As you prepare for the HSC 2U Maths exam, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, especially if you're aiming for top marks. In this blog, I share my personal tips on how I scored a 98 in 2U Maths in Year 11 and how you can apply these strategies to succeed in both your internal assessments and final exam.
What was your final score in 2U Maths, and when did you finish the HSC?
I completed HSC Mathematics Advanced (2U) in Year 11 (accelerated) and scored 98. Throughout the year, I built a stable routine: short daily practice, one timed set each week, and a ruthless error-fix loop. My focus wasn’t perfection — it was consistency.
What are your top tips for doing well in internal assessments?
Internal ranks matter. Here’s what moved the needle most for me.
Practice papers (with a twist)
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Weekly timed set (45–60 mins): Mix topics that have been taught so far. Treat it like mini-exam training.
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Error log: For every mistake, write: the question, the exact error, the fix, and one reminder rule (“factor before expanding”, “check domain”, “label axes”).
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Spaced redo: Re-do those exact misses 2–3 days later (and again a week later) until they’re automatic.
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Spiral sets: Every second week, include a few questions from earlier topics so they never fade.
Add a small quality-of-work rule: write full working neatly and logically. Make it easy for your marker to give you marks.
Know your formulas (and actually use them)
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Build a one-pager of formulas you must recall under time.
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Practise retrieval: cover the page, write everything from memory, then check gaps.
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When you learn a formula, do 3 quick applications immediately (easy → medium → harder). Memory sticks when it’s used, not just read.
Ask for help (fast, not after three weeks)
Confusion compounds. If something won’t click after 15–20 minutes, get help: a quick question after class, a message to a friend, or a one-off with a Maths tutor. Early intervention saves hours later.
How can students perform well in the final HSC exam?
Even in Year 11, prepare like a finisher.
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Train reading time: Skim the whole set, circle low-hanging marks, and star multi-step questions to return to.
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Start with momentum: Bank the secure marks first; then tackle mid-range questions; finish with the toughest.
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Marking mindset: Show substitutions, state identities/theorems when used, label graphs and units.
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Time boxing: If you stall for 60–90 seconds, leave a breadcrumb (where you’re up to) and move.
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Last 5 minutes = tidy: Scan for sign errors, missing justifications, unlabelled axes, and stray negative signs.
Can humanities-oriented students still succeed in 2U Maths?
Absolutely. 2U rewards method more than “maths personality”. If you can follow a structure — plan, steps, review — you can score highly. Focus on patterns (question types repeat), language cues (“hence”, “show that”, “solve for”), and calm execution. With routine practice and feedback, top bands are achievable from any background.
FAQs
Yes. In NSW, “2U Maths” is the older shorthand for HSC Mathematics Advanced.
Algebra basics, functions/graphs, trigonometry, early calculus (limits, differentiation basics) and probability underpin most questions.
Yes! Success in 2U Maths comes down to hard work and consistent practice. Whether you're more inclined toward humanities or sciences, anyone can excel in maths with dedication.
Target weak spots with an error log, practise under time, and get quick feedback so every assessment window shows visible progress.
Both — understand first, then memorise key steps and formulas so you can execute under time pressure in exam conditions.
Final tip
Don’t chase perfection. Chase repeatable habits. A consistent 30 minutes a day, a weekly timed set, and a tight error-fix loop will beat last-minute cramming every time.
If you found these tips helpful, we'd love to support you with finding your tutor this year.
You can find and engage tutors on Learnmate to help you refine your Maths skills, boost your confidence, and provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
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