BlogStudyShould I Drop Down From 2 Unit Maths to Standard Maths?

Should I Drop Down From 2 Unit Maths to Standard Maths?

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Thinking about dropping 2 unit Maths and picking up Standard Maths?

You you might be second guessing yourself, thinking, but should I do it? What if I don’t like Standard Maths? 

Fret not! We’re here to take you through 6 reasons to consider before dropping 2 unit Maths!

What are the key differences between Standard Maths and 2 Unit Maths?
Reason #1: Too much workload
Reason #2: You don’t need it for your chosen degree
Reason #3: You think you are more of a data and word kind of person instead of calculus
Reason #4: You are doing 2 unit because it scales well and no other reason
Reason #5: English is your strong suit
Reason #6: Your teacher is not providing as much help as you require

What are the key differences between Standard Maths and 2 Unit Maths?

  • Standard Maths is a harder version of year 10 maths
  • They have entirely different content
  • Each is suited to different university courses
  • Standard Maths is wordier
  • Both are equally difficult but one is suited to practical persons, the other to ‘calculussy’ people

Following is a table comparing the two Maths courses for you to become more informed about the differences before you decide to drop down from 2 Unit to Standard.

2 Unit MathsGeneral Maths
- Suited to students who want to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths
- If you enjoy Maths, regardless of your career, you should take it
- Suited for those who want practical maths application that can be used in everyday life
- Time-consuming as it will cover new topics from those in Year 10- Less time-consuming as it builds on concepts from 5.3 level Year 10 Maths
- However it still has difficult topics that were not discussed previously
- 2 Unit Maths is often a prerequisite for university STEM courses
- Even higher levels of maths required for Chemical Engineering and Maths fields
- General Maths is not enough for a STEM course with a maths prerequisite
- E.g. Commerce has assumed knowledge of the Maths 2 unit course, and so General Maths will not suffice
- Content is very numerically focused
- Topics include: algebra, plane geometry, probability,functions,trigonometric ratios, linear functions and lines, series and applications, tangent to a curve and the derivative of a function,quadratic polynomial, differentiation, integration, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions and calculus
- Content is much wordier
- Topics include: financial mathematics, data and statistics, measurement, probability, algebra and modelling
- Focus studies include: mathematics in health and mathematics and resources
So, when should you consider dropping 2 unit Maths?

Reason #1: Too much workload

You can’t handle the 2 unit Maths workload.

This is often the case as 2 unit Maths usually requires twice the amount of work than your other chosen subjects.

If you are doing well in 2 unit Maths at the expense of your other subjects, then you should consider dropping down to Standard Maths.

The workload in Standard Maths whilst still being heavy, is considerably less than 2 unit.

Reason #2: You don’t need it for your chosen degree

Maths is often required as a prerequisite for university courses.

If you are one of those people whose course requires 2 unit Maths, then you should carefully consider your decision.

If you end up dropping 2 unit maths when you needed it, you might need to do a summer bridging course in order to get into your chosen degree!

Check out our HSC Subject Decision Tree Tool to help you make your decision.

Reason #3: You think you are more of a data and word kind of person instead of calculus

If you think you preferred what you did in year 10 over what you’re doing now as part of 2 unit Maths, you might want to consider dropping down.

However, do heed the fact that Standard Maths is not a piece of cake and it does extend significantly on the concepts studied in Year 10.

Considering dropping Maths altogether? Check out our guide on which HSC subject you should drop before you make any decisions.

Reason #4: You are doing 2 unit because it scales well and no other reason

If you’re sticking with 2 unit Maths because you think it’s going to boost your marks, then you really should weigh your other options carefully.

Despite popular opinion, 2 unit Maths and Standard Maths have very similar scaling.

In fact, according to this SMH article, Standard Maths is being scaled better than 2 unit.

Reason #5: English is your strong suit

Standard Maths involves wordy questions as well as numerical questions as part of the course.

If English is your strong suit and you’re good at answering wordy questions, then Standard Maths might be suited to you!

If this sounds like you, but you’re still keen on continuing with 2U Maths, you could benefit from some tailored support! Check out the comprehensive tutoring we provide for all K-12 subjects in Bankstown!

Reason #6: Your teacher is not providing as much help as you require

It’s true as any maths formula that teachers can help you make it or break it.

If you’re feeling as though you’re struggling with 2 unit maths and aren’t getting much support from your teacher, you should consider dropping down.

2 unit Maths will get harder as the year goes on and if your teacher doesn’t have time to help you individually, this may be detrimental to you.

Otherwise, if you feel as though your teacher has taught you nothing in 2 unit Maths, checkout Question 11 of this article to learn how to teach yourself some 2 unit Maths!

Looking for some extra help with your HSC Mathematics?

We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC Mathematics coaches and mentors!

We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at our state of the art campus in Hornsby or Castle Hill!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!


Mansahaj Kaur completed her HSC in 2015 and now studies Bachelor of Commerce/Laws at USyd. She thinks that English is the most versatile and loveable language on planet Earth and she loves dabbling in anything English related, writing included. But then again, this could be because she hasn’t learnt French or German or Japanese yet. But it’s on her bucket list, mind you! Her desire to learn another language or two is only matched by her passion for eclectic tones and mystery dramas- yes yes, Sherlock, too. She is an avid reader and writer, her favourite series still being Harry Potter, despite her having read numerous renowned classics. Mansahaj likes to think that by becoming a lawyer, she might be able to make a slight, small-as-your-pinkie, teensy difference in the world; but that could be wishful thinking!

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