Why Cramming Last Minute for Exams or Assignments is a Bad Idea:

Cramming the night before an exam or assignment may seem like a quick fix, but it’s a risky and often ineffective strategy. While it might occasionally yield short-term results, the long-term consequences far outweigh the benefits.

One major drawback is poor retention. Research shows that when you cram, you’re relying on short-term memory rather than deep understanding. This makes it harder to recall information during the exam or apply knowledge in new contexts. In contrast, spacing out your study sessions—known as distributed practice—helps commit information to long-term memory, improving both recall and comprehension.

Cramming also leads to high stress levels. Staying up late to study or finish assignments often results in sleep deprivation, which negatively impacts concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills—precisely the tools you need to succeed during assessments. A well-rested brain performs far better than one running on caffeine and anxiety.

Additionally, last-minute work is usually lower quality. When rushing, you’re more likely to make mistakes, overlook details, and submit work that lacks depth. Assignments written in haste often show weaker structure, poor argumentation, and inadequate referencing, leading to lower grades.

Finally, habitual cramming encourages poor time management. Relying on last-minute pressure prevents you from developing essential planning and organizational skills, which are vital not only in academics but in professional life as well.

In short, cramming sacrifices genuine learning, mental well-being, and academic performance. A better approach is to plan ahead, break study or work into manageable chunks, and allow time for review and reflection. Not only will this lead to higher grades, but it will also reduce stress and build habits that set you up for long-term success.

Julian Podgornik

Exam season is a stressful time for many students, but tutors can assist in playing a pivotal role in reducing this stress by equipping their students with the tools to succeed. Here are some methods that tutors provide can provide targeted support to help students stay focused, confident, and well-prepared.
1. Assessing a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style are all helpful to identify what study strategies are best suited to each individual student. Tutors can help students by organizing material into manageable sections and setting clear goals of when this material should be completed. This can help students to avoid last-minute cramming and feel more in control during exam season.
2. Tutors also have an important role in clarifying difficult concepts by providing one-on-one attention to address any areas of confusion. Breaking down complex topics into simpler, more understandable pieces, ensures that students grasp the material thoroughly before moving on. This clarity and further understanding also plays a role in significantly reducing anxiety.
3. Tutors should also provide their students with exam techniques for tackling multiple-choice questions, time management, and prioritizing tasks during exams. Practicing these strategies during lessons helps to build familiarity and reduces uncertainty during exams.
4. Simulating exam conditions with practice tests during tutoring sessions allows students to become comfortable under pressure. Tutors use these sessions to pinpoint areas needing improvement and refine exam strategies. Tutors should also encourage students to complete practice papers in their own time under exam conditions so they can build self confidence. This helps the student in believing that they do have the ability to complete the exam which can assist in reducing pressure.
5. Building a student’s confidence is a vital strategy for tutors to display during lessons. By reinforcing progress and celebrating small victories, such as highlighting a student’s improvement in mock exams, tutors boost a student’s self-esteem. Knowing they have the support and guidance of a tutor can make students feel empowered to face challenges and also less stressed on exam day.

Sophia McLean

Exams can be a major source of stress for students of all ages. The pressure to perform, manage time, and retain large amounts of information often leads to anxiety and burnout. This is where a tutor can make a huge difference, not just in improving grades, but in helping students approach exams with a clear strategy and a confident mindset.

Tutors should provide personalised support, which is often missing in a traditional classroom setting. We should focus on identifying strengths and weaknesses, and help build a targeted study plan. This focused approach saves time and ensures that students spend their energy on the areas that need the most attention.

Beyond content review, we should teach effective study techniques and test-taking strategies. This might include time management, active recall methods, how to approach multiple-choice questions, or how to write strong essay responses under pressure. These skills not only help during exam season but build lasting academic habits.

Another critical benefit of having a tutor is accountability. Having regular sessions creates structure and encourages consistent study habits for students, which can prevent last-minute cramming and reduce stress. We should also adapt as the student progresses, adjusting goals and pacing as needed.

Perhaps most importantly, we should focus on building confidence. A student who understands the material and feels prepared is less likely to panic on test day. That confidence can lead to better performance and a more positive overall experience.

In short, tutors do more than help students study – we should assist in providing structure, support, and strategy. With the right guidance, exam preparation becomes less overwhelming and more productive, giving students the tools they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Allegra Pezzullo

The HSC is a pivotal moment for Year 12 students, but with the right strategies, you can approach your exams with confidence and clarity.

1. Create a Study Plan and Stick to It
Time management is key to effective revision. Create a realistic study timetable that covers all your subjects while allowing for breaks and rest. Prioritise subjects or topics where you need the most improvement and allocate more time accordingly.

