With HSC trial exams underway across the state, students are searching for the best ways to balance study, manage stress, and perform at their peak.

For Cowra’s Olivia Perkins, who achieved a 98.45 ATAR and received the Premier’s Award for All-Round Excellence with six Band 6 results, preparation came down to structure, consistency, and resilience.

Ms Perkins said one of the most effective tools during her HSC was creating a clear schedule.

“Study timetables are one of the best tools to allocate your time,” she said.

“They alleviate the anxiety of fitting everything you need to complete in a day, as they allow you to book out periods of your time to achieve completing practice papers, revising notes and re-learning your syllabus points.”

“They also keep you accountable to what you need to complete each day for that week,” Ms Perkins said.

Having a timetable not only organised her study but also provided reassurance during stressful moments.

According to Ms Perkins, there is no substitute for practice exams.

“Practice papers are key,” Ms Perkins said.

“Keep to the times allocated to each module for each paper, this will show you where your strengths lie with each module and which ones need more attention, whether this be content, writing or structure,” she said.

She encouraged students to review weaker results closely.

“If one does not go well, look at it with your teacher or top advisor to analyse what you could revise, change or restructure to improve,” she advised.

Her method was relentless but effective.

“Once you have everything down pat, write and rewrite practice papers with different previous questions until you think your hand will fall off.”

“The challenges each different question poses is invaluable experience for your HSC exams,” she said.

Ms Perkins stressed the importance of leaning on teachers throughout the process.

“Stay in touch with your teachers,” Ms Perkins said.

“There are moments during the HSC where everyone’s resolve wavers.”

“They have both been where you are and helped innumerable students.”

“Get them to read your practice papers with a fresh set of eyes, they can guide you on what improvements can be made to your writing and reassure you through the stress of the process,” she said.

While practice is crucial, Ms Perkins said rest is just as important.

“Take breaks, whether it is sitting outside in the sun for 30 minutes, going for a walk to clear your head or sitting having a coffee.”

“Try to stay off your phone during these periods.”

“Your head will be clearer and it will allow you to reset to keep studying,” she said.

For moments of overwhelm, her advice is simple.

“When this happens, get up from your desk and go for a walk or a shower or do something that grounds you,” she said.

“Come back when you’re calm and consult your study timetable, allocate your time to what is needed and go forth more calmly, knowing you’ve planned what needs doing and you’ll get it done,” Ms Perkins said.

Checking syllabus points against personal resources was another key strategy.

“Print out all your syllabus points and check them against your own resources.”

“You will know then where you’re most confident and where you need to allocate extra time,” Ms Perkins said.

She also highlighted the importance of handwriting.

“Hand write your notes.”

“Your laptop may be convenient, but it won’t help you in your exams.”

“Make sure you’re prepared to sit and write for the whole two to three-hour exam period.”

“This is where those practice papers come in handy,” Ms Perkins said.

For Ms Perkins, support networks played a big role in staying grounded.

“Know that there are so many people in your corner through this process, your family, your teachers and your friends.”

“It can be an extremely difficult and trying time but also an immensely rewarding one,” she said.

Her final message to current HSC students was one of encouragement.

“The HSC exams only comprise a few weeks of your life, but if you seize this time to work hard and strive to do your best, the rewards that follow will show you the benefits of perseverance, hard work, and the strength you may find in your own resolve,” she said.