The last-minute study advice past Year 12 exams students agree on

This week we kicked off our Year 12 Exams Series on 9honey and it quickly became apparent just how vivid our memories of that experience still are.

We have the gift of perspective now, but back then, we were each in the thick of it – the stress, the pressure; some of it we placed on ourselves and some placed on us by others.

We survived, and so will you!

With days to go until the Year 12 Exams kick off across the country this October, here's our advice for students busy cramming for their first paper.

READ MORE: The advice that helped Ben get through his Year 12 exams

While each of us had different pieces of advice to over, there was one point we each agreed was the most useful this close to exams.

"You really only need to be doing past exam papers"

The key piece of advice we all agreed on was doing past exam papers.

This is particularly useful for students feeling underprepared and with such limited time until exams begin next week.

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"Just do the practice papers and mark yourself harshly – the trial and error will teach you what you need and don't need and that way you can memorise quotes through writing," 9honey staffer Madhurima said.

Bronte quickly agreed, adding, "Unless there's been a drastic change to the syllabus, a majority of every year's questions are just different versions of the questions asked in previous years.

"So, really, once you know the format of the exams and look at example answers/essays, when you get into the exam room, it'll be like muscle memory."

All past Year 12 Exams for the past five years can be found online here.

"Know the syllabus"

The syllabus for each subject is really your blueprint to what the exam will be, so use some of the time you have left to go over the syllabus for each subject and focus your study sessions on them.

This was Mikala's advice, and she suggested this is particularly important for subjects such as Business and History.

"The Syllabus literally tells you how to get the most marks by applying the content in the right way during essays," she says.

"Also, make sure you are updating your study notes every week, so by the time you get to trials you've got a massive file of all the study notes done, all you have to do then is read over it and do practice essays.

"So many girls at my school didn't start making study notes until trials, but then they were left with no time to actually study them."

Suki also advised focusing your studies on the syllabus, and Bronte added, "Markers only want to read what they want to hear, they don't really care what you think unless you can really sell it."

You can access the syllabuses for each subject here.

"Make mini essay plans"

Making mini essay plans for expected topics is another study shortcut ahead of exams next week.

Madhurima suggests making "a mini essay plan and memorise the quotes."

"Once you're in the exam room, dump it all out on the blank paper page and you can look back on it throughout the exam," she continues.

"It'll take 10 minutes of your time but the peace of mind you'll have throughout the exam is worth it."

Mikala agrees focusing on essay topics after making notes is key.

"Also, make sure you are updating your study notes every week, so by the time you get to trials you've got a massive file of all the study notes done, all you have to do then is read over it and do practice essays," she says.

Other advice

Ask teachers for feedback

Madhurima also suggests asking teachers for feedback, saying, "That's what they're there for." It's never too late to reach out and is a great way to fine-tune last-minute study efforts.

Take care of your mental health

Maddi recalls her Year 12 exams experience as having "almost destroyed" her mental health. She admits she was "chasing the highest ATAR possible."

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"I got a 98.0 and a decade on I can confirm that it absolutely wasn't worth it," she says.

"Yes, having a high ATAR can help you get into the uni course you want, but it's not the be all end all and there are so many different pathways into uni or other opportunities after school, it's not worth sacrificing your mental wellbeing for a mark.

"Looking back, I wish I took a more balanced approach and studied, tried my best, but didn't focus so much on a number that my mental wellbeing suffered."

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kid's Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or for ongoing resources contact Headspace.

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