The good
There's nothing quite like the feeling of pride when you see that you've pulled off a score that makes your heart do a little dance of joy. Maybe you were the kid who never thought they'd break the 90s, and now you exist on some sort of academic high. Or, you're the student who's got the brainpower of a rocket scientist and somehow managed to chuck in some impressive extracurriculars. Either way, congratulations! You've worked hard, so savor this moment. Pat yourself on the back, have a celebratory slice of cake (or three), and give your brain a well-deserved break.The bad
The dreaded 'disappointment' is a word that often haunts the season of SACE results. It's truly heartbreaking to see all the effort you've put in not reflected in the score you wanted. But remember, my friend, this is not the be-all and end-all. Sure, it might feel like the end of the world right now, but trust me, it's not. There are so many pathways to success that don't involve a perfect ATAR. So brush yourself off, grab a tissue if you need to, and keep moving forward.The in-between
Most of us don't leave SACE results day with a score that gives us the feels of both ends of the spectrum. Instead, many of us land somewhere in the middle. You might have done better than you expected, but not as well as you hoped. Or maybe you're feeling a bit meh about the whole thing. That's totally okay! There's no right or wrong way to feel. Allow yourself to feel your feelings, but don't let them define you.What's next?
Whether you're over the moon or feeling a bit down, remember that your SACE results are just one step in your life's journey. There are so many exciting things ahead of you. If you've got the ATAR you needed to pursue your dream course, go for it and smash it! If not, don't lose hope. There are plenty of alternative pathways that can lead you to your goals.