Should You Choose Subjects Based on Your Friends?

Choosing the same HSC subjects as your friends can make Year 11 feel less daunting. You'll have people to sit with, compare notes with, and ask about homework when something doesn't make sense.

But imagine choosing Physics because three of your friends are taking it, even though you dislike the mathematical side of the subject and have little interest in what it covers. By the middle of Year 12, the friendship benefit might feel rather small.

So, should you choose HSC subjects based on your friends?

**Yes, friendship can be a factor, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor.** Your interests, preparation, strengths, assessment preferences, and future study options should carry more weight. Having friends in a class is a genuine advantage, but it isn't a good reason to commit to a subject that doesn't suit you.

## Why choosing subjects with friends can be a good idea

There are some practical benefits to sharing subjects with people you already know.

- **You can study together.** Having friends in the same class makes it easier to organise revision sessions, compare approaches to difficult questions, and explain concepts to each other.
- **You have a familiar support network.** Year 11 brings a different workload and more independent study. Knowing someone in your class can make the adjustment easier.
- **You can keep each other accountable.** If both of you have a Chemistry assessment coming up, you might be more likely to stick to a revision plan together.
- **You can share the experience.** It is more enjoyable to discuss a difficult assessment or celebrate finishing an exam with someone who understands exactly what you've been working on.

These are worthwhile benefits. Studying with a friend can also expose you to a different way of approaching a problem, which is particularly useful in subjects such as Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics, and Chemistry.

However, notice what all these benefits have in common: they improve the experience of studying a subject. They don't necessarily make the subject itself a good choice.

[IMAGE: An original school-based illustration showing a small group of Year 10 friends comparing their proposed Year 11 subject selections at a table. Each student has a different combination of subjects on their selection sheet, making it clear that staying friends does not require choosing identical courses.]

## Why choosing subjects just because your friends are taking them can backfire

The problem is that your friends' strengths, interests, and future plans might be quite different from yours.

Consider three situations.

### 1. Your friends are taking a subject you aren't interested in

Suppose your friends are choosing Chemistry because they enjoy experiments, chemical reactions, and the challenge of explaining what happens at a molecular level.

You, on the other hand, prefer Biology and have little interest in Chemistry.

Choosing Chemistry to stay with your friends might seem harmless at first. But you'll be studying the subject for two years, completing its assessments, and preparing for its HSC examination.

Your friends' enthusiasm won't automatically become yours.

It is worth asking whether you would still choose Chemistry if none of your friends were taking it. If the answer is no, you need a stronger reason before adding it to your selection.

### 2. Your friends have different strengths

Imagine your friendship group is choosing Mathematics Extension 1.

Two friends consistently perform well in mathematics and enjoy challenging problems. You have been finding Mathematics Advanced difficult and haven't yet developed confidence with algebra and functions.

That doesn't automatically mean Extension 1 is unsuitable for you. However, it does mean you should examine your preparation honestly.

Mathematics Extension 1 builds on mathematical skills and ideas from Mathematics Advanced. You need to be comfortable with the foundations and willing to put in additional work.

Joining your friends' class won't remove those demands.

### 3. Your friends have different university plans

Your friends might be interested in engineering, while you're considering a degree in law, commerce, or the arts.

Their subject selections might reflect the mathematical and scientific preparation they want for university. Yours should reflect the options you want to keep open.

You don't need to have your entire career planned in Year 10. But you should investigate whether particular university courses have prerequisite subjects or assumed knowledge before making a decision.

The important point is that your friends can help you enjoy school, but they shouldn't determine your academic direction.

## The four things to consider before choosing a subject

Friendship is one consideration. Four other factors deserve more attention.

### 1. Your interest in the subject

Interest matters because you'll spend a substantial amount of time learning the content.

You don't need to love every topic. Some parts of Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics Extension 1 will probably challenge you. However, you should have some genuine curiosity about the ideas you're going to study.

Try this simple test:

Would you still be interested in learning this subject if your closest friends weren't in the class?

If you would, that's a positive sign. If you wouldn't, find out whether you're attracted to the actual subject or simply to the idea of studying it with your friends.

### 2. Your preparation and current ability

A subject can be interesting without being the right choice for your current preparation.

For example, a student who enjoys Physics but struggles with algebra should investigate the mathematical foundations required before choosing it.

That doesn't mean they should rule Physics out. It means they should understand the gap and decide whether they're prepared to address it.