2. Understand the Exam Format and Syllabus
Familiarise yourself with the structure of each exam. Review past papers and marking criteria to understand the types of questions that are commonly asked. Use the NESA syllabus as a checklist to ensure you’re covering all necessary content.

3. Active Study Techniques
– Active recall
– Practice questions
– Mind maps and summaries
– Teaching others:

4. Balance Study with Breaks and Self-Care**
Burnout is real, so don’t neglect your well-being. I like to use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study, 5-minute break) to maintain focus.

5. Seek Help When Needed
If you’re struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Teachers, tutors, and study groups can provide valuable insights. Online resources such as HSC Hub, ATAR Notes, and YouTube tutorials can also offer helpful explanations.

6. Simulate Exam Conditions
Practicing under exam conditions is one of the best ways to prepare. Set a timer and complete past papers in a quiet space without distractions. This will help you build stamina and improve time management for the actual exam.

Allegra Pezzullo

I remember when I was doing my HSC and what it was like before entering an exam. Sometimes it was exciting!! An opportunity to show off your knowledge and preparation on a subject you’re passionate about, and get that good mark. A lot of the time though it’s stressful. Like all of your worth is determined on that one test. Like the whole weight of the world rests on your shoulders. This was especially so for subjects I struggled with, like English for instance.

It’s easy to let this feeling overwhelm you. Overcome you, even. It’s easy to let this feeling mess you up. That’s why it’s important to know how to manage stress, especially right before an exam. There’s many things you can do (that I know have helped me) to ensure you can battle this stress head on and come out of the exam feeling like you’ve done well – or, at least, the best you could have done. Here are my top three:

1. Ensuring a good nights sleep and decent breakfast on the morning of.

Your brain is like a muscle – this is a pretty common analogy, but this doesn’t make it any less true. Your brain is constantly in use, and NEEDS rest from all the things that happened the day before. A good nights sleep and a decent breakfast the day before/day of ensures that your brain is feeling fresh and calm. A good breakfast will only help this further. Your brain needs nutrients and energy and will perform better with a decent breakfast.

It’s said that prevention is the best cure, and this is very much a preventative measure for stress relief – it is something that you can only do as a step to prepare for the stress of exams. Making this a habit is vital.

2. Go for a walk

This method is so good because you can do it basically anywhere, anytime. All it requires is putting down your phone (maybe having some calm music on if that helps), going for a short stroll, and taking some deep breaths. It pays off to clear the mind, and deep breathing is an amazing strategy for this. Doing this in nature is doubly as beneficial (majority of HSC exams are early in the morning – take advantage of this and go for a walk, take in the fresh air and morning sun, admire the jacarandas and chirping birds etc).

3. Talk to a mate

Sometimes it gets really hard to calm down. Maybe it’s 15 minutes before your exam and you’re cramming notes last second. One thing you could do, is you could take some deep breaths, and ask a good mate for help. They’ll always be there for you, and words of encouragement can go a long way.

Zac Markovina

Exam time for students can become incredibly stressful, and often this extra stress doesn’t help with the progression of their studying or mental well-being. This is especially true for year 12s and the high stakes associated with a lot of their exams. So I thought I’d share some things that I found helpful in high school to prepare for my exams, which could be helpful for tutoring students as well.

The first one was creating an exam timetable. This means using a calendar and not only adding in your exams, but also allocating time to study for certain subjects to ensure you cover everything. A really great online calendar I found was Notion because it sets out your weeks really clearly, and allows you to add to-do lists under each event. A calendar can help mental stress greatly as students can see when their exams are, as well as the steps and study sessions they should be taking in order to be prepared. This way no exams or assignments can be forgotten and will jump out the week before it’s due.

To-do lists are another great way of studying and reducing overwhelm. To-do lists, whether by subject or by topic can help break down the studying of large pieces of content and allow more effective progress. It is a lot easier to check off 15 minutes of practice questions over finishing an entire chapter. The feeling of checking off tasks is also incredibly satisfying and creates a motivation to complete tasks.

Another way to reduce stress around exams is finding effective ways to study. I found that active recall was a very effective study method across all my subjects. Further, I found that practice exams and exam-style questions were incredibly effective for maths and chemistry. Practice body paragraphs and 5 minute essay plans were also really helpful for English. It is important to find study techniques that work to help students reassure themselves they have prepared effectively. I hope this was helpful!

Isabella Mackay

Time management is a crucial skill for success in the NAPLAN writing exam, particularly when tackling creative writing. Many students make the mistake of jumping straight into writing, only to run out of time or lose track of their ideas. A well-structured approach—focusing on planning, pacing, and organisation—can make a significant difference in both the quality of writing and the ability to complete the task within the allocated time.

