Preparing for Year 12 and your final exams is one of the most important steps toward achieving your academic and career goals. Whether you're in Year 10, 11, or already tackling Year 12, planning ahead and taking a strategic approach can make all the difference.
However, early preparation isn’t just about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. It involves developing effective habits, strategies, and mindsets that will not only help you succeed in Year 12 but also set you up for future success.
Why Starting Early Matters
The earlier you build strong study habits, the more time you have to refine them. Starting early helps with:
- Time Management – Learning how to balance study, extracurricular activities, and personal time can reduce stress and prevent last-minute cramming.
- Knowledge Gaps – Identifying weak areas early gives you time to seek help from teachers, tutors, or peers.
- Subject Selection – Understanding university prerequisites helps you pick the right subjects for your desired course.
- Building Resilience – Year 12 is a marathon, not a sprint. Developing discipline and adaptability now will help you manage stress later.
Setting Goals for Success
A strong ATAR strategy starts with setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals. Instead of vague targets like “I want to do well,” set specific objectives such as:
📌 “I want to achieve an A in my next maths test by completing three practice papers and reviewing my notes daily.”
Breaking goals into manageable tasks makes them less overwhelming and easier to track.
Creating a Study Routine
Consistency is key. Even if you’re in Year 10 or 11, building a regular study routine will make Year 12 feel more manageable. This doesn’t mean studying for hours daily—focus on:
✔ Reviewing notes regularly instead of cramming
✔ Consolidating your notes and staying up to date with what's being taught in class
✔ Practicing past exam questions
✔ Allocating time for weaker subjects
✔ Using active learning techniques, like summarising and teaching concepts to others
Using the Right Resources
Maximise your learning by leveraging quality resources, including:
- Textbooks & Past Exams – Reinforce learning and familiarise yourself with exam structures.
- Online Tools & Video Tutorials – Enhance understanding of complex topics.
- Tutors & Study Groups – Personalised support and collaborative learning can boost retention.
Balancing Study & Well-Being
Academic success doesn’t mean sacrificing mental and physical health. A well-rounded approach includes:
🌿 Self-Care – Regular exercise, mindfulness, and downtime to recharge.
🤝 Support Networks – Parents, teachers, and study groups can provide encouragement and motivation.
🛌 Quality Sleep – Essential for memory retention and focus.
What to Expect From This Guide
This guide breaks down the habits, strategies, and behaviours of high-achieving students who have successfully reached ATAR scores of 85-90, 90-95, 95-99, and 99+.
Whether you’re aiming for a top percentile or simply striving to improve, these insights will help you:
✅ Choose subjects that align with your strengths
✅ Develop a study schedule that works
✅ Avoid burnout and maintain motivation
✅ Leverage proven strategies for exam success
Why Your ATAR Matters
The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is more than just a number—it plays a crucial role in university admissions. A high ATAR can:
🎓 Secure entry into competitive university courses like medicine, law, or engineering.
💰 Qualify you for scholarships and financial aid.
🚀 Give you flexibility in choosing your preferred career path.
However, a high ATAR isn’t solely about intelligence—it’s about strategy, effort, and resourcefulness.
Is IQ the Key to a High ATAR?
No! Many assume that only the smartest students achieve top scores, but our research at Learnmate proves otherwise. High achievers succeed because of the habits, strategies, and behaviours they adopt, including that they:
🧠 Study smarter – Use active learning techniques, summarising, and practice exams.
📈 Stay consistent – Avoid last-minute cramming by maintaining steady effort.
🛠 Leverage resources – Seek support from tutors, study guides, and study groups.
And more, as you will see from reading on through this blog.
Building a Resilient Mindset
ATAR success isn’t just about study techniques—it’s about resilience. Year 12 will present challenges, but those who embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and stay adaptable are more likely to succeed.
The Data-Driven Approach to ATAR Success
At Learnmate, we’ve analysed what truly sets top students apart. Forget the tired advice and so-called shortcuts—there are no magic formulas for ATAR success. Hard work, smart study habits, and strategic planning are the real keys.
