I’ve got 5 subjects to study for before HSC Trials with 40-page study notes for each subject – that’s 200 notes to work with. Plus, I’ve still got to do past papers and revise everything in the next month!
Basically, I’m f*&@ed.
Sound familiar?
In this video, we’ll take you through a simple 3-step framework you can use to create a killer effective HSC Trials study plan:
1. How to set goal marks and stretch goals
2. How to create an epic to-do list and milestone timeline
3. How to keep yourself accountable to your plan
Here’s how to Create an Effective HSC Trials Study Plan!
The old saying “failing to plan is planning to fail” rings true around Trials season.
If you’ve got five subjects to study for and no plan on how you’re going to tackle it, you’ll end up cramming last minute and feeling completely overwhelmed.
So, having a HSC Trials study plan is really important for acing your exams, but also for staying sane.
In this article, we’re going to take you through a simple 3-step framework for putting together an awesome HSC Trials study plan to help you ace the HSC Trials!
So let’s jump in!
Step 1: Set Goal Marks
This step is easy.
All you need to do is write down a goal mark that you would like to achieve in your HSC Trials for each of your subjects.
While this step is easy, it is really important.
Because, if you don’t have a goal in mind for what you’d like to achieve, how will you know how much work you actually need to do to prepare?
When you’re setting your goal mark for each subject, don’t simply set it as the ideal marks that you would like to achieve, but instead, challenge yourself!
For example, if you’re aiming for 80%, set your goal mark at 85%! If you’re aiming for a 50% pass, set your goal at 60%!
To make life easier for you, download your FREE Goal Mark planner below:
Step 2: Write an Epic To-Do List
Now, with your goal mark in mind for one of your subjects, write down every thing that you need to do between now and exams to give you the best chance of scoring your goal mark.
The purpose of this step is the get all the stuff that’s in your head and making you feel overwhelmed and put it down on paper. This helps you feel a little less overwhelmed and gives you a visible list of what you need to do.
Now, repeat this step for the rest of your subjects, while keeping your goal mark in mind!
If you’re finding you’re having trouble thinking of things to put on your list, ask yourself this question:
What study do I need to do in order to achieve my goal mark?
This might be starting study notes or updating existing notes, it might be getting some extra practice writing in, or working on your memorisation!
Now that you’ve got an awesome list done for each of your subjects, start planning out what tasks need to be done right now, next week, the week after, and so on, up until the week before HSC Trials.
The point of this step is to identify some milestones of what you need to complete and when you need to complete them!
Step 3: Use a Wall Chart
Now, take your goal marks and milestone timeline and stick it up on your wall!
Here’s a free Wall Chart Template you can use to keep track of your goals and milestones:
If your goal marks and timeline stay hidden in a file on your computer, it’ll be “out of sight, out of mind”.
The point of sticking it on your wall, and somewhere you can see it, is that it’s a constant reminder of your goal and what you need to do to achieve it!
Plus, there’s the added bonus of the moment when you’ve actually completed something and you can put a big, red cross through it!
First of all, there’s no better feeling than ticking something off your to-do list, but it also gives you a real-time sense of your progress. You’ll be able to see what you’ve accomplished and what’s coming up next on your plan.
Recap: How to Make an Effective HSC Trials Study Plan
To recap what we’ve learned today:
#1: Set a goal mark for each of your HSC Subjects. Make sure you’re stretching yourself and giving yourself a challenge with this mark. If you’re aiming for 50%, set your goal at 60%; if you’re aiming for 75%, set your goal at 80%!
#2: Write an epic to-do list and milestone timeline so you can plan out when you’ll be doing what. This ensure that you can get everything you need to get done complete by the time you get to Trials.
#3: Make your goals visible on a wall chart so you can see what you’re doing and what you’ve already done. This gives you an idea of what you’ve got left to do and how far you’ve come on your plan!
Looking for a tutor to support you while you ace the HSC?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a large variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills! For tutoring in the Blacktown area, expert K-12 tutors in the Fairfield area, or somewhere closer to home, we can provide the individualised support you’re looking for!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!Â
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok!
Isabella Hanley loves science. She loves science so much she’s making it her career. While completing her Bachelor of Medical Science she is also a Coach and Digital Content Manager at Art of Smart. She is super passionate about sharing her knowledge on surviving the HSC since completing the HSC herself in 2014. In her downtime she enjoys Netflix binging like a pro, singing in the shower and hanging out with her awesome rescue dog, Ruby.
