NOTE: This article was originally published in 2018. Details may currently differ depending on your circumstances.

With just weeks until exams start (and end!), it’s really getting to crunch time. This is it – the end is in sight. But beyond the obvious fact that your final exams are looming, there are a few things that might be different in this last little period of school.

1. Your routine might change.

In fact, you might have already finished classes in general. If this is the case, you’ll need to adjust to your new routine: one that might be more self-determined. If you feel like you have the discipline, this “freedom” will allow you to study whatever you feel most relevant at the time. But if you’re concerned about losing focus, losing motivation and straying off track, you might like to keep your existing timetable in place.

That is, if you usually have Maths and English on a Thursday, why not continue to study Maths and English through those times? Doing things this way can help with familiarity, meaning the deviation from the status quo doesn’t need to be as big a deal as it otherwise may feel.

If you still feel like you might struggle with accountability, check out our Accountability & Motivation board!

2. It’s time to ask those questions.

You know those areas of subjects you’ve sort of put off and avoided throughout the year because you just can’t get your head around them? Well, once your internal assessments finish, this is the peak time to start looking into them in some depth.

Ask around on ATAR Notes, work with your teachers, simply Google it – do whatever you can to ensure you walk into the exam having converted what was once a weakness, into a strength.

term

These next few weeks probably won’t be like other terms of school – and perhaps not even like other terms of Year 12. You have something directly in sight that you’re working toward, and remember this: you and your teachers are on the same team.

3. Practice papers are the go.

There’s no right answer to questions like, “how many practice exams should I do?” But we do recommend getting through some practice exams and/or practice questions, for they provide a good indication of what you can expect, and also how you should approach the exam on the day.

You can also sit down to complete full practice exams in exam conditions, which can be an excellent way to prepare. Make sure you have no distractions around you, set yourself a time limit, and have at it. You can even be a bit strategic here and try to complete exams at the same time of day you’ll actually be sitting them. For example, if your History exam doesn’t start until 4pm, try getting through some History revision at that same time of day. Prepare yourself for what’s coming.

4. Stress.

Of course, you might also feel a bit of exam stress, which is totally understandable. For this reason and others, it’s important to take care of yourself – seriously. Nothing is more important than your health, and you shouldn’t lose sight of that. ✌️