18 Oct 2018

If you’ve clicked this, chances are things aren’t looking good for your final exams.

You’re looking at whatever notes you have for the first time in a while, and wondering why the hell you didn’t start revising sooner. Don’t worry–not all hope is lost and you can come back from this.

(Plus, our mates at the University of Canberra know you don’t have time to stress about exams and picking a uni right now, so they’ve made a super easy guide to help you out.)

 

1. Honestly, stop freaking out

When you think of your exams, do you get a sick twist in your gut and the inevitable feeling that you’re going to fail?

It’s easy to let this feeling overwhelm you until you’re sitting in a panicked state unable to face your books. With tonnes of revision and too little time, the pressure can be paralysing.

Here’s the thing, despite what it feels like, you can save this. Trust us.

2. Realise you’re doing this to yourself (and figure out how to cope)

When I was sitting my final exams, I was so stressed I found myself spiralling into a catastrophising thought process that went something like this:

  • There’s no way I can study the entire syllabus in time for the exam
  • Oh god, if I can’t study I’m going to fail this exam
  • If I fail, I’m going to get a terrible ATAR
  • I won’t be able to get into uni
  • Everyone will be so disappointed in me
  • I’ll be a massive failure

See how each thought built on the previous one?

I had to train myself to escape this sort of thinking, and you can too. Take a deep breath, watch some dog videos and read fluffy articles about how much better life will be once you’re free from school. Then come back and do the work.

3. Do something

You don’t need to get everything done right now. To start, have a crack at the easiest task possible. Highlight one definition, memorise a single date and read one practice exam.

Simplifying your work will make it heaps easier to manage than thinking about it as one massive task. Before you know it, you’ll have smashed out half your revision without even realising.

Remember, you can get yourself into gear with the limited time you have left.

Pretty soon you’ll be free, and you’ll be able to look back knowing you gave it your best shot. Even if you walk into an exam still feeling completely unprepared, remember that making it through this year is an achievement, regardless of your marks.

It’s been a hard slog with assignments and essays, crazy pressure, changing friendships and the rest of the drama that comes with high school. A successful year doesn’t always mean topping the class or getting the highest ATAR in the school.

Sometimes success is just making through, regardless of how you did it.