External Exam Tips from a 99.90 ATAR Student | Real Knowledge Academy
- Ryan Khan
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
When I sat my Year 12 external exams, I knew they would be the single biggest influence on my ATAR. Like you, I felt the pressure — but I also saw it as an opportunity. The good news? Success in externals isn’t about being the “smartest” student. It’s about being the most prepared, disciplined, and efficient.
Here are the exact strategies I used to reach a 99.90 ATAR, which you can apply right now.
1. Master the Marking Guide
Exams aren’t about showing everything you know — they’re about showing what the examiner wants to see. Download past marking guides and notice the patterns: key terms, structure, and level of detail. Practise writing answers that tick those boxes.
👉 Pro tip: Make sure to look at the QCAA’s Glossary of Cognitive Verbs. It’s the go-to reference for decoding exactly what different question types are asking.
2. Prioritise Active Recall Over Passive Revision
Don’t fall into the trap of “studying” by rereading notes or highlighting textbooks. Memory is built through retrieval practice: testing yourself, flashcards, and doing questions under pressure.
👉 Pro tip: After every study session, close your notes and write down everything you can remember. This shows you what’s actually sticking.
3. Replicate Exam Conditions Early
You wouldn’t train for a marathon by walking on a treadmill. Treat practice papers like the real thing: timed, silent, and no notes. This builds stamina, reduces anxiety, and makes exam day feel like just another practice.
👉 Pro tip: Start with 30–40 minute sessions, then progress to full timed exams by the final two weeks.
4. Protect Your Mental State
The students who crumble aren’t the ones who didn’t study — they’re the ones who let nerves take over. Build small daily habits: exercise, deep breathing, short breaks, and limited phone use. Your brain performs best when calm and focused.
👉 Pro tip: Have a pre-exam ritual (music, stretching, or quiet time). Make exam day familiar, not frightening.
Final Words
External exams are intense, but they’re also predictable. If you learn how to study smart, train under exam conditions, and manage your mindset, you’ll walk into that room ready.
Remember: I didn’t get a 99.90 because I was perfect. I got it because I was consistent. And you can be, too. Cheers for reading and best of luck with Externals!!
Key Takeaway: The externals are less about intelligence and more about execution. Focus on exam technique, active recall, and your mental state — and you’ll be setting yourself up for your best performance.
🔗Extra Resources
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