How are you feeling about being the dux of your school?
“Mostly shocked, I know a lot of really smart and hard working students who I expected to destroy me in the exams! “I’m still half expecting VCAA to call me and say there was a mistake.“
How were you and your family feeling the morning when you got your results?
“I was on the verge of tears that morning before looking at the results and had barely slept, I’m unfortunately quite a pessimist and had worked myself up into a panic.
“My main emotion upon seeing my results was relief, that I’d done my best and it had paid off, and I hadn’t failed anxious Year 7 me who cried about their grades all the time.
“Mum said she was proud and I could choose what we had for dinner, and my younger brother was still sleeping of course.“
What was your study routine?
“I actually only studied one to two hours per day, because I find I lose focus and get frustrated otherwise.
“I began this schedule months and months before the exams however, so I still managed to get enough repetition for the information to stick.
“I focused on flashcards, because they worked well for me in the past (Year 7-10s: take your exams seriously so you can learn how you study best) and did some practice exams as well, to get used to their formatting and [getting the] timing down.“
How was remote learning?
“Bad.
“I was in studio art, which I’m sure you can imagine was great with no access to materials.
“I had stable internet this year though, so I can’t complain too much.“
Are you looking to study and if so, what Uni are you considering?
“I’m hoping to get into Melbourne Uni for fine art, which ironically has no ATAR requirement (at least that I could find), instead focusing more on the folio.“
Do you have any words of wisdom for the class of Year 12, 2022?
“If you start study early, you can do only a little each day and still get LOTS of practice and repetition with no cramming necessary.
“More importantly though, I know it’s all people talk about but you’re so much more valuable than your grades, and your future is so much bigger than your grades.
“Do what you’re able to, remember everyone’s ‘best effort’ looks different, and don’t push yourself so hard you end up hurting yourself.
“Easy to say from my position, I know, but my point stands.
“Good luck guys!“
