You’ve finished exams, what’s next?
You’ve put the pen down for your final exam and you’re done with Year 12. Congratulations! We’ve compiled some ideas on what you can do next.
Take a moment to congratulate yourself and be proud of what you have achieved. You’ve spent the last year studying hard and there is nothing more you can do until you receive your results. Anxiety might be bubbling at the surface knowing there is nothing else you can do to influence your results. Start by packing away any notes and cleaning up your study area. By creating a clean space, you can put away those thoughts and anxiety.
Get back into your hobbies
In the build-up and during exams, you may have dropped off a few of your regular activities or hobbies. Now is the time to jump back in, start something new or be social with friends. This could look like playing sports, reading, cooking, watching films and TV or really anything you enjoy.
Consider travel. If circumstances allow it, book in some travel over the holiday period. This could be within Victoria, Australia or going international. There is so much to see and discover and with the large gap you have between exams finishing and pursuing higher education, now is the time to discover all there is to the world.
If travel is not on the cards, you could look at earning some extra money and getting a job. This could be a Christmas casual role over the busy holiday period or finding something more permanent. Working gives you a sense of purpose, while also being a great way to earn money and pursue the activities you love.
Check your course preferences
Take a look at your course preferences, and make sure you are still comfortable with the courses you have chosen. Have your interests changed? Or still unsure what you want to study? Make sure you have a range of course preferences and pathway options listed. You have time after ATAR results are released to go in and change your preferences in case you over or underperformed.
At the end of the day, we recommend always keeping your dream course number one and including a variety of back up options and pathway options.
Understand the offer process
Make sure you are aware when first round offers come out, save the date in your diary! Be prepared to accept or decline an offer and read through the institution instructions to ensure your offer doesn’t lapse. We always recommend accepting your first offer as you can always decline, withdraw or defer at a later date, especially if you get your preferred offer in a later offer round.
VTAC host a variety of webinars in December talking students through the ATAR and scaling, how to receive results and preferences, pathways and offers. These are a great way to ask any burning questions direct to staff and feel more prepared for tertiary education.
