Support for your journey

Quick tips for high schoolers

I’m struggling to stay motivated, what can I do?

Getting started is often the hardest part – so make it as easy as you can. Create mini goals to aim for (10 minutes of study, 250 words, one page, one topic). 

From there, build up to bigger sessions and add regular breaks to keep things moving. For example, take a five-minute break every 30 minutes of focused work.

Study with a friend or in a library – the right environment can really help.

Plan backwards: figure out what you need to work on and what you’re strongest at so you can prioritise the stuff that needs the most work. 

If you’re really struggling, tell a teacher what you’re stuck on or reach out to the school wellbeing team or a trusted adult for advice or help.

I feel anxious about my upcoming exams; how do I calm down?

Feeling anxious before exams is common. One way to deal with it is to make the next steps clearer and more familiar:

• Do one practice under exam rules for each subject
• Write a little plan for the first five minutes of the exam (read time, what to do first)
• Get plenty of sleep and healthy food – they’re essential study tools
• Try this breathing exercise to reset when you feel overwhelmed: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six and repeat five times.

If the stress is getting a lot, talk through it with a friend, parent, guardian, teacher or school counsellor.

I didn’t do well in practice exams, what’s my strategy now?

Practice exams are feedback – they help you work out what to fix next:

• Work out why you lost marks: gaps in knowledge, misunderstanding the question, timing or careless errors
• Start an “error log”: the question type + what went wrong + the fixed version
• Focus on the highest-payoff areas: common topics, common question styles, easy marks you might be missing
• Re-sit questions you got wrong after 3-7 days (that’s where learning actually sticks).

Resitting practice exams is most helpful when you review previous attempts properly and learn from the mistakes.

I have other commitments while studying, how can I balance everything?

Balancing all the different things in life all comes down to planning:

• Make a weekly plan with non-negotiables first (work shifts, sport, family stuff)
• Build “study blocks” that are actually doable. For example, it might be more realistic for you to commit to multiple half hour blocks each day instead of one big four hour block
• Do your admin in batches (emails, printing, notes) so it doesn’t eat up time.

Communicate early with teachers, work, coaches, etc. – most people can be flexible if you ask them.

How do I decide between similar courses?

It can be confusing to decide just by looking at course names, especially when some sound similar. The best approach is to work backwards:

• What jobs does it lead to (and does it require accreditation/registration)?
• Placements – when they happen, how they are organised, who with, where they are located
• Will you have the flexibility to change majors or specialities?
• What will you learn in first year – and do you want to do that weekly?
• Which campus is the course taught at?

If you’re unsure, pick the course that keeps more doors open in year one – switching is usually easier than people think.

My ATAR is higher than I expected, what courses can I aim for?

That’s great – but don’t choose a course just because you “can”. List your preferences by courses you actually want to do, in the order you want to do them. 

A high ATAR means you’ve got more flexibility in your choices. But what really matters is finding the right fit for your interests, passions, skills and goals.

I just met the minimum requirements, what should I do next?

Meeting the minimum means you’re eligible – now focus on giving yourself the best chance.

• Double-check prerequisites and any extra selection tasks (folios, interviews, statements)
• Consider your plan B (pathway options, diplomas/TAFE, mid-year intakes)
• Get advice early instead of waiting for offers to drop.

Keep in mind: many students reach their dream course through a pathway.

I didn’t get an offer, what can I do now?

It’s frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. You still have options:

• Change of Preference rounds (reorder, add options you’re eligible for)
• Supplementary offers (some unis like VU make offers after main rounds)
• Consider later intakes (you can start in April or July at VU)
• Start with a pathway: TAFE, a diploma, or a bridging course that helps you go towards your goals.

Talk to a course advisor for advice and see if you could build a personalised plan to meet your goals.

I changed my mind about my course after getting results, can I switch?

Yes. You can:

• Update preferences in the next round (if you’re still in the VTAC cycle)
• Accept an offer now and apply to transfer later
• Choose a course with shared first-year subjects to keep switching easier

Don't worry about getting locked into something – you’ll always have a chance to explore pathways to where you really want to go. 

From Year 12 to life after school – top tips & tricks

Focus on study prep

What matters most after school isn’t “being smart” – it’s being organised and having a study plan you can rely on. Work out where you focus best and study in focused blocks that fit your schedule and energy levels. Use a diary to control your calendar and keep track of current assignment deadlines.

Learn how to make an effective study plan

Campus & culture: what to expect when you get there

Starting somewhere new usually feels awkward at first. Expect to learn new systems, meet new people, and take on more independence. Remember there’s plenty of support to help you settle in, from orientation to student advisors. Take the time early to learn where things are and how your timetable works.

Money & admin hacks

More independence means juggling more than just your study responsibilities. Make a basic budget so you know what you can spend each week. Get a concession card and student myki. Look up what other discounts, concessions and scholarships you might be eligible for. Set up one place for important logins, documents and dates (notes app or a folder is enough). If you work, see if you can plan shifts around big deadlines to reduce pressure. 

Wellbeing: mind, body & life

Transitions are stressful even when you’re excited. Stick to the fundamentals: sleep, food, movement and breaks away from screens. Keep one or two regular things in your week that help you reset (sport, gym, walking, seeing friends, hobbies). If stress, low mood or anxiety are affecting you for weeks or disrupting sleep and daily life – it’s worth talking to someone early. Support works best early before things spiral.

Read our tips for looking after your mental health while studying.

Build soft skills for your career

Uni isn’t just about building industry-specific skills and knowledge. You’re also developing critical soft skills that’ll come in handy throughout work and life. Things like communication, teamwork and critical thinking. Build your soft skills like a muscle. Analyse arguments to sharpen critical thinking, practise collaborating with others in group projects, and embrace the resilience you’re building as you tackle hard tasks.

Read about the soft skills that will boost your employability.