It’s the day before HSC exams start – how did you feel this time last year?

“I was very ready to put all my efforts from the past few years into those final moments, but I was stressed and overwhelmed.

“Even though I’d prepped heaps, I still felt underprepared but looking back I wasn’t as behind as I thought.

“I think that feeling is normal; everyone feels like they could have done more, no matter how much you have studied.

What advice would you give to students picking up their pens tomorrow for the first English paper?  

“Don’t overthink it, you’ve done the hard work already, now you're just putting it on paper.

“Take a deep breath before you start; use those first few minutes to read carefully and plan your responses.

“Remember, no one expects perfection. Focus on showing the markers what you do know, not worrying about what you don’t.

“And seriously, try to stay calm! English Paper 1 feels scary, but once you start writing, the nerves ease off. 

“And after paper 1, you’ll be ready to smash out the rest.

How did you sustain focus over the length of the exams?

“I focused on quality over quantity and effective study techniques, not endless hours.

“Set small, achievable goals for each day or session – for instance, do 2 math papers and revise module 5 of bio.

“Change your study environment if you’re feeling stuck; sometimes sitting in the same place for too long makes you unmotivated.

“Keep a healthy routine, because it will help with your focus. Get enough sleep, eat well and nutritiously, stay hydrated and move your body.

“Remind yourself the exams are temporary; you’ve got this.

What helped you stay relaxed and focused on study and revision?

“Giving myself ‘me-time’ was essential. I made sure to do something small every day that made me happy — going to the gym, watching my favourite show at the end of the day, and grabbing food with friends.

“When I felt overwhelmed, I’d often go for a walk and blast music in the middle of the day. It cleared my head and then I felt ready to start studying again.

“It’s all about balance. You study better when you’re not constantly drained. You’re not going to comprehend anything if you force yourself to study and learn.

How can families support HSC students?

“Be patient and understanding. The HSC is such a high-pressure time for students and they’re going to be going through so many emotions at once.

“Remind students to rest and look after themselves. I know many students forget to do that so having support making sure they do really means a lot.

“And reassurance that their worth isn’t based solely on an exam mark.

Any advice for the Year 12 students starting their 2026 HSC journey this week?

“It sounds cliched but make the most of it. The time flies by.

“Of course, the academic side matters but the friendships and memories you make in Year 12 are something special.

“Don’t let stress take over; enjoy the milestones along the way and find what study routine works for you, not what everyone else is doing.”

Tisha Bahri is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney and planning to study postgraduate medicine.