Top 3 HSC Regrets | What Amin Wished He’d Done Differently in the HSC

Want to make sure you have no HSC regrets? Need advice from someone older and wiser?

Amin is currently studying a Bachelor of Maths and Computer Science at the University of Sydney. 

While it’d be safe to say his HSC was a success, here’s a few things he’d do differently!

HSC Regret #1 Placing too much importance on the HSC 

HSC Regret #2 Not managing time well

HSC Regret #3: Giving up hobbies

HSC Regret #1: Placing too much importance on the HSC 

While Amin recognised the HSC was a significant part of Year 12, he regrets some of the things he sacrificed for it. 

He recalls having restless nights and a less than ideal sleeping schedule which I’m sure a lot of you can relate to.

Amin wants you to remember you’re growing and still just getting introduced to different aspects of life! 

Mindfulness

Amin wishes he worked on himself more and practiced mindfulness more.

Mindfulness includes acts such as meditation and is all about staying in the present.

During Year 12, it’s easy to have tunnel vision and only focus on the end goal but each day is an opportunity to make memories and also savour your school days.

Put aside 5 minutes to have a go at a guided meditation here, I dare you!

If you find that meditation doesn’t help, there are plenty of other things you can do.

Check out a list of mindfulness techniques here!

A common misconception is that the decisions we make during the HSC are temporary. 

While this is partially true, the ways that you cope with your stress, disappointment and marks can continue to affect you when you get older.

It’s important to be implementing habits that allow us to maintain good mental health for life.

Mindfulness techniques should be as regular and important as exercise!

If you’re struggling with your mental health, speak to a trusted adult and/or utilise online resources.

• Headspace
• Beyondblue

While it may seem counterintuitive, Amin said his confidence actually increased after he had relaxed his expectations.

With less pressure on yourself, you’re able to lessen the doubt and negative talk.

The HSC is undoubtedly a large part of Year 12 but remember that it’s not all Year 12 is for.

It’s a celebration of 13 years of schooling and growing up!

HSC Regret #2: Not managing time well

Time management is something that plenty of students (and adults!) struggle with. 

For Year 12, Amin highly recommends everyone get a planner so that you can use your time as effectively as possible. 

This means recognising your responsibilities and the time you will allocate to get those done.

To create your own study planner that caters for your needs, check out our 10 steps here!

If you feel pressed for time, find ways to combine things you need to do.

Organise study dates with your friends and make sure to take some well deserved breaks so you can still be productive!

You shouldn’t be neglecting your social life in Year 12.

You’re in your final year, make some memories and complain about the HSC while you’re at it!

While the holidays should not be utilised just for studying, they allow you to catch up and work on things you need to improve on. 

Use each holiday, to plan for the next term and prioritise.

If you’re not sure exactly what, look back through your assessment marks and spend time redoing them and identifying areas you may need to revisit.

Timed practice papers

Although Amin felt he didn’t use all of his time wisely, timed practice papers are something he stands by.

When it comes to tests, a lot of students get nervous and lose confidence when they’ve already done the hard work!

Avoid this by doing practice papers under exam conditions and get used to that environment.

Practice in this case definitely helps.

By doing timed practice papers, you actually save time. 

Instead of spending a whole day to write one essay, you could’ve assigned 40 minutes per essay and completed three in less than an hour and a half.

We’ve got practice papers for just about any HSC subject be sure to check them out!

HSC Regret #3: Giving up hobbies

Just because it’s Year 12, doesn’t mean you should be giving up hobbies or not pursuing things that interest you!

By having a hobby, you’re automatically giving yourself much needed downtime and practicing self-care.

Amin regrets giving up some of his hobbies for purely study and says make sure not to cross them all out!

These aren’t necessarily things to do instead of studying but things to do when you want to do anything but study.

Check in with your friends and ask them if there’s something they’ve wanted to get into so you can guys can do something productive together!

It can be weekly, fortnightly or even spontaneous but set aside time to do things you like for you.

If you plan to pick your hobby backup over HSC, don’t give it up in the first place!

You’ve probably already made so much progress, it would be a shame to stop now!

While you might feel like you have no time, swap an hour of screen time (where you might not actually be doing much) for an hour of knitting perhaps. 

At university, there are so many clubs and societies you can join and look forward to!

If you need inspiration, take a look at some below:

• USU Clubs – University of Sydney
• ARC Clubs – UNSW 

Plus it’ll help when someone at uni, inevitably asks you what your hobbies are. You’re welcome.

And those are Amin’s top three HSC regrets, good luck!

Gabrielle Wong is currently the Digital Marketing Assistant at Art of Smart. She is a second year student at the University of Sydney studying a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies majoring in Media and Communications and Marketing.