12 tips for Year 12s

They’ve been through it all: study, exams and enrolling in their dream uni degree. We asked former Year 12 students to share their advice about maintaining wellbeing, studying smarter and planning for life after school.

1. Be proactive and consistent

• ‘Always understand content on the day it’s covered by the teacher so that information you don't know doesn't accumulate. Use NESA’s resources and quizzes: they helped me so much in Year 12.’
• ‘Start studying HSC material ASAP and do it consistently. These two tips will help you achieve the best possible HSC mark.’
• ‘Stay on top of your work. Be consistent on your drafts and constantly ask for feedback from peers and teachers to better develop your skills for the HSC. After trials, keep grinding away until the HSC is over.’

2. Prepare with past exam papers and boost your study skills

• ‘Use past papers as soon as possible – it’s the best way to prepare for how questions are asked in the real exams and get used to working under pressure.’
• ‘The syllabus is your best friend – make sure you understand each of the dot points and structure your study around them.’
• ‘Find the study method that works best for you – whether it’s mind maps, flashcards, or teaching the content to someone else, which forces you to put concepts into your own words and helps with retention.’

3. Don’t let a bad grade worry you

• ‘Forget all your marks until now and just try your best in Year 12. Don't let the anxiety of a bad mark hold you down from performing better in the next one.’
• ‘Don’t stress yourself over a single mark. Keep pushing through and learn from your mistakes.’

4. Make a timetable for study and play

• ‘Have a set schedule for studying. This is truly important in allowing you to decrease stress and increase studying outcomes.’
• ‘Prioritise balance and maintain consistency in your efforts. Make a study plan that divides your workload into digestible portions then follow it. To prevent burnout, schedule time for friends, hobbies and exercise on an equal basis.’

5. Keep it balanced with hobbies and social activities

• ‘Try not to feel so guilty when you’re not studying all the time. It’s okay to indulge in your hobbies, go out, have free time – Year 12 is not intended for you to just be studying and stressing.’
• ‘Obviously, studying is an important part of Year 12, but it is also important to learn to keep a good study/life balance. Go out with friends or pick up a hobby to occasionally take your mind off study. Those few hours a week will go a long way in keeping a positive mental headspace and possibly even assist in academics and study.’

6. Prioritise your mental health

• ‘Study when you can, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you prioritise your grades over your mental health, you won’t be happy, no matter the results.’
• ‘Enjoy all the little moments. Get off your phone and spend time in nature.’
• ‘Make time for yourself – you can’t give 100% when you’re at 50%.’

7. Seek help if you feel overwhelmed

• ‘If you feel alone and constantly stressed and burned out, talk to someone you trust – a teacher, counsellor, peer, work buddy or parent. It will be worth it, I promise.’

8. Start planning your path to university now

• ‘Start developing your university pathway early. Understanding UAC and different university pathways takes the pressure off needing a high ATAR and makes Year 12 less about assessments and more about preparing for the future.’
• ‘Start looking at options early and seek advice for the university admissions process if that is something you are interested in. Without having a holistic understanding very early, you will miss out on opportunities such as some scholarships and early offer schemes that can close quite early in the year.’

9. Keep on top of application deadlines and key dates

• ‘Always keep up to date with UAC. Check out UAC’s key dates and don’t miss out on important opportunities.’
• ‘Have a concept of the “big picture" from the beginning of the year – keep a 12-month overview calendar with important dates (eg last UAC early bird fee date, first round offer date) so that nothing gets forgotten. This will reduce the stress you feel long-term.’

10. Apply for early offers

• ‘Apply for early offers! It’s a weight off your shoulders. It helped me to focus more on studying and less on stressing about my future.’
• ‘There are countless opportunities such as scholarships, early offers and assistance schemes. I urge you to apply for them as they not only do they broaden your future prospects, but they also help alleviate the pressure of getting into university, giving you more confidence and flexibility along the way.’

11. Follow your passions at uni

• ‘Studying is always more enjoyable and rewarding if you’re doing something you're passionate about. It makes the hard work easier and you're more likely to stay committed. If you're on the fence about what to study at uni, I’d consider reaching out and talking to people already in the field to get a clearer idea of what’s involved – it could help you make a more informed decision.’
• ‘After being told what to study in high school, university is your chance to pursue what you really want to. It’s a chance reinvent yourself, and to use your brain in the field your heart wants to be in.’

12. Remember, you are more than your ATAR

• ‘Your ATAR is just a number. It does not define you. If you don't get the ATAR you expected or needed, it doesn't matter. What matters is how you move forward with how you want to live out your life. So just try your best, celebrate and enjoy the time after exams.’