Mike Li’s VCE Success Story: A 96 ATAR Without the Burn Out

Mike Li, a Melton Secondary College graduate, shares how he achieved a 96 ATAR through smart study habits, strong support systems, and a focus on balance over burnout.

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May 19, 2025

While many students struggle to find a balance between academic pressure and personal wellbeing, Mike Li, a recent graduate from Melton Secondary College, proves it’s possible to succeed without sacrificing your mental health. With a standout ATAR of 96, Mike’s VCE story is one of strategy, support, and staying grounded.

We spoke with Mike to learn how he stayed on track, what tools helped him most, and what advice he’d give to others about to begin the same journey.

Practice, Reflect, Repeat

When asked what made the biggest difference in his studies, Mike doesn’t hesitate: practice exams. More than just a way to revise content, they became his core study tool.

“Doing practice exams helped me with more than just learning content,” he says, “It taught me time management, how to prioritise questions, and where my weaknesses were.”

After each one, Mike would carefully review any mistakes and work out what went wrong. By incorporating exam practice early and often, this habit helped him steadily improve and approach final exams with greater confidence.

Structure, Not Stress

Although it isn’t possible for all students, Mike was in a fortunate position of not needing a casual or part-time job during Year 12. Instead, he kept extracurricular activities light and built a consistent weekly routine that gave structure to his days without overwhelming them.

“Having a predictable timetable helped me plan ahead,” he says, “I always knew when I needed to get things done.”

Another important habit? Taking a full day off each week. “I scheduled Sunday as a no-study day,” Mike said, following a recommendation from his Methods teacher. That regular break helped him reset and avoid the burnout that so many Year 12 students face.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself...but my friends were the reason I made it through”

Support and Smart Resources

Behind Mike’s success was a solid support network, especially his teachers. “They always provided the resources I needed. My English teacher especially helped with feedback on practice essays.”

When it came to maths, Mike found support through free tutoring at Enquiring Minds, a local program that helped clarify difficult concepts and build his confidence. For exam preparation, he made good use of online resources like atar.rocks - a site that’s no longer operating, but at the time was packed with past exams and worked solutions.

These tools, combined with regular feedback and mentorship, meant he never felt like he was studying alone.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Mike chose his VCE subjects based on a mix of practical needs and personal interests. “Chemistry and Methods were prerequisites for my uni course, but Japanese and VET Music were my passion subjects, and they were great for my mental health.”

Scaling was a factor, particularly in choosing Japanese, but it wasn’t the driving force. For Mike, enjoying what he studied mattered just as much as meeting course requirements.

“Study smart, look after yourself, and don’t lose sight of who you are.”

Staying Grounded and Looking Ahead

Even with all the right systems in place, Mike says that self-imposed pressure was the toughest hurdle. “I put a lot of pressure on myself” he says, “but my friends were the reason I made it through.”

Outside the classroom, hobbies like music and Dungeons & Dragons gave him a chance to disconnect and recharge. “I didn’t want to lose sight of who I was,” he said. “My teachers played a big part too. They made learning enjoyable and gave me the support I needed.”

His mindset throughout the year was simple: aim high, but accept setbacks. “I had high expectations, but I was okay if I didn’t meet them so long as I gave it my all.”

Final Advice for Future Students

When asked to provide his top tips for Year 11 and 12 students, Mike cautions against overstudy the night before exams, noting that “sleep and mental preparation matter more than cramming. You need to feel good going in.”

Above all, Mike encourages students to find balance. “Study smart, look after yourself, and don’t lose sight of who you are.”

Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of wellbeing, and that with the right mindset and support, it’s possible to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Akur is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, and loves to amplify positive stories through writing and community leadership.

While many students struggle to find a balance between academic pressure and personal wellbeing, Mike Li, a recent graduate from Melton Secondary College, proves it’s possible to succeed without sacrificing your mental health. With a standout ATAR of 96, Mike’s VCE story is one of strategy, support, and staying grounded.

We spoke with Mike to learn how he stayed on track, what tools helped him most, and what advice he’d give to others about to begin the same journey.

Practice, Reflect, Repeat

When asked what made the biggest difference in his studies, Mike doesn’t hesitate: practice exams. More than just a way to revise content, they became his core study tool.

“Doing practice exams helped me with more than just learning content,” he says, “It taught me time management, how to prioritise questions, and where my weaknesses were.”

After each one, Mike would carefully review any mistakes and work out what went wrong. By incorporating exam practice early and often, this habit helped him steadily improve and approach final exams with greater confidence.

Structure, Not Stress

Although it isn’t possible for all students, Mike was in a fortunate position of not needing a casual or part-time job during Year 12. Instead, he kept extracurricular activities light and built a consistent weekly routine that gave structure to his days without overwhelming them.

“Having a predictable timetable helped me plan ahead,” he says, “I always knew when I needed to get things done.”

Another important habit? Taking a full day off each week. “I scheduled Sunday as a no-study day,” Mike said, following a recommendation from his Methods teacher. That regular break helped him reset and avoid the burnout that so many Year 12 students face.

Akur is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, and loves to amplify positive stories through writing and community leadership.

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