26 May 2020 | 4 mins

It has come up quick - your final year of school. There’s heaps of pressure to perform, and it definitely feels like it's a massive step up from the rest of your school years. Heat can be coming in from your parents, teachers and the looming decisions of after school life, and of course there’s the pressure you’re putting on yourself, which could be the heaviest of it all. Well, take a chill for a little minute and peep these hacks for keeping your brain from falling out of your ears while you navigate your final year at school.

Keep organised

A simple one. Staying on top of what you’ve gotta do, when to hand it in and how to divide your time are super easy ways to keep yourself stress-free and focused on what's in front of you. Best not to be flicking all over the place; focus on one thing at a time. Figure out what you’re doing and when, make yourself a to-do list and check it off as you go - a very satisfying feeling - have a study plan and STICK TO IT.

Get real-time help with AI

Essays are a massive part of school, and the amount you’ll have to do in your last year is astronomical. There’s information that has been crammed into your brain for years and now you need to turn it into a cohesive piece of writing, and on a time limit. Big yikes. Copilot is an online AI service built to help you write essays that famous academics (yes, they exist) would be jealous of. It’ll also help you with your assignments, giving you valuable guidance and feedback whenever you need it. Copilot reads your writing as you go, so you’ll get instant help with your work and develop your research, essay structure writing skills without losing momentum. Check it out for yourself - it’ll be a huuuge benefit to your essay subjects and take a load of pressure off.

Ask, Ask, Ask!

Don’t feel like you have to study and prepare for your final year alone! Your teachers are there for you and love it when you ask them questions (this is honestly true) so they can help you get the most out of your final school year. Don’t be too proud to ask your friends and family for help, and even get others to read your essays or check your assignments! Often a second set of eyes is just what you need to kill the game. If you’ve got a tutor, do some serious work with them - use the time you’ve got to elevate every bit of work you hand in and be hella prepared for those final exams!

Take some time out

Your final year of school can be overwhelming and tbh really tiring. The more you keep on top of all the things you’ve gotta do, the more relaxed you’ll be - and your grades will thank you! If you feel like you’re drowning in schoolwork, don't forget to take a break and chill out. You’re still a teenager and your final year is also the time to let the good times roll with ya closest mates. Close your books for a bit, head outside and get some sun, get some exercise and make some memories with your friends. Having a clear head will help you stay focused and happy through your final year.

Don’t forget to enjoy it!

It’s easy to lose yourself in the pressures of the last year of high school. It’s important to remember that Year 12 isn’t the be all and end all of your life. You’re never gonna be able to enjoy high school again. So, embrace it and have fun with it, in a few years you’ll definitely look back and realise it wasn’t so hard, and it was actually a pretty epic time.

The pressures of your final school year can feel all too much, but just take it easy and keep on top of things. Have a look at the ways that can easily save you time like Copilot, and get your work looking its best. Come up with a couple of your own hacks or ask someone you know that’s been through it all before - and keep that brain inside your head where it’s supposed to be. You got this!