How I Achieved A 99+ ATAR: A Study Routine You Can Follow

Manoj Arachige -

Hi! I’m Simran, a tutor here at KIS Academics, and today I’ll be walking you through the study routine that helped me achieve my ATAR. While every student’s journey is different, I believe that having a solid plan and tailoring it to your subjects can make all the difference. In this post, I'll share my tips on managing time effectively, handling different types of subjects, and keeping yourself motivated throughout the year. 

Structuring My Year-Long Study Plan

Term 1: Building the Foundation

The first term is all about setting up good habits and laying the groundwork for the rest of the year. Here's how I approached it:

  • Set Clear Goals: Right from the start, I made a list of the ATAR score I was aiming for and broke it down into smaller goals for each subject. This gave me a clear direction and a sense of purpose.
  • Organize Your Time: I used a study planner and scheduled my study blocks around school hours. Typically, I aimed for 1.5 to 2 hours of focused study per weekday and 4-6 hours on weekends. Consistency was key here—studying regularly prevented last-minute cramming.
  • Get Ahead: During Term 1, I spent extra time understanding the content before it was taught in class. This "pre-study" allowed me to grasp concepts faster during lessons and made revision easier down the line.

 Term 2: Consolidating Knowledge

 In Term 2, the focus shifted from learning new content to ensuring I understood and could apply everything I’d learned so far.

  • Active Recall: I started practising active recall methods, such as writing down everything I remembered from a topic without looking at notes, and then checking for gaps. This solidified my understanding and highlighted areas I needed to revisit.
  • Past Papers: Even though exams were still months away, I started practising with past exam papers, especially for subjects like Mathematics and Chemistry. Doing this early helped me identify recurring themes and tricky question formats.
  • Revision Notes: I created concise notes for each subject. I recommend summarizing the key points and concepts from each topic and regularly reviewing them to keep everything fresh in your memory.

Term 3: Exam Preparation

Term 3 can feel like a sprint to the finish, but it's also a great opportunity to refine your study strategy.

  • Tailored Revision: By this point, I had a clear understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I focused my revision on weak areas and topics that I found challenging. In Mathematics, for example, I knew certain types of calculus questions were tricky, so I dedicated extra time to solving similar problems.
  • Practice Exams: I ramped up the number of practice exams I completed. For subjects like English, I timed myself on essays, while for subjects like Physics, I did timed multiple-choice questions and short answers. The more practice I got under exam conditions, the more confident I felt walking into the real thing.
  • Subject-Specific Strategy: Each subject required a slightly different approach, which I’ll detail further below. 

Term 4: Final Stretch and Exam Time

The final term is about polishing everything and managing stress.

  • Mock Exams: If your school provides mock exams, treat them like the real deal. They are an excellent way to simulate exam conditions and get feedback on your performance.
  • Prioritise Health: This is when stress can peak, but I made sure to prioritize my sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Burning out right before the exams is the last thing you want.
  • Stay Calm and Confident: By this stage, trust in the work you’ve put in. My advice is to stick to your revision schedule, avoid cramming, and have confidence in your preparation.

Adapting Study Techniques to Each Subject

 One of the things that really helped me was recognizing that different subjects required different study techniques. Here's how I tackled each type:

Maths and Physics: Practice, Practice, Practice

For subjects like Mathematics and Physics, doing as many practice questions as possible was crucial. The more questions I solved, the better I understood the patterns and the faster I became at working through problems. I also made sure to understand the *why* behind each solution instead of just memorizing steps. 

Tip: Dedicate time each week to revising formulas and methods. Keeping them fresh in your mind will save you a lot of stress during exams. 

English: Essay Plans and Feedback

English was more about structuring ideas clearly and effectively. I made sure to write essay plans for all possible exam topics and practised writing under timed conditions. Getting feedback from teachers or tutors was invaluable in improving my essays.

Tip: Make use of your teachers! Submit essays for feedback as often as possible. This not only improves your writing but gives you confidence in your approach.

Chemistry: Understanding Over Memorizing

Chemistry can be tricky because it involves both conceptual understanding and memorization. I focused on understanding key concepts like reaction mechanisms and the periodic table trends, which made memorizing easier. I also did practice papers to get familiar with how questions were phrased.

Tip: Flashcards were my go-to for memorizing equations and reaction types. I’d test myself daily leading up to exams. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid burnout during Year 12?

Burnout is real, but it's avoidable! Take regular breaks, make sure to sleep well, and don’t skip meals. I also found it helpful to have at least one “rest day” a week where I stepped away from my books.

 What if I’m struggling with a particular subject?

Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Whether it's from a teacher, tutor, or friend, getting a fresh perspective on tough topics can make all the difference. KIS Academics offers excellent tutoring services that can help you with challenging subjects.

How much time should I spend studying each day?

It varies from person to person, but I aimed for 2-3 hours of effective study time each day during the week, and longer blocks on the weekends. The key is consistency—small, regular study blocks will pay off more than cramming.

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE, Simran Vaishnav. Simran is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at Bond University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Simran's profile here and request her as a tutor.