Feeling confident for the HSC is all about practice. The more you expose yourself to different types of questions, the more adaptable and prepared you’ll become. Work through past papers, trial exams, and textbook questions from all topics. Mix them up so you can quickly and confidently switch between areas of the syllabus – just like you’ll need to in the real exam.
When you come across a new question type, focus on identifying the best method to approach it. You don’t need to know the entire solution straight away, just get started. Often, once you take that first step, one answer naturally leads to the next.
This HSC season, I’ve tutored a range of maths students, and the difference in confidence between those who consistently complete full practice exams and those who only attempt sections is striking. Sitting whole papers under timed conditions not only improves your time management but also helps you develop a rhythm for the exam. You’ll get a sense of how long to spend on each question and where you might need extra thinking time.
It’s also the best way to discover your personal exam strategy. Do you prefer starting at the front with multiple choice and working through in order? Do you tackle the hardest questions first at the back? Or maybe you begin in the middle with the short answers before looping back? Knowing what works best for you before exam day can make a huge difference – helping you stay calm, focused, and confident when it matters most.

Riva Burkett