Hi tt_m
Definitely an insane amount of pressure in year 12, to the point where it's seriously questionable. As I've said to my son who's completing his VCE this year 'Consider you've been sticking out this job of 'student' for almost 13 years. 'I don't want this 9 to 3 or 3:30 job 5 days a week (plus homework) anymore' is a conclusion you reached a couple of years back. Now, not only are you exhausted from a job you don't like, that you've been in for more than a decade, but you've been told this stage of the job is the hardest and most exhausting stage. Good luck everyone'. What the?! How many adults do you know who stick out a job they don't like for more than a decade? Most students don't have that luxury. And to any adult who says 'I had to go through it too, so stop complaining. I hated school', you gotta question why a system so many hated still exists in some depressing and anxiety inducing form. Is such a system well over due for a massive overhaul? I think so. Until there is one, it remains seriously tough going for some.
Wondering if you've spoken to your pathways coordinator, to see whether there's a pathway into uni that relates to not gaining an ATAR. Whether to gain an ATAR or go unscored depends on a number of factors. Mental health can be a major factor for some. While my son's faced the torment in deciding whether to sit for exams and gain an ATAR or go unscored, it's been such a mentally challenging decision. While he has some mind blowing natural abilities, his academic abilities and the focus required for academic achievement are a couple of things he's found incredibly challenging. So, you could look at it that way to some degree: You may hold incredible natural abilities that most of your family don't, whereas they are more so academically inclined. It's kind of a shame the way things work. For example, someone could have absolutely amazing sage-like abilities that lead them to naturally solve challenges for all those around them, including mental health related challenges, but they'll never become a psychologist based on certain academic requirements. They tick naturally, not academically.
If it's of any help to know, the only reason my son's going to sit exams is because he doesn't want to fork out the money for an alternative pathway into a bachelors degree in marine science. If he doesn't get the required ATAR he'll accept an alternative pathway down the track. No matter what ATAR he gains, he's taking a couple of years off, so he can go out and develop himself in a number of ways.
As smallwolf mentions in a number of ways, different people take different pathways in life for different reasons. They may also take them at different times in life.