Look at your current results, but don't use one assessment as the entire basis for your decision. Consider your understanding of prerequisite concepts, your willingness to practise, and the progress you've made over time.

### 3. Your assessment preferences

Different subjects assess different kinds of knowledge and skills.

Some require substantial mathematical problem-solving. Others place more emphasis on extended writing, source analysis, practical investigations, or applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

Think about the work involved, rather than relying on a subject's reputation.

For instance, you might enjoy performing calculations but find extended written explanations difficult. Physics could suit your interests, but you'll still need to develop the ability to explain physical principles and interpret experimental evidence.

Likewise, enjoying practical Chemistry does not mean you can ignore chemical equations, calculations, or written analysis.

[IMAGE: A clear illustrated comparison of four HSC assessment situations: a student solving a mathematical problem, another explaining a scientific concept in writing, a student analysing experimental results, and a student interpreting source material. Show distinct tasks rather than implying that any subject uses only one assessment method.]

### 4. Your future study options

You might not know exactly what you want to study at university. That's fine. You don't need to choose subjects based on a career you haven't decided on yet.

However, if you're considering a particular degree, check whether it has subject requirements.

There are three terms worth understanding:

| Requirement | What it actually means |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite | You must complete a particular subject and achieve the required result to meet the course entry conditions. |
| Assumed knowledge | The university expects you to have studied the subject, but it may not be compulsory for admission. Without it, you could find the first year more difficult. |
| Recommended studies | The university suggests studying the subject because it provides useful preparation. |

These are university-specific requirements. They are not automatically NSW-wide requirements for HSC students.

For example, a university might require Mathematics Advanced for a particular degree, while another university might accept students without that subject but recommend additional mathematical preparation.

Don't assume your friends' subject choices are the right ones for your university plans. They might be applying to completely different degrees.

[IMAGE: An original illustration of a student comparing two university course information pages on a laptop. Their notes clearly distinguish three headings: prerequisite, assumed knowledge, and recommended studies. Show Mathematics Advanced as a formal prerequisite on one example course page and Physics as assumed knowledge on another. Do not use real university logos or imply that these requirements apply to every university.]

## What the NSW HSC rules actually mean

It's worth separating three things: NESA's HSC requirements, your school's subject availability, and university admission requirements.

They influence your subject choices in different ways.

### 1. NESA sets the HSC requirements

For the HSC credential, NESA requires students to satisfactorily complete:

- At least 12 units in their Preliminary pattern of study.
- At least 10 units in their HSC pattern of study.
- At least 2 units of a Board Developed English course.
- At least 4 additional units of Board Developed courses.
- At least three courses worth 2 or more units.
- At least four subjects.

These requirements establish the structure of your HSC. They don't tell you to choose Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, or any other particular elective.

You can read the complete requirements in [NESA's official pattern of study rules](https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/ace-rules/ace12/nesa-pattern).

Also, remember that receiving your HSC and qualifying for an ATAR are related but separate processes. UAC calculates the NSW ATAR using scaled marks from 10 units, comprising your best 2 units of English and your next best 8 units.

### 2. Your school controls its subject offerings and timetable

Even if a subject exists in the NSW curriculum, your school might not offer it as a locally taught class.

Schools make decisions about:
- Which subjects they can offer.
- Whether there are enough students to form a class.
- Which teachers and resources are available.
- How subjects are arranged on the timetable.

This means choosing the same subjects as your friends doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll be in the same class. A subject might be taught in different timetable groups, or your school might not be able to accommodate everyone's preferences.

The NSW Department of Education confirms that schools retain responsibility for their subject offerings, timetabling, and resourcing.

There is also an important development for students entering Year 11 in 2027.

The NSW Government's HSC Subject Guarantee provides eligible students at NSW public high schools with access to 11 advanced and extension courses. For Year 11 2027 entry, these include:

- Chemistry
- Economics
- English Advanced
- English Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Physics

If your local public school doesn't offer one of these subjects, eligible students may be able to access it through a Distance Education high school or Aurora College.

This is a public-school access policy, not a guarantee that every subject will be taught at your own school.

You can check the details on the [NSW Department of Education's HSC Subject Guarantee page](https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/hsc-subject-guarantee).

[IMAGE: An overhead view of a student's draft Year 11 timetable beside a school subject selection sheet. Two desired subjects occupy the same timetable block, while a school coordinator discusses an alternative delivery option. Show the practical problem of timetable availability without inventing school names or policy details.]

