After each exam is over, try and decompress. Treat yourself to something really different from your studies. Do something that makes you happy – remember, laughter is a natural stress reliever.
Frances says it’s important to look forward and focus on your own accomplishments and goals.
“Once an exam is done, there’s nothing more you can do. Feel proud you got through and don’t dwell on what might have been. Sportspeople have a great approach to this. Tennis players, for example, take a bad shot and leave that in the past because they know that low self-esteem can compromise their next shot.”
It's also unhelpful to compare yourself to others. Encourage your mates to do well and be inspired by them, but be careful not to pit yourself against them. All we can aim to be is the best version of ourselves. We all have different talents, strengths and weaknesses.
"When the results come out, remember: your ATAR doesn’t define you. If your score is unexpected, it can create opportunities – to change your preference or rethink your options. You can consider course pathways to your dream course that end up taking no longer than the original plan," says Frances.