HSC is an important time for all of us as we contemplate the next chapter of our children’s future, irrespective of whatever field they may decide to pursue. Emotionally, mentally and physically, it is a challenging time for students, parents and teachers alike. Students try to achieve high ATAR to fulfil not just their own but also their parents’ aspirations and dreams. Thus, in the wake of HSC results this year, The Indian Telegraph spoke to a few High achievers of 2017 to know how they prepared and scored such high ATAR.
Abhay Mahajan
Baulkham Hills High School
ATAR: 98.85
Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, English Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Economics
I simply wanted to achieve my best throughout the year. I realised that the real reward from the HSC experience is being able to surpass one’s own expectations after putting in all the hard work and dedication through the year. My parents played a very important role. They helped create the perfect environment for my studies, reminding me constantly to revise, practise, helping me stay on task and balance academics with leisure. My teachers, too, provided huge support.
I started preparing three weeks in advance. The days were split into ‘study blocks’; One and a half hours after coming home from school, followed by a half-an-hour break, one and a half hours before dinner and one hour after.
My current plan is to study Computing and Commerce at University of Sydney, hopefully intermittent with a foreign exchange trip and an internship.
Rishab Jain
Normanhurst Boys School
ATAR of 99.75
Subjects: Maths Extension 1, Maths Extension 2, English Advanced, Chemistry, Economics, Legal Studies
I prepared for the HSC by making detailed syllabus notes for every subject. Practise papers too provide great insight into the different types of questions you can be asked during examination. However, instead of maximising number of study hours it is important to focus on productivity.
I drew inspiration from my older sisters, Rimshi and Priyanka, who motivated me to achieve my best. Having gone through the HSC process, their tips and insights were extremely valuable to me, attributing to my success.
In 2018, I will be studying Commerce and Laws at the University of New South Wales. Throughout high school, I always demonstrated a keen interest in the business world, hence doing a commerce degree makes perfect sense for me.
![]() Arushi Agrawal Girraween High School ATAR: 97.85 Subjects: Advanced English, Maths Extension, Maths 2 Unit, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Society and Culture
Throughout my HSC experience, I realised that it was important to have a balance between studying and having fun. While there was the inevitable hard work involved, there was also my family and friends, who helped me get through with it. Those daily skype calls late at night, sharing our notes together or even going to the library to study helped me immensely. It is important to believe in yourself and take everything that comes your way in a positive and constructive manner. I am now planning to do a Bachelor of Commerce with a Bachelor of Information Systems.
Anmol Arora Parramatta Marist High School ATAR: 95.10 Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, English Advanced, Studies of Religion 1
My parents decided to migrate to Sydney from India when I was just five years old, leaving behind all family and friends for a completely unfamiliar land with a completely foreign language for the safety of my future. Being their first and only child I felt I had something to prove to them, a way to thank them for their sacrifices and selflessness throughout the years. This feeling sparked my desire to surpass all expectations and achieve something that would make my parents proud, and most of all, myself proud!
I set up an actual timetable, where I allocated majority of my time to subjects I was weak in. The month between graduation and HSC was spent solving two-three past papers a day, marking them, giving myself honest feedback and re-doing incorrect questions. I would stop at 11pm and relax with a TV show.
Starting 2018, I’ll be studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Advanced Studies at the prestigious University of Sydney, majoring in Finance and Financial Economics as I aim to enter Investment Banking. Shelley Agrawal Girraween High School ATAR: 98.10 Subjects: English Advanced, Extension 1 Mathematics, Extension 2 Mathematics, Physics, Modern History, Chemistry
The final year of high school was a rollercoaster, not just for my peers and me, but also my family. My older sister proved to be a major inspiration, who, having completed the HSC three years earlier, helped me reach my full potential. My study technique mainly included setting up to-do lists and goals to be reached each day to help me keep track of how much work I had done.
At present, I have enrolled at the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor’s Degree of Actuarial Studies and Commerce.
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