Year 12 survival tips from recent graduates
We asked last years graduates on the key advice they would give current year 12 students.
Year 12 can be a challenging year, often filled with many difficult lessons, big decisions and high demands. From keeping up with an increased workload and studying for final exams, to making big decisions on what to do after school – it can create high expectations and take a toll on your mental health. We spoke to recent high school graduates, Ariel, Victoria and Radha and asked them to share their key pieces of advice on how to navigate Year 12.
Key advice during Year 12
“Always know your resources and use them accordingly.” Ariel was passionate about achieving a scholarship for university entry and recommends whether you’re interested in scholarships, a certain course or excelling in exams, to “study your resources and use them to support your endeavour. I wanted to achieve a specific scholarship, so I researched online, went to conferences, emailed the officials in charge and spoke to teachers to ensure I had all the information and necessary documents to apply.”
Victoria believes that “spreading out your work consistently throughout the terms by completing notes after class instead of cramming before SACs or exams, will keep you on top of your workload. Consistently take notes on where you can improve, know your exam timetable and setting goals along the way will help to keep you engaged and motivated throughout the year.” If you have an idea on what course you need to get into, she recommends “researching the course early to know what ATAR you will need to achieve and therefore the marks for each assessment.”
Top study tips for year 12 students
“It’s important to know how you learn best.”
Ariel knew she could not study at home as she often got too distracted. “I found it best to separate my environments, often studying at the library instead of getting distracted at home.”
She also wishes she set aside more time to study. “I would often wait until it was the perfect moment or until my desk was tidy and perfect. I learnt later that this was a form of procrastination and instead now pursue a ‘just do it’ mentality, which has helped get me through university.”
Victoria shares similar advice, “find a method of study that works for you and stick to it. Set out a clear routine that applies to each assessment and don’t get stressed out about how or what your peers are studying. Everyone is different!”
“Sort out all the logistics now, so you can fully focus on exams”
Victoria recommends getting your study plan and VTAC application sorted early, ‘that way you can focus on exams. Know your exam timetable and create a study plan accordingly, that way you can keep motivated and engaged along the way.”
When asked on any other key advice to share with year 12 students, they all stated, “have fun. The year passes by so quickly, so make sure you take the time to have fun with friends, teachers and classmates to finish the year with as many memories as possible.”
