Sunday 27 October 2013

5 quick study tips for WACE exams

5 quick study tips for WACE exams

Your WACE exams are just around the corner. Although you’ve probably been preparing throughout the whole of Year 12 for this moment there’s still some final study to be done.

We’ve put together 5 quick tips on ‘How to study for your WACE exams’ – which don’t involve cramming the night before – that will help you get the ATAR result you want!

1. Organise your WACE subjects in lists

Preparing for WACE exams should involve planning your study time by your WACE exam timetable, and your subjects and sub-topics that need more time. Here is how we suggest you get organised:

Write a list of your WACE subjects.
Break each WACE subject down into the topics that you will need to know for the exam.
Highlight the topics that you already know and prioritise on studying the ones you don’t.
Order your subject study order based on your WACE exam timetable.

2. Plan blocks of study time

Now that you have your WACE subjects and topics listed you can put time aside to study each day. One of the most effective ways to plan study time is by arranging your day into ‘blocks’, which allows you to take breaks in between different subjects.

Book in 6 – 8 study blocks a day.
Each block should be 50 minutes long with a 10 minute break at the end.
After 3 blocks in a row you’ll need a longer break - book 45 minutes.
‘Mix up’ your subject blocks - moving from one topic to another will stop you from getting bored.

3. Pick or set-up the right study space

Once your plan is in place you’ll need the right space to make studying for your WACE exams easier and more productive. Your perfect study space should have the following:

A big desk – you’re going to need the space for all your notes and textbooks.
A comfy chair – you will be sitting for most of your sessions so make sure you’re comfortable!
Mixed lighting –a mix of natural and artificial light, such as a desk lamp, will take the strain off your eyes and ensure you don’t get headaches.


4. Get social (no, not on Facebook!)

Most tips tell you to keep active but that means more than just taking a walk; stay in touch with friends and family as well! It helps to have people to talk to about WACE stress, any subjects you are not sure about and to give you a real break from studying!

Go for a 30 minute walk – it will help clear your head and allow you to stretch out after sitting at a desk all day.
Make plans to see your friends or go out with family in between your study time, treat it as a reward for finishing a topic!
Study together! Some of your friends will probably be taking the same WACE subjects; use this as a chance to ask about something that you might not understand and offer your assistance if they are struggling with something.

5. Keep a routine

A good routine will help you get the most out of what little time you have left to study so try and stick to it.  It can take a while to set a habit, so persevere!

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day- this helps regulate how much sleep you get.
Eat regular meals and snacks - your brain can’t focus properly when you’re hungry.
Work out when you feel most productive then plan to study at that time every day.

Following these 5 simple WACE exam study tips will put you on the right track towards getting the ATAR score you want.

Need more WACE preparation help?

Read key tips from our WACE preparation seminars.
Check out past WACE exam papers.
Time management tips from our Student Learning Centre

Thursday 10 October 2013

Key Dates for ATAR and TISC

Key Dates for ATAR and TISC
Submitting your university preferences via a TISC application is just the start of the process for applying to university.

We’ve put the key dates and processes together in one handy place to ensure that you’re across how TISC preferences and offers work, from initial TISC applications to WACE exams, ATARs, preference changes and offers.

29 September 2014

This is the closing date for on-time TISC applications. It doesn’t mean you can’t apply through TISC after this date; you will just need to pay a $130 late fee. Read our advice on filling out your TISC application.

3 November 2014

This is the date that the written exams for WACE start. More information about the practical exams can be found here. You can find a timetable of all of the exams here. Don’t forget to read our Blog for study tips on WACE exams.

25 November 2014

This is the final day of written WACE exams. Hooray!

24 December 2014

Murdoch University will break for Christmas holidays at noon, so be sure to speak to our Student Advisors for course advice  before this date.

29 December 2014

WACE 2014 results will be available online. See more information on WACE results here.

The Murdoch Student Centre will open from 8.30am – 4.30pm to offer advice on ATARs and change of TISC preferences. Call us on 1300 MURDOCH or speak to someone in person by visiting the South Street Campus.

31 December 2014

The Murdoch Student Centre will open from 8.30am – 4.30pm to offer advice on ATARs and change of TISC preferences. Call us on 1300 MURDOCH or speak to someone in person by visiting the South Street Campus.

2015

2 January 2015
The Murdoch Student Centre will open from 8.30am – 4.30pm to offer advice on ATARs and change TISC preferences. Call us on 1300 MURDOCH or speak to someone in person by visiting the South Street Campus.

2 January 2015

This is the final date to submit a TISC application and change your preferences for the main round of offers. Subsequent applications will go into processing for second round offers.

16 January 2015

Main round offers will be sent to you by email or post. Be sure you secure a place in your course by accepting your offer here.

If you did not receive a main round offer there is the chance to change your preferences for the second round of offers. We recommend you speak to a Murdoch Student Advisor for advice on second round offers by calling 1300 MURDOCH or visiting the South Street Campus.

23 January 2015

This is the final closing date for TISC applications for Semester 1 2015. To be considered for a second round offer you need to submit an application before this deadline.

3 February 2015

Second round offers will be sent to you by email or post. Be sure you secure a place in your course by accepting your offer here.

If you did not receive a second round we recommend you speak to a Murdoch Student