The Ultimate Study Checklist for HSC and VCE Students

With the HSC and VCE exams approaching fast, now is the time to study smarter, not harder. The key to exam preparation is good organisation and using study techniques that maximise learning.

Many students mistake quantity for quality when it comes to study, but scientific research has confirmed that the most successful students spend less time studying than their peers. The reason they are high achievers is because they know how to make the most of their time.

This guide will help reduce stress and boost learning as you prepare for your final exams.

Keep a Detailed Planner

Year 12 is a busy year. In addition to exam preparation, there are major assessment tasks to complete as well as a range of extra-curricular activities to participate in. It’s essential to stay on top of things by keeping a diary or planner that you regularly revise and update.

Your planner should include due dates for all assessment tasks, exams and other deadlines and commitments. It’s too easy to lose track of what needs to be done and then find yourself panicking at the last minute if you don’t check your planner regularly.

Block Out Study Time

When it comes to study, you can’t wait for inspiration to strike. Use your planner to work out exactly how much free time you have available each week and then block out time for study.

Be realistic and allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation. After a busy day at school, you need to allow yourself some time to wind down. Split your study up into short sessions with breaks in between. Taking a break after focusing intensely will help you retain learning.

Complete Past Exam Papers

This is a tried and true practice that really works. Familiarising yourself with past papers gives you great insight into what to expect in your exams. It also allows you to come up with strategies for approaching different types of questions, helping reduce stress.

Your teachers will be more than happy to give you feedback on practice exams. Also, take a look at the suggested responses on education websites. This will help you refine your answers and deepen your understanding of what’s required to achieve top marks.

Research Study Techniques

To study smarter, not harder you need to find techniques that work for you. Simply reading and highlighting your notes is not an effective way to learn because your brain is not very actively engaged.

Active learning involves making connections, drawing conclusions and coming up with new examples. The following study techniques effectively engage the brain:

Create a study guide or quiz.
Teach a concept to someone else.
Use a whiteboard to display key points and create mind maps.
Create graphic representations of concepts.
Make a video or podcast explaining a topic.

Consider Hiring a Tutor

Tutors are an invaluable resource when preparing for exams. A tutor can help with organisation, revision techniques and managing exam anxiety. Our tutors are very familiar with the syllabus and can address any gaps in learning.