in those practice exams.
Use past VCAA exams, Matrix VCE Work Books and resources, and past SACs from previous students.
Include other activities
Don’t forget to schedule regular breaks and some free time! It’s important to give yourself time to recharge between study sessions. Make sure to pencil in specific commitments, like tutoring, sports, and relaxation.
Example VCE study timetable
| Time | Activity |
| 4:00 – 4:45 pm | Biology: Genetics |
| 4:45 – 5:00 pm | Break (stretch, snack) |
| 5:00 – 5:45 pm | Methods: Chapter 3 practice questions |
| 5:45 – 6:00 pm | Review notes |
Get VCE ready with this comprehensive study planner. 
Free VCE Study Planning Kit Download
If you’re struggling with certain subjects or finding it hard to stick to your VCE study schedule, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Having a support system can make your VCE exam preparation more effective and less stressful.
At Matrix, students have access to expert teachers, proven resources, and structured revision plans tailored for success in each subject, whether online or on-campus.
Life can be unpredictable, so be reasonably flexible with your VCE study schedule. Leave room for adjustments if unexpected events come up or if you need more time on certain topics.
At the end of each week, review your progress. Check if you’re meeting your goals and adjust your timetable if you need to. If you miss a study block or need to adjust your plan, don’t get discouraged. Remember your end goals and stay motivated.
After following these steps, you’ll have a clear and manageable VCE study timetable that helps you stay on track and feel more prepared. Planning effectively for your VCE exams is all about prioritising your subjects, sticking to a routine, and adjusting when needed. Start planning today, and take the stress out of your VCE exam preparation!
Written by Jill Tengco
Jill is the Content Marketing Specialist at Matrix Education. She holds a Bachelor of Media (Communication and Journalism) from the University of New South Wales and is passionate about creating educational content that helps students succeed.
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