### 3. Universities set their own admission requirements

Let's look at two real examples to see why you shouldn't automatically copy your friends' choices.

As at 8 November 2026:

**The University of Sydney:** Its current domestic undergraduate guidance identifies Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3) as the mathematics prerequisite for a number of degrees, including engineering courses.

**UTS:** UTS states that it does not have HSC subject prerequisites for its courses. However, its Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Science course lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge. Chemistry is recommended for its Chemical Process and Civil Engineering majors.

Notice the difference.

Physics isn't a universal HSC entry prerequisite for engineering. However, it can still provide valuable preparation for university study.

You can check these requirements directly:

- [University of Sydney: Mathematics course prerequisites](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/how-to-apply/undergraduate/mathematics-prerequisite.html)
- [UTS: Domestic undergraduate eligibility](https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/eligibility/domestic-undergraduate)
- [UTS: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Science](https://www.uts.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-engineering-honours-bachelor-of-science)

These are current examples, not guaranteed admission requirements for future years. Universities can change their courses and entry conditions.

If you're choosing subjects in late 2026 for Year 11 in 2027, you'll typically complete your HSC in 2028 and apply for university entry in 2029. Use current information to understand your options, but check the requirements again for your actual admission year.

The [UAC Steps to Uni for Year 10 Students 2026 booklet](https://uac.edu.au/assets/documents/year-10/year-10-booklet-2026.pdf) is a useful starting point. It explains prerequisites, assumed knowledge, and recommended studies across participating institutions. Its course information should not be treated as a guarantee of what will apply in 2029.

One further detail matters if you're considering Physics or Chemistry. The replacement 2025 syllabuses have different implementation dates:

- Physics 11-12 (2025) begins teaching Year 11 from Term 1, 2027, with its first HSC examination in 2028. See the [NESA Physics syllabus](https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/science/physics-11-12-2025/content).
- Chemistry 11-12 (2025) begins teaching Year 11 from Term 1, 2028, with its first HSC examination in 2029. See the [NESA Chemistry syllabus](https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/science/chemistry-11-12-2025/content).

Consequently, students starting Year 11 in 2027 will study the new Physics syllabus but the existing 2017 Chemistry syllabus. When looking at study guides, check which syllabus and cohort they cover. Module 1-8 references belong to the 2017 courses, not the replacement 2025 syllabuses.

## Don't choose a subject just because it scales well

There's another reason students sometimes follow their friends' choices: scaling.

You might hear someone say:

"Everyone is taking Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics because they scale better."

This sounds like a sensible strategy. After all, if a subject scales well, surely taking it gives you an advantage?

Not quite.

UAC scales HSC marks to allow comparisons between students who have studied different combinations of subjects. The process considers the academic performance of students across their courses.

Some subjects have higher scaled means because of the achievement patterns of the students who take them. However, you still need to achieve a strong HSC result to receive a strong scaled mark.

Scaling is not a fixed bonus for choosing a difficult subject.

UAC also calculates scaling each year, so the figures can change. Even the estimates produced by its ATAR Compass are based on historical data rather than guaranteed future results.

The better approach is to choose subjects in which you have a reasonable chance of performing well, while keeping your future options open.

If your friends are choosing Physics because of its scaling reputation, that doesn't automatically make Physics a better choice for you.

For a more detailed explanation, read [Should You Choose an HSC Subject Because It Scales Well?](https://tutorgum.com/learn/resources/should-you-pick-an-hsc-subject-because-it-scales-well/).

## Worked examples: Making the decision

Let's put these ideas into practice.

### Worked example: Should Mia take Physics with her friends?

Mia is choosing her Year 11 subjects. Four of her close friends are planning to study Physics.

Mia enjoys learning about forces, energy, and electricity. She has performed well in Year 10 Mathematics and is comfortable rearranging equations. She also enjoys practical investigations and is considering engineering at university.

Should she choose Physics?

**Step 1**: Check whether she actually likes the subject.

Mia is interested in the content itself. She would probably choose Physics even if her friends weren't taking it.

That's a strong reason to consider the course.

**Step 2**: Consider her preparation.

Physics involves mathematical problem-solving, interpreting relationships between physical quantities, and explaining scientific ideas.

Mia's mathematical preparation gives her a reasonable foundation. She should still check the Year 11 course content and discuss any gaps with her science teacher.

