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15th July 2010 by Keira Plon

I completed my HSC last year, 2009. It was a stressful year for not just me, but also my family, especially with my pre-exam freak-outs. I did 12 units with no major works so most of my results came down to my HSC exams; however, I made sure I worked hard until the end and did as much as I could.

Here are some things that helped me get through my HSC year and exams:  

Make notes

Make notes in class of things you learn, and summarise your textbook – especially those areas you don't really get in class. Doing this makes sure you are not trying to learn the whole subject in the two weeks before the exam.

Use the Board of Studies website

I'm sure your teachers have told you this but it is the best way to make sure you have covered everything. The Board of Studies sets the exam and can only ask you things on the HSC syllabus. As you study, make sure that you know about each point and could answer a question on it in the style they will ask that topic in, such as multiple choice, short answer or long answer.

Prepare for all possibilities

You are told if you will have to write essays on certain topics and so I went through each syllabus dot point for those topics and attempted to write an essay for it. Also, I made dot points on that topic firstly from what I had memorised, and then again using my notes. This was certainly time well spent and worked a treat for me, as when I sat down for my exam I knew I had been through any possibility that they could ask me. I therefore had a guide on what to write, and confidence that I knew what they could ask.

Study in groups

This is risky as it can lead to no work being done and friends just hanging out. When done correctly though, it can work really well. I always enjoyed teaching and learning from friends; not only can you drill what you know deeper into memory, but you can help a friend learn and vice versa. My friends helped me learn some things in quirky ways which was great for the exams!

Practice makes perfect

Write out practice essays and hand them into your teacher to mark. This gives you valuable feedback which helps you improve. Yes it's a bit of extra work, but it will definitely help in the long run, so what do you have to lose?

Use past papers

Go through past HSC exam papers to get familiar with the format, language used, and the kinds of questions they ask.

Take breaks

It is very important to give yourself a break every now and then – even just a five minute stretch. It's all about balance. Allow time to go out with friends, but when you do study – work hard. You will enjoy your well-earned breaks even more.

By Keira Plon

Queensland Studies Authority     Board of Senior Secondary Studies (ACT)

If -- like Keira -- you've got a story or some advice to share with others, we'd love to hear from you!

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