topic hsc stress in Young people

hsc stress

F1_Go — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 05:11:25 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm in Year 12 and used to get A's and B's, but recently I've been flunking advanced math and my grades in all subjects have dropped. This year, I've studied more than I ever have before (30-40 hours a week) and even got a math tutor, but it feels like it's all for nothing. I need a 95 ATAR, and there's only one subject where I'm consistently getting A's. I feel like I've ruined my ATAR, and I hate myself for it. I don't know what to do anymore.

I'm getting all my exams back this week, and I've been so upset that I've just cried in the school bathrooms. I can pretend to be fine and happy around my friends but as soon as I leave I'm a mess. The stress and disappointment are overwhelming. I feel like I've let myself and everyone around me down. The pressure to do well is constantly on my mind, and it's making it hard to focus on anything else. I can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep because I’m constantly worrying about my grades and my future. I feel anxious all the time, and it's affecting my ability to enjoy anything without thinking about my results.

I know ATAR isn't everything, but to me, it is. I’m the first of six in my family to do the HSC, and I feel a lot of pressure to do well. I want to set a good example and make my family proud, but right now, it feels like I'm failing. I’m feeling so lost and desperate for a way to turn things around, but right now, it just seems impossible. If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice, I would really appreciate it. I’m just hoping to find some support or guidance to help me get through this tough time.

Thanks.

Re: hsc stress

quirkywords — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 05:24:36 GMT

F1_Go

Thanks for writing your post I did my hsc many many decades ago when it was all on one set of exams with no assessments.
it is stressful . Will you have more exams or assessment towards the end of the year.

Is there a school counsellor or a year 12 supervisor you can talk to.
you see ver mature and are studying a lot.
feelfree to write here when you want.

I recall crying in the bathroom at school

Re: hsc stress

x__ — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 11:11:22 GMT

hi @f1_go

you're stressing about not performing to your expectation, but the thing is, it's actually the stressing that is pulling you down

ultimately you're going to perform better when you're not stressed, so the first thing is to reframe your view so that you're not stressing (or stressing much, much less)

people say the HSC/ATAR is not as important as you feel it is and they are right, because there are always other ways to get where you want to go

why do you need a 95 ATAR? for a particular course? are there alternative entry pathways into that course, for example by beginning a related course and transferring? is the same course available at a different uni with a lower cut-off?

why do you need a 95 ATAR now? here's a not-crazy suggestion: can you put it back a year to give yourself breathing space?

seriously, stress itself is the enemy here and the stress is self-inflicted from your own expectations

find the path to where you want to go that causes you the least stress, because that's your better long-term strategy

Re: hsc stress

tranzcrybe — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:06:54 GMT

Carrying the weight of expectations - what you used to achieve, setting a good example, and concealing your true feelings among your friends (and family?), is interfering with the purpose of your journey.
Throwing yourself into study, and more study, may be creating tunnel vision where your whole outlook is premised solely on results (and possibly a future which is not your optimal path).

As in adult life, we all need a good work/life balance. Spread your time wisely and invest in things that make you happy. These flow on to performance improvements by contextualising who and where you are at this juncture.
Have faith in what you do irrespective of marks. Good learning involves being open to ideas and obstacles; either way you grow from the experience.