Our research, based on surveys of students and tutors, reveals:
📚 The most effective study habits
🎯 How top students balance academics & life
🕒 Time management strategies that actually work
Now, let’s dive into the proven strategies that can help you achieve your best ATAR!
1. Start Early: Year 12 Is Not Just About Year 12
5-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your performance in Year 12 doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s built on the habits, skills, and knowledge you develop in earlier years. Our research shows a clear correlation between Year 11 performance and final ATAR results, proving that starting early gives you a major advantage.
Key Findings: Year 11 Grades vs. ATAR Outcomes
📊 Students with an A average in Year 11:
✔ 86% achieved an ATAR of 90+
✔ 58% achieved an ATAR of 95+
✔ Nearly all students who scored 99+ had an A average in Year 11
📉 Students with a B average in Year 11:
✔ 60% achieved an ATAR of 90+
✔ Only 17.5% reached 95+
✔ Just 4% of students who didn’t average an A in Year 11 made it to 99+
This data highlights a tough reality: if you wait until Year 12 to start taking your studies seriously, you’ll be playing catch-up. The higher your goals, the more crucial it is to develop strong study habits early.
Why Starting Early Matters
- Avoid the Year 12 Shock – Many students overestimate their ability to catch up. Strong study habits in Year 11 make the transition smoother.
- Master Study Techniques – Spaced repetition, active recall, and exam techniques take time to refine. Starting early ensures you’re prepared.
- Strengthen Core Subjects – Maths, English, and Sciences build on earlier concepts. Weak foundations make Year 12 harder.
- Develop a Success Mindset – High ATARs come from consistency and strategy, not just intelligence.
Practical Steps to Get Ahead
✅ Identify and address weak subjects early
✅ Develop a consistent study routine
✅ Set a target ATAR and plan accordingly
✅ Start using past papers and active recall now
✅ Seek help from tutors, teachers, or study groups
Final Thought: Year 12 Success Begins Before Year 12
The habits you build in Year 10 and 11 determine how prepared you’ll be for Year 12. Start early, refine your skills, and set yourself up for success.
💡 Ask yourself: What’s one study habit you can improve today?
2. Complete Practice Exams: The Single Most Impactful Habit
5-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If there’s one habit that consistently separates high achievers from the rest, it’s completing practice exams for every subject. Our research reveals a direct link between practice exams and ATAR success:
📊 79% of students who scored 90+ ATARs completed practice exams.
📊 88% of students who scored 99+ made practice exams a key part of their study.
Why Practice Exams Matter
Exams don’t just test what you know—they assess how well you apply your knowledge under pressure. Rote learning alone won’t get you top marks; practicing under timed conditions builds critical exam skills like:
✅ Time Management – Learn how to pace yourself and complete all questions.
✅ Pattern Recognition – Identify recurring question types and marking criteria.
✅ Application of Knowledge – Exams often include curveball questions designed to test deeper understanding.
How to Maximise Your Practice Exams
- 📝 Start Early & Space Them Out – Don’t wait until a month before exams. Incorporate weekly practice tests into your study plan.
- 📖 Use Official Exams & Marking Guides – Prioritise past exams with examiner reports, which reveal how marks are awarded.
- 🔍 Analyse & Improve – Simply completing practice exams isn’t enough. Review your answers and understand where you lost marks. Better yet, have a tutor or teacher mark them for you!
- 🎯 Mimic Real Exam Conditions – Set a timer, remove distractions, and work under strict exam rules to build confidence.
"It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?"
- Henry David Thoreau
Many students spend hours studying but focus on the wrong things. High achievers don’t just study hard—they study effectively, ensuring their effort translates to exam performance.
Final Takeaway: Exam-Day Confidence Comes From Practice
Completing practice exams bridges the gap between knowledge and performance. The more you refine your approach, the less intimidating the real exams become.
💡 Action Step: Make a point of completing a practice exam (depending on how advanced you are into a curriculum) or question from an exam regularly.
3. Pick the Right Subjects for You
4-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Choosing subjects that align with your interests and strengths can significantly impact your ATAR. Our research found:
📊 86% of students who scored 90+ ATARs chose subjects they enjoyed.
📊 80% of high scorers selected subjects that played to their strengths.
