With VCE, HSC, IB, and other curriculum exams now in full swing, here’s how to make every study session count in the final stretch.
As the academic year reaches its crescendo, students across Australia are deep in exam mode. The HSC exam season has been running since Thursday 16 October and finishes Friday 7 November 2025; the VCE written exams kick off on Tuesday 28 October (English/EAL) and run through Wednesday 19 November 2025; and the IB November session spans late October to mid-November (with the first papers on Friday 24 October and the main written block from Monday 27 October through Friday 14 November 2025).
To help you use these last days wisely, we asked several of Learnmate’s top tutors - all high-achieving 99+ ATAR graduates - to share their best final-week strategies. Their advice covers what to study, how to study, and how to walk into each exam calm, prepared, and confident.
Sara P – IB Chemistry and Biology Tutor (ATAR 99.95, Graduated 2021)
View Sara’s profile on Learnmate →
Sara, who is now completing a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, says students should focus on structure and studying with purpose:
- Schedule: “Plan your final weeks of revision using a study timetable,” she says. “It keeps you on track with both revision and past papers, especially when you’re juggling multiple subjects.”
- Marking scheme: She also urges students to practise with the mark scheme in mind: “Familiarise yourself with the mark scheme when you sit past papers so you know exactly what examiners are looking for.”
- Know the syllabus: Finally, audit the syllabus: “Go through every assessable dot point to find and close knowledge gaps.”
Thomas H – SACE Maths Methods and Specialist Maths Tutor (ATAR 99.80, Graduated 2020)
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Thomas believes practice exams are your most valuable resource - if used at the right time:
- Practice exams: “Don’t waste your practice exams. Sit them closer to the real date after solid revision so the feedback reflects your true level and shows what still needs work.”
- Exam conditions: He recommends true exam conditions. “Time yourself, no internet or textbook - just your allowed notes. It builds pacing, decision-making, and confidence under pressure.”
- Study support: Don’t go it alone: “Discuss tricky topics with teachers and peers. Verbalising ideas helps you retain them - and teaching others is often the best way to learn.”
Yumi Y – IB English and Psychology Tutor (ATAR 99.15, Graduated 2024)
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Yumi’s focus is strategic targeting - and looking after yourself:
- Be strategic: “Study the marking criteria in detail so you can tailor responses to top-band expectations.”
- Prioritise weak areas: “Resist the urge to revise only what feels comfortable. Gains come fastest when you shore up weaknesses.”
- English advice: For English, Yumi’s quote-analysis method is macro → micro. “Start with the broader meaning, technique and effect. Then zoom in on diction, phrases and connotations that create that effect. This shows examiners you grasp both the big picture and the subtlety.”
And remember the basics: “Sleep, nutrition, and short breaks keep your brain performing at its best.”
Arpit S – VCE English and Maths Tutor (ATAR 99.15, Graduated 2020)
View Arpit’s profile on Learnmate →
Arpit’s mantra for success is a simple but critical one → understanding beats memorising:
- Understand: “Explain concepts in your own words instead of rote learning. If you can teach it clearly, you truly understand it.”
- Past exams: Arpit, like Thomas, believes you should use past papers strategically: “Sit them under timed conditions and mark against the guide. You’ll spot recurring patterns and learn how examiners expect answers to be phrased.”
- Study blocks: Finally, short, focused study sessions is what worked for Arpit and what he believes works best to manage your energy: “Work in 45–60 minute blocks with a specific goal (e.g. ‘revise photosynthesis + one past question’), then take a short break. Consistency beats cramming. I never studied for more than an hour at once.”
Lola H – IB Literature and Theory of Knowledge Tutor (ATAR 99.95, Graduated 2024)
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Lola’s advice for students sitting exams blends practical technique with reassurance:
- Dual-approach: “Revise using both practice papers and notes. Application is as important as knowledge - especially for Chemistry and Maths.”
- Lean on your teachers: “They’ve guided countless students through this stage and can offer targeted tips and reassurance.”
- Perspective matters: “Breathe. You’ve got this. Whatever the outcome, be proud of the effort you’ve put in.”
Quick Checklist for the Final Stretch
So how can you put all this quality advice into action? Here’s a quick checklist for your final exams:
- Timetable: Build a simple timetable for the remaining days (include past papers, marking-guide review, and targeted revision).
- Simulate exam conditions: At least a few times for each subject.
- Study to the criteria: know what top-band answers look like.
- Prioritise weak spots first; maintain strengths with quick refreshers.
- Keep sessions focused (45–60 min) with clear goals; take short breaks.
- Sleep, eat, hydrate - performance is physiological as much as academic.
- Ask teachers and peers for clarifications and feedback.
Final Thoughts
In these last weeks, small changes compound. Structure your time, practise like it’s the real thing, tailor your answers to the criteria, and focus on understanding - not just remembering. Then back yourself: you’ve done the work.
If you’re feeling the pressure or want a final boost before your exams, now is the perfect time to connect with a Learnmate tutor for last-minute study support. Whether you need help fine-tuning essays, reviewing past papers, or clarifying difficult concepts, our experienced tutors can guide you through these crucial final steps.
