How to ace your final HSC exams

The pointy end of HSC is looming and if you’re struggling to stay motivated, help is at hand! Former teacher, James Terry now works at UOW as a Parent and School Engagement Specialist to help high school students achieve their ultimate career goals.

"After 13 years of schooling, you’re almost at the end of an undoubtedly long, tiring and eventful road. It can certainly be challenging to stay motivated at times but keeping the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction of completion of your HSC should be used as motivation ahead.”

James shares his advice on preparing for final exams:  

• Stick to a study timetable 

• Use rewards to keep motivated – breaks, snacks, social time etc 

• Practice self-care - don’t sweat the small stuff 

• Keep your future goals in sight – university study, travel, career 

• Know your exam timetable 

• Have no regrets – give it your best shot, and be proud of your efforts 

Tips for remembering facts

If your brain is feeling flooded with information, James shares some practical ideas to keep those facts locked in!  

• Quiz yourself and others – use flash cards and make it fun.

• Spaced repetition – Repeat study points gradually and consistently over days and weeks rather than hours before an exam.  

• Block study – Try shorter, more manageable blocks of study (25 mins) followed by 5 mins breaks to stretch, snack, socialise or move. 

• Mnemonics – Choose rhythmic, funny or personal Mnemonics to make the information stick. Eg HSC Chemistry: (OILRIG) Oxidation is Loss, Reduction is Gain (of Electrons).  

• Change the format – change data into a table, summarise a chapter into bullet points, create a flowchart. 

• Summarise – Paraphrase information in your own words. Then go back and re-examine the information in these bite-sized summaries, written in your own language. 

• Immerse your environments – get sticky-note happy and plaster your walls, fridge, back of the toilet door with notes, posters, and Mnemonics. 

• Practice papers – test yourself with past HSC exams via the NESA website and familiarise yourself with the type of questions, language and formatting the HSC papers will present to you.  

• Use Youtube and other video resources – choose trusted and reputable sources and teachers who have uploaded summaries, lessons and explanations. 

Don't cram

It may be tempting to leave your study to the last minute, but James recommends drip feeding information over time, if possible. 

“Our brains find it extremely challenging to retain information when under stress and when you’re overwhelming it with too much information in a too shorter space of time e.g. the night before an exam. Putting off study until the last minute will leave you feeling overwhelmed and with an inability to focus fully.” 

He suggests breaking your study and goals into smaller, more achievable steps in the months and weeks prior is less daunting and less taxing on the body and mind. 

“Research indicates you will forget around 75 per cent of what was learnt the day before, therefore cramming new information in the night before an exam can be a little fruitless and lack any real benefits. This forgetting curve is a natural process, to disrupt this process of forgetting, consistent revision and study in the weeks prior is ideal rather than cramming.”

Exam experience

We all react differently when in exam mode; some love the challenge, other students can feel an immense sense of tension before or during the exam. James has some great advice if you fall into the second group. 

“If you’re feeling major physical or psychological symptoms during an exam such as; dizziness, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath or panic attacks let the exam supervisors know immediately, and they will support you accordingly.” 

Panic sometimes causes us to freeze in exam environments. If you have a moment where you do freeze, James recommends: 

• Remind yourself it will pass soon and revert back to memory strategies to unlock the information you need. 

• Taking big, slow breaths will help. Practice box breathing technique – this can help you calm down. 

• Make an effort to answer the question – better than leaving it blank.  

There also may be questions that you don't fully understand.

“Use your allocated reading time to identify questions that may be challenging, so that you can prepare yourself ahead of time and not be overwhelmed in that moment. 

“The number of marks is a good indication of what is expected in the answer and time you need to dedicate to it. If a question allows you to choose an alternative question option, do this immediately to save time and stress.” 

James recommends asking the exam supervisor for a blank working paper for you to use and have on hand.

“Jot down everything filling your brain that you think you might forget...This will allow you to concentrate on one question at a time and be able to build momentum through the exam and refer back to your notes made earlier when you arrive at a challenging question later in the exam.” 

Overall, while the HSC may be an important challenge to overcome, remember that it doesn’t dictate the rest of your life. There are so many pathways to your dream career, so try to keep it all in perspective and take time out to rest and reset during this busy season.