Step 1: Allocate Time Wisely

The NAPLAN writing exam typically lasts 40 minutes, so managing time effectively is essential. A good breakdown is:
5 minutes for planning – Develop key ideas, characters, and structure.
30 minutes for writing – Focus on clear, engaging storytelling.
5 minutes for editing – Check for errors, improve clarity, and refine language.

Skipping the planning stage might seem like a time-saver, but it often leads to disorganised writing and weak storytelling.

Step 2: Plan Using the Narrative Structure

NAPLAN creative tasks assess a student’s ability to craft a clear and engaging story. The best approach is to follow a simple narrative structure:
1. Orientation (Beginning – Introduce Characters & Setting)
• Start with a strong opening sentence to engage the reader.
• Introduce the main character and setting quickly. Avoid spending too much time on background details.
2. Complication (Middle – The Problem or Conflict)
• Every good story needs a challenge.
• Keep the conflict simple and focused—whether it’s a sudden event, a difficult choice, or an unexpected discovery.
3. Resolution (End – Solution or Reflection)
• Don’t leave the story unfinished.
• Resolve the problem in a logical way, ensuring a satisfying ending.

Step 3: Keep Sentences and Ideas Clear

• Use short, punchy sentences for impact.
• Avoid overcomplicated descriptions—quality over quantity.
• Show, don’t just tell—use dialogue and action instead of long explanations.

Step 4: Edit for Clarity and Accuracy

If time allows, reread the piece and check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Small adjustments can improve readability and make the writing more polished.

By planning first, structuring ideas clearly, and managing time effectively, students can maximise their performance in the NAPLAN writing exam and produce a well-crafted creative piece.

Emily Mackay

Studying for exams can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a large amount of content. The Red, Green, and Orange Light Method is a simple yet highly effective strategy to help students prioritise their revision and focus on the areas that need the most attention.

How It Works

This method involves categorising topics or concepts into three colour-coded groups:

1. Red Light (Needs Urgent Attention) – These are the topics you struggle with the most. You find them confusing, often avoid them, or consistently make mistakes when answering related questions. These should be your top priority during study sessions.

2. Orange Light (Some Understanding, Needs More Work) – These are topics you have a basic grasp of but still make occasional errors or lack confidence in. These require revision and practice but aren’t as urgent as red topics.

3. Green Light (Well Understood) – These are topics you feel confident with and can explain or apply easily. While they still need review, they require less time compared to red and orange topics.

Why It Works

This method prevents students from wasting time on material they already know well while neglecting weaker areas. It also breaks down studying into manageable steps, making the process less stressful and more structured.

How to Apply It
1. Start by listing all topics or concepts that will be assessed.
2. Categorise them into red, orange, or green. Be honest with yourself—this method works best when you accurately assess your understanding.
3. Prioritise red topics first. Spend most of your study time strengthening these areas through active learning techniques like practice questions and teaching concepts to others.
4. Revise orange topics next. Use past exams, quizzes, or summarisation techniques to reinforce your knowledge.
5. Review green topics briefly. This ensures you maintain a strong understanding without overcommitting time to them.

By using the Red, Green, and Orange Light Method, you can study smarter, not harder, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your exams.

Emily Mackay

Burnout is a common challenge for students managing a busy study schedule, especially during high-pressure assessment periods. It occurs when mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion sets in, often caused by long periods of intense work without sufficient rest or balance. While hard work is essential for academic success, pushing too hard without breaks can lead to a decline in motivation, productivity, and overall wellbeing. The good news is that burnout is preventable if students adopt simple, sustainable habits that equally prioritise academic progress and mental health.

One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is to create a balanced study schedule. Rather than cramming for hours on end, students should use the “Pomodoro Technique” or similar time management methods. This involves working in short, focused bursts (like 25- or 50-minute intervals) with regular 5-10 minute breaks. These breaks give the brain a chance to reset, reducing cognitive fatigue. Longer breaks should also be incorporated throughout the week to allow for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities, all of which help maintain mental wellbeing.

Another critical factor in preventing burnout is setting realistic goals. Students often overwhelm themselves with excessive to-do lists or unattainable expectations. Instead, they should break large tasks into smaller, manageable milestones. Achieving smaller goals provides a sense of accomplishment, which can keep motivation high. It’s also crucial to recognise the value of rest and sleep. Many students sacrifice sleep to “get more done,” but this is counterproductive. A well-rested brain processes information more effectively, leading to better performance in exams and assignments.

Lastly, students should be encouraged to seek support when needed. Talking to teachers, tutors, or family members can provide emotional relief and practical strategies for managing workload. If feelings of burnout persist, speaking with a school counsellor or mental health professional is wise. By balancing study with rest, setting achievable goals, and asking for help, students can stay on track while protecting their wellbeing. Beating burnout isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, listening to your body, and making self-care a priority.

Freddie Le Vay