📊 Among students with an ATAR below 85, only 58% chose subjects suited to their abilities.
This data shows that enjoyment and skill level matter. Studying subjects that genuinely interest you makes learning easier, more engaging, and sustainable throughout the year.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
- Steve Jobs
Why Subject Selection Matters
- 📖 Motivation Drives Success – When you enjoy a subject, you’re more likely to stay engaged and put in extra effort.
- 💡 Strengths Give You an Edge – Subjects that suit your natural abilities are easier to excel in, boosting your overall ATAR.
- ⚖ The Scaling Factor – Some subjects scale up, but if they don’t align with your strengths or interests, they could do more harm than good. A high raw score in a lower-scaling (or scaled down) subject is often better than a low-mediocre score in a high-scaling one.
How to Choose the Right Subjects
✅ Prioritise Prerequisites – Check university course requirements first and ensure you're doing subjects that your desired course requires.
✅ Play to Your Strengths – Think about past subjects where you performed well with less effort.
✅ Reflect on Interest – Ask yourself: Which subjects do I enjoy discussing or studying outside of class? Which subjects am I usually studying when time moves the fastest?
✅ Consider Scaling, But Don’t Rely on It – Research how subjects are scaled and whether your score goal is realistic.
Final Takeaway: Smart Subject Choices Set You Up for Success
Choose a mix of subjects you love and excel at, and you'll stay motivated while maximising your ATAR potential.
💡 Action Step: If you haven't selected your subjects yet, list your subject options and narrow them down based on your strengths, interests, and prerequisites.
4. Put in the Hours: There’s No Escaping Hard Work
4-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Year 12 is a marathon, not a sprint. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working hard consistently. Our research confirms a direct correlation between study hours and ATAR results:
📊 Nearly all students who scored 90+ studied on school nights.
📊 60% of students who scored 95+ studied more than 2 hours per night.
📊 70% of students who scored 90+ studied at least 2 hours per weekend day.
📊 80% of students who scored 95+ studied at least 2 hours on weekends, with 48% doing 4+ hours.
“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
- Thomas Jefferson
Hard Work vs. Smart Work
It’s not just about putting in more hours—it’s about maximising them. High achievers use their study time strategically, ensuring their efforts lead to results.
💡 Consistency Beats Cramming – A sustainable routine prevents burnout while keeping you on track.
💡 Make Class Time Count – Pay attention, ask questions, and refine your notes so your evenings aren’t spent reteaching yourself content.
💡 Prioritise Quality Over Quantity – Hours spent actively learning (e.g., practice exams, summarising, teaching concepts) are far more effective than passive reading.
How to Build a Sustainable Study Routine
✅ Set Realistic Daily Goals – Aim for at least 2+ hours on school nights and structured weekend sessions.
✅ Study Smarter in Class – Engage actively to reduce the time needed for review.
✅ Use Weeknights for Consolidation – Focus on refining notes, revising SAC content, and practicing questions.
✅ Balance Study & Downtime – Rest and recovery are essential for sustained performance.
Final Takeaway: Hard Work Pays Off—When It’s Directed Wisely
A high ATAR requires hard work, but smart and consistent study habits make those hours more effective and manageable. Stay consistent, avoid burnout, and make every study session count.
💡 Action Step: Review your current study routine—can you optimise your hours for better results?
5. Identify Weaknesses and Seek Support
4-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recognising your weaknesses is just as important as mastering your strengths. Self-awareness is key—whether it’s low energy, lack of sleep, or struggling with a subject. Addressing these gaps early can make a huge difference in your performance.
📊 50% of students surveyed engaged a tutor in Year 12.
📊 70% of students who scored 99+ worked with one or more tutors.
High achievers don’t just work hard—they work smart by seeking help when needed.
"Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength."
- Barack Obama
How to Recognise & Overcome Weaknesses
✅ Self-Assess Regularly – Identify concepts or subjects where you feel lost or disengaged.
✅ Fix the Basics First – If fatigue or stress is affecting your studies, address sleep, nutrition, and workload balance.
✅ Ask for Help – Don’t struggle alone. Reach out to teachers, peers, or online resources to clarify concepts.
✅ Engage a Tutor for Targeted Support – Many of the state’s top scorers sought guidance from tutors who had successfully navigated Year 12 before them. Learnmate tutors offer personalised strategies to help you improve efficiently.
Final Takeaway: Growth Comes From Acknowledging Challenges
The best students aren’t those who never struggle—they’re the ones who recognise their weak points and take action. Identify, adapt, and seek support when needed—your ATAR depends on it.
💡 Action Step: What’s one challenge you can tackle this week? Whether it’s improving a study habit or seeking help, take the first step today.
6. Be Disciplined: Create and Stick to a Realistic Study Schedule
3-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐
A well-structured study schedule is a game-changer. It helps you stay organised, focused, and accountable—especially if you struggle with procrastination or prioritising tasks. Our research found:
📊 39% of students who scored 90+ ATARs followed a structured study plan.
📊 Nearly 50% of students in the 95-99 ATAR range stuck to a timetable.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
- Robert Collier
The key? Balance and sustainability. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout, but a structured plan ensures you push yourself while maintaining time for rest, hobbies, and social life. Resting isn’t slacking—it’s recharging so you can return to your studies with more focus and energy.
How to Build an Effective Study Schedule
✅ Use the 50:10 Rule – Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. Use this time to step away from your desk, scroll social media, or chat with a friend—just stick to the 10 minutes to stay productive.
✅ Set a Timer for Focus Blocks – Block out a set period (e.g., 2 hours) and challenge yourself to work efficiently within that time. This creates a sense of urgency, simulating exam conditions and improving focus.
✅ Schedule Non-Study Activities Like Appointments – Sports, hobbies, socialising, and downtime should be part of your routine. When you schedule these activities in advance, they become rewards for staying disciplined, making study time feel more productive.
Final Takeaway: Structure Brings Success
A realistic, balanced schedule is your best tool for staying consistent without burning out. Commit to your study sessions, plan for breaks, and honour your downtime—the discipline you build now will pay off in Year 12 and beyond.
💡 Action Step: Use Learnmate’s free study timetable template to structure your upcoming week and block in time for study, socialising and downtime 👉 Download it here.
7. Prioritise Self-Care & Build Resilience
3-Star Impact on Your ATAR: ⭐⭐⭐
While school is important, it shouldn’t consume every aspect of your life. Caring for your emotional, physical, and mental well-being is crucial to maintaining peak academic performance. Self-care isn’t just about feeling good—it directly affects your focus, memory, and ability to perform under pressure.
📊 1 in 2 students who scored 90+ ATARs maintained a consistent sleep schedule and a well-balanced diet.
“You never fail until you stop trying.”
— Albert Einstein
Simple Self-Care Practices That Boost Academic Success
🛌 Prioritise Sleep – Aim for 7-8 hours per night. Sleep is essential for focus, memory retention, and mood stability—all key ingredients for academic success. If you’re feeling sluggish or irritable, chances are you didn’t get enough rest.
🥗 Eat Well – A balanced diet fuels both your body and brain. Proper nutrition improves energy levels, concentration, and overall mental clarity.
🏃 Manage Stress Proactively – Exercise, socialise, and take breaks. Engaging in activities outside of study helps recharge your mind and body, preventing burnout.
🧠 Seek Support When Needed – Struggling emotionally? Reaching out to a counsellor, teacher, or tutor isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Many high achievers seek professional support to manage stress and stay focused.
Building Resilience: Bounce Back from Setbacks
Year 12 is intense, and setbacks are inevitable. What separates high achievers is resilience—the ability to learn from mistakes and keep going.
🚀 Instead of saying, “I’ll try harder,” create a strategy:
- Will you seek help from a tutor?
- Will you shift your focus from memorisation to application?
- Will you refine your study techniques?
Takeaway: Self-Care Fuels Success
Your mental and physical well-being directly impact your ATAR. By prioritising sleep, nutrition, stress management, and resilience, you’ll set yourself up to perform at your best—inside and outside the classroom.
💡 Action Step: Take five minutes to assess your self-care routine. What’s one small change you can make today to support your well-being each week?
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for ATAR Success
Achieving your ATAR goal isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, consistency, and resilience. Through our research, we’ve identified the key habits and behaviours that top-scoring students use to excel in Year 12.
Key Takeaways from This Guide
- Start early—strong study habits in Year 11 lay the foundation for Year 12 success.
- Complete practice exams—the most effective way to refine your knowledge and exam skills.
- Choose subjects wisely—play to your strengths and maintain motivation.
- Work hard, but work smart—study hours matter, but efficiency is just as important.
- Look after yourself—proper sleep, nutrition, and stress management fuel academic success.
- Resilience is key—setbacks happen, but learning from them will keep you on track.
🎯 What’s Your ATAR Trajectory?
Now that you’ve explored the behaviours of high achievers, where do you stand? Test yourself with our ATAR Predictor Tools to estimate how your habits align with your desired score and identify areas for improvement.
👉 Try the ATAR Calculator Now: Study Habits ATAR Calculator
By implementing these proven strategies and staying committed to your goals, you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of achieving your dream ATAR and securing your future.
How Parents, Guardians, and Carers Can Support Their Children
While this guide is designed for students, parents and carers play a crucial role in their success. The final years of school can be stressful, and students need a strong support system to help them navigate both academic and personal challenges. The right support can boost motivation, confidence, and resilience—helping students perform at their best.
How to Provide Effective Support
1. Be a Reassuring Presence
Students need encouragement, not added pressure. Offer consistent reassurance, especially during stressful periods like exams or assessments. A simple, “You’ve got this” or “I’m proud of how hard you’re working” can go a long way in alleviating stress.
2. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results
Grades are important, but hard work and perseverance matter just as much. Avoid tying praise solely to outcomes. Instead, highlight effort and improvement:
💬 “You worked really hard on that test—you should be proud.”
💬 “This result wasn’t what we hoped for, but let’s learn from it and make a plan for next time.”
This approach helps students develop a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks.
3. Stay Involved & Communicative
Regular check-ins about how school is going, what challenges they’re facing, and how you can support them can make a huge difference. If they struggle with structure or time management, consider:
📌 Helping them create a study timetable – Work together to design a balanced plan that includes study, revision, and downtime. Try Learnmate’s free study timetable template 👉 Download here.
📌 Engaging a tutor – Personalised support can boost confidence, reinforce learning, and provide accountability. Many high-achieving students engage tutors for targeted guidance.
Encourage Balance & Well-being
School is important, but mental and physical health matter too. Encourage your child to:
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to stay focused and energised.
- Exercise regularly to manage stress and improve concentration.
- Take breaks and socialise to avoid burnout.
If you notice signs of stress, anxiety, or exhaustion, encourage open discussions and seek professional support if needed.
Lead by Example
Students mirror the habits and attitudes of those around them. Demonstrating time management, resilience, and a positive attitude toward learning can inspire them to do the same.
Final Takeaway: Your Support Matters
By providing encouragement, structure, and a healthy balance, you can empower your child to navigate Year 12 with confidence and resilience. Your role as a supporter—not just a parent—can make all the difference.
However, even with the best support at home, students sometimes need additional guidance—whether it’s mastering a challenging subject, preparing for exams, or building study confidence. That’s where personalised tutoring can be a game-changer.
Why Choose Learnmate for personalised tutoring?
Learnmate makes it easy to find the right tutor for your child, offering expert support across a wide range of subjects.
Why Thousands of Families Choose Learnmate
✔ Expert Tutors – Every tutor on Learnmate is vetted for having the requisite level of academic achievement, tutoring or teaching experience and qualifications, or professional qualifications to ensure they can provide high-quality personalised support.
✔ Diverse Subject Offerings – Find tutors for over 110 subjects including maths, English, science, humanities, languages, and more—covering every academic need from primary school to Year 12 and beyond.
✔ Flexible & Personalised Support – We make it simple to find tutors based on hourly rate, subject expertise, and location, including being able to choose between online or in-person lessons to suit your needs.
Since 2015, Learnmate has supported over 10,000 students with 160,000+ hours of tutoring across Australia.
Find the Right Tutor Today
Empower your learning with expert support. Visit 👉 learnmate.com.au to connect with your ideal tutor today.
