Our HSC Experiences

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We are well and truly into the year, and if you're sitting your HSC this year, you are most likely starting to get a bit anxious (if you already aren't) with the release of the exam timetable and exams getting closer.

To help you feel a bit better about everything, we've gathered some of our friends to answer some questions about the HSC. All of us got completely different ATAR's, did a wide range of subjects and now are doing completely different degrees. This means there will definitely be someone who has done one of your subjects and sailed that ship!

Let's get right into it! We hope this helps you feel less stressed and hopefully you can find something here to help! (names have been hidden for anonymity)

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Question 1: What subjects did you do for the HSC?

A: Ancient History, Biology, English Adv, Investigating Science, Ext History, Legal Studies

B: Textiles and Design, Legal studies, Business Studies, Standard Mathematics & Standard English

M: Mathematics 3&4 unit, Advanced English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

S: English Advanced, Maths Ext, Economics, Physics, Chemistry

H: 2u English, 3u Maths, Legal Studies, Economics, Chemistry

Question 2: Did you hold any leadership positions?

A: Library Captain (Year 11)

B: No

M: Formal Committee

S: No

H: No

Question 3: What was your overall HSC experience like?

A: It was a mix of stress and fun, there were good times and bad times, but looking back at it, I don't know why I was freaking out!!

B: Stressful, but it was pretty good because all the teachers were super helpful and all my friends were going through it too

M: Not too bad actually. I definitely think there were some things I could have done to improve my experience.

S: Very stressful

H: It was a stressful time but that just depends on how much stress you decide to put on yourself and how you want to approach the HSC. Being with friends and people in your grade allowed to share the experience and did make it fun and enjoyable since we could share our pain together.

Question 4: How did you manage your schoolwork with extracurricular activities?

A: Set a timetable, work through that, make sure I was organised and that any work I had due was done so I wasn't stressing.

B: I did my work before and after the extracurricular activities and timetabled each subject a specific time to make sure I was doing all the work

M: Didn't do any extracurricular activities

S: I dropped out of the many extracurricular activities that I enjoyed.

H: Keeping timetables helps a lot and allows you to stay on track and tick off everything you want to do. It also keeps you liable for what you have to do and ensures you actually get them done.

Question 5: How did you get through assessments?

A: Cry a lot, but also self-belief, and putting your head down and getting through it, whichever one was due first I would do, and ask for help.

B: I did a little bit at a time and then finished it at least a few days before the due date to ensure I had time to review and edit

M: Work through them and try your best.

S: Barely. But with a lot of planning ahead and dedication to get them done

H: Work with friends, talk things through with other people. Talking to people in your classes helps all of you to improve your work. Make sure you always do your notes after each lesson so that you're 100% ready by exam time. Practise exams are super useful, and so is working with people from other schools.

Question 6: How did you manage exam stress?

A: Besides the copious amounts of crying, I would set time for myself to watch Netflix, exercise and do something to give myself a break. I would also make sure I had planned out my study days so I was covering every topic.

B: I took an hour when I was very stressed to myself and not do work (e.g go for a walk or bath) and then go back to studying

M: Just work through your exams and do your best. When you come out of an exam, don’t stress over it; it is what it is.

S: Taking “me” time was very important

H: Do anything that takes your mind off exams and don't feel guilty about it! Get outside, meet up with friends, go shopping, exercise etc.

Question 7: If you could change something about your HSC experience, what would it be?

A: One thing I regret is not doing well at the start and in Yr 11. I would instead work harder at the beginning and make sure that I wasn't falling behind. Also, I would ask the teachers for help earlier in the year, than later and start doing more practice questions and handing in work earlier in the year.

B: Studying more throughout the year and organising my notes better

M: Probably listen more in class. I ended up needing to do so much work out of school hours which could have been reduced if I just paid more attention.

S: How much I let the stress get to me

H: Working more with friends.

Question 8: Any advice for someone doing similar subjects to you?

A: Don't stress, take it easy, stay on top of your work. I did really content-heavy subjects and if you aren't staying on top of your work, you will fall behind. Practise, practise, practise.

B: For textiles: start your major work ASAP because the due date comes up my sooner than you think For Business: study a case study along with all your work through the year so you can write the Business report using a real-life example

M: Don’t drop out!! I know the science and maths subjects can be hard, but it will really help with the first-year uni!

S: Practice as much as you can!

H: The workload can be heavy! So always keep up with your work and be on top of your notes, homework, practise exams - but don't overwork yourself so don't be afraid to take breaks

Question 9: Any general advice for HSC and year 12?

A: Have fun, it really is one of the best years of your life, everything is basically done for you! Go to parties, go have fun with friends, but make sure you are still working hard at the same time!

B: Don't Stress it, there are so many other ways to get into University (also coffee and Class group chats are the best)

M: Just work through things and do your best

S: You will barely remember all of this once it is over! So just give it your best go and have fun along the way

H: It's not all about the HSC, Year 12 is still a great opportunity to make some of the best memories with your friends and you WILL miss it once you're in uni :)

Question 10: What degree are you doing now?

A: Bachelor of Psychology / Bachelor of Human Sciences

B: Bachelor of Business

M: Bachelor of Forensic Science (majoring in biology)

S: Bachelor of Electrical Eng (Hons)/ Bachelor of commerce

H: Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/ Bachelor of Commerce

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We hope this has eased some of the worries you may have about HSC! it really is just another year. Looking back on my HSC experience 7 months later, I really don't know why I was freaking out about it! I promise you, it isn't that bad once its all over. Remember, the journey there may be difficult, but the view at the end is worth it!! Don't give up, keep your head up and stay positive!

We hope you find this useful, and as always, send us a DM on Insta! Don't forget to follow and share our page as well @nesa.meemees