**Step 3**: Consider the assessment.

Mia enjoys practical investigations and is comfortable explaining scientific concepts. These are useful strengths for studying Physics.

She understands that enjoying experiments alone isn't enough. She'll also need to practise calculations, analyse evidence, and write clear explanations.

**Step 4**: Check her university options.

Engineering is a possible pathway, so Mia should investigate the requirements of several courses rather than assuming every university has identical prerequisites.

She finds that Physics is useful preparation for engineering, even though it isn't a universal admission prerequisite.

**Step 5**: Consider her friends.

Her friends will make studying Physics more enjoyable and give her opportunities to work through difficult problems together.

<text color="success" weight="medium" inline>Conclusion:</text> Mia has several independent reasons to choose Physics. Her friends provide an additional benefit, rather than being the main reason for her decision.

### Worked example: Should Daniel follow his friends into Mathematics Extension 1 and Chemistry?

Daniel is interested in engineering but hasn't decided which university or engineering specialisation he wants to pursue.

His friends are choosing Mathematics Extension 1, Physics, and Chemistry. They believe taking all three will give them the best chance of getting into university.

Daniel enjoys Mathematics Advanced and is performing reasonably well. However, he finds Extension-level questions challenging, dislikes Chemistry, and is more interested in Business Studies.

What should he do?

**Step 1**: Separate formal prerequisites from preparation advice.

Daniel should investigate the exact university courses he might apply for.

For example, the University of Sydney's current mathematics prerequisite for relevant engineering degrees can be met through Mathematics Advanced with the required Band 4 result, or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 with the required E3 result.

This means he shouldn't assume that Mathematics Extension 1 is automatically compulsory for every engineering degree.

**Step 2**: Identify useful assumed knowledge.

UTS currently lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge for its Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Science.

That knowledge can help students prepare for university-level study, even though UTS doesn't impose HSC subject prerequisites.

Daniel should understand that skipping a subject can create additional preparation work later.

**Step 3**: Consider his interests and preparation.

Daniel enjoys Mathematics Advanced and has a genuine interest in engineering. Continuing with Mathematics Advanced makes sense.

Extension 1 might also be worthwhile if he is prepared for the extra mathematical challenge and his teacher believes his foundations are adequate.

Chemistry is a different decision. If he doesn't enjoy it and isn't considering a specialisation for which it is particularly useful, choosing it solely because his friends are doing it is difficult to justify.

**Step 4**: Consider his alternatives.

Business Studies is a subject Daniel genuinely enjoys and believes he can perform well in.

He can compare its workload and assessment style with the additional science subjects before making his final selection.

He should also investigate whether his preferred university offers bridging options if he doesn't have all the assumed knowledge.

**Step 5**: Make an independent decision.

Daniel shouldn't copy his friends' entire subject combination. He should prioritise the mathematical preparation required for his possible pathway, then choose his remaining subjects based on interest, ability, and preparation needs.

<text color="success" weight="medium" inline>Conclusion:</text> Daniel should not automatically choose Mathematics Extension 1, Physics, and Chemistry as a package. Mathematics Advanced is an important option to retain, while Extension 1 and the sciences should be assessed individually. Business Studies is a reasonable choice if it better matches his interests and strengths.

## Questions and solutions

The following scenarios will help you apply these ideas to less straightforward subject selection decisions.

### Question 1

Three friends are choosing Business Studies for Year 11. You also enjoy the subject, have performed well in related Year 10 work, and are interested in learning more about business.

You have checked your possible university pathways and found no subject-specific prerequisite that conflicts with this choice.

Is it reasonable to choose Business Studies with your friends? Explain your decision.

### Solution 1

**Yes. Choosing Business Studies with your friends is a sensible decision in this situation.**

The important difference is that you already have independent reasons to choose the subject.

You enjoy the content, have demonstrated an ability to perform well, and have checked that it doesn't conflict with your current pathway plans.

Your friends provide an additional advantage through shared study sessions, revision, and support.

If you were choosing Business Studies only because your friends were taking it, the decision would be much less convincing.

Here, friendship strengthens an already reasonable subject choice.

### Question 2

Your friends are all planning to study Mathematics Extension 1.

You are currently studying Mathematics Advanced and enjoy the subject, but you regularly struggle with algebraic rearrangement and functions.

You are interested in engineering and don't want to close off university options.

Should you choose Mathematics Extension 1 because your friends are taking it? Explain what you should investigate first.

### Solution 2

**You should not choose Mathematics Extension 1 solely because your friends are taking it. However, you shouldn't automatically rule it out either.**

Start by identifying the mathematical skills causing difficulty.

Mathematics Extension 1 builds on the foundations developed in Mathematics Advanced. If you are struggling with algebraic rearrangement and functions, those weaknesses could make the additional content more difficult.

You should:

- Ask your Mathematics teacher whether your current difficulties are likely to affect your progress.
- Review the relevant algebra and functions concepts.
- Attempt some introductory Extension 1 questions to assess how comfortably you can approach unfamiliar problems.
- Investigate the mathematical requirements of the engineering courses you might consider.

The last point is important. Some university courses have formal Mathematics prerequisites, while others specify assumed knowledge.

If your foundations are strong enough and you're willing to address the gaps, Extension 1 could be an appropriate challenge.

However, having friends in the class doesn't change the mathematical preparation required.

### Question 3

You want to study engineering at university. Your friends tell you that Physics and Chemistry are compulsory HSC subjects for all engineering degrees.

You investigate two universities:

- The University of Sydney currently lists Mathematics Advanced (Band 4), or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3), as the mathematics prerequisite for relevant engineering courses.
- UTS states that it has no HSC subject prerequisites, although its Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Science course lists Physics and Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge.

Is your friends' statement correct? Explain the difference between the requirements.

### Solution 3

**No. Physics and Chemistry are not universal HSC prerequisites for every engineering degree in NSW.**

Your friends are confusing university preparation with formal admission requirements.

The University of Sydney example identifies a mathematics prerequisite. It does not establish a statewide requirement to study Physics and Chemistry.

UTS provides a different example. It has no HSC subject prerequisites, but it identifies assumed knowledge that helps students prepare for their degree.

This distinction is important:

- A prerequisite is a formal entry condition.
- Assumed knowledge is background knowledge that helps you succeed in the course.
- Recommended studies provide useful preparation but are not necessarily required for admission.

You should check the exact university, engineering specialisation, and admission year.

Physics and Chemistry can be excellent choices for an engineering student, but you shouldn't choose them simply because your friends claim every engineering degree requires them.

### Question 4

You attend a NSW public high school and want to study Physics in Year 11 2027.

Your school tells you that it might not run a local Physics class because of low student numbers.

Three of your friends have already selected other subjects, and you're considering changing your preferences to match theirs.

Does the absence of a local Physics class mean you cannot study the subject? What should you do?

### Solution 4

**No. The absence of a locally taught class does not necessarily mean you cannot access Physics.**

The NSW HSC Subject Guarantee applies from 2027 and provides eligible public high school students with access to a range of advanced and extension courses, including Physics.

If your school doesn't offer Physics locally, you may be able to study it through a Distance Education high school or Aurora College.

You should speak with your school's subject selection coordinator and ask:

- Whether Physics can be delivered through an alternative arrangement.
- Whether there are timetable restrictions.
- How the alternative delivery arrangement works.
- What additional independent study or scheduling commitments are involved.

You should also confirm your eligibility for the HSC Subject Guarantee.

The important distinction is between a school's local timetable and your broader access to a subject.

Don't abandon a subject that suits your interests and future plans before investigating the available options.

### Question 5

A student named Sophie is choosing her subjects in late 2026 for Year 11 in 2027.

She is interested in engineering but hasn't decided which university she wants to attend.

Her friends are choosing Mathematics Extension 1, Physics, and Chemistry. They argue that these subjects are the best combination because they are difficult and scale well.

Sophie has a different profile:

- She enjoys Mathematics Advanced and has a reasonable chance of achieving a strong result.
- She finds Extension 1 mathematics challenging and is unsure whether she wants the additional workload.
- She enjoys Physics but has weaker foundations in some areas of Year 10 Science.
- She dislikes Chemistry and has little interest in its content.
- She enjoys Business Studies and is confident in her ability to analyse business scenarios and write extended responses.

She investigates the current university information available in November 2026:

- The University of Sydney identifies Mathematics Advanced (Band 4), or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3), as the mathematics prerequisite for relevant engineering degrees.
- UTS has no HSC subject prerequisites, but its engineering and science combined degree lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge.
- UTS recommends Chemistry for its Chemical Process and Civil Engineering majors.
- UTS provides bridging courses for students who need additional preparation in mathematics, physics, or chemistry.

Sophie concludes:

1. She must take all three of Mathematics Extension 1, Physics, and Chemistry to keep engineering open.
2. Since UTS has no HSC subject prerequisites, Physics and Mathematics Extension 1 are irrelevant to university preparation.
3. She should choose whichever combination is most likely to give her the highest ATAR, regardless of her interests.

Evaluate all three conclusions. What would be a more sensible subject selection strategy?

### Solution 5

**All three conclusions are flawed. Sophie's best approach is to preserve important pathways while choosing subjects that match her interests, preparation, and academic strengths.**

Let's examine each conclusion.

**Conclusion 1: She must take all three subjects to keep engineering open.**

This is incorrect.

The University of Sydney's current requirements show that Mathematics Advanced with the required result can satisfy the mathematics prerequisite for relevant engineering degrees.

Mathematics Extension 1 is an alternative route to satisfying that prerequisite, not an additional universal requirement.

UTS has no HSC subject prerequisites, although it identifies Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge for the particular combined degree.

Chemistry is recommended for specific engineering majors, not every engineering degree.

Sophie should investigate the engineering specialisations she might pursue rather than treating every science and mathematics subject as compulsory.

**Conclusion 2: Assumed knowledge is irrelevant because UTS has no HSC subject prerequisites.**

This is also incorrect.

There is a significant difference between being eligible for admission and being prepared to succeed after admission.

UTS may accept a student who hasn't studied Physics or Mathematics Extension 1 at school, but the student could find some first-year material more challenging.

Bridging courses provide a way to address missing knowledge, but they still require time and effort.

The tempting assumption is that if a subject isn't compulsory for admission, it has no value. In reality, preparation and eligibility are different questions.

Sophie should consider whether studying Physics at school would give her a more manageable transition into engineering.

**Conclusion 3: She should choose subjects based only on the highest possible ATAR.**

This ignores both her interests and the uncertainty in future scaling.

A subject's scaling is not a guaranteed bonus. Sophie needs to consider the HSC result she can realistically achieve, not simply the reputation of the course.

She already enjoys Physics, so there is a genuine reason to consider it. Her weaker science foundations are a preparation issue to investigate, not an automatic reason to reject the subject.

Chemistry is different. She has little interest in it, and the university information she has checked does not establish it as a universal engineering prerequisite.

Choosing Chemistry simply because her friends are taking it would add an academic commitment without a clear reason.

**A more sensible strategy**

Sophie should:

1. Retain Mathematics Advanced if she is prepared to work towards the relevant prerequisite result.
2. Consider Mathematics Extension 1 based on her mathematical foundations, interest, and willingness to take on the additional challenge.
3. Consider Physics because she enjoys it and it provides useful preparation for engineering.
4. Choose Chemistry only if her intended engineering specialisation or genuine interest justifies it.
5. Give Business Studies serious consideration because it matches her strengths and interests.
6. Recheck university requirements for the actual year she applies.

There is one final point.

Sophie shouldn't assume that choosing Physics and Extension 1 now means she has to study those subjects with her friends. Nor should she assume that choosing Business Studies means she has abandoned engineering.

Her task is to understand which choices are formal requirements, which provide useful preparation, and which reflect her own strengths.

**The key lesson is that keeping a pathway open doesn't mean taking every difficult subject available. It means making informed choices about the knowledge and qualifications that pathway actually requires.**

## So, should you choose subjects based on your friends?

You can, but friendship should be a bonus rather than the foundation of your subject selection.

Before submitting your choices, ask yourself:

- Would I still choose this subject if my friends weren't taking it?
- Am I genuinely interested in the content?
- Do I have the foundations needed to succeed, or am I willing to work on them?
- Do I understand the assessment style and workload?
- Have I checked any university prerequisites and assumed knowledge?
- Can my school accommodate my choices, including any timetable or delivery restrictions?

If a subject passes these checks and your friends are taking it too, that's a great outcome.

If it doesn't, don't feel pressured to follow the group. You can still study together, share resources, and support each other without having identical timetables.

Your HSC is a two-year commitment. Your friends will remain your friends even if they take different subjects.

Once you've narrowed down your choices, the next step is to check your school's timetable and make sure your unit pattern works. And if you're worried about making the wrong decision, read [Can You Change HSC Subjects After Year 11 Starts?](https://tutorgum.com/learn/resources/can-you-change-hsc-subjects-after-year-11-starts/) before assuming your choices will be easy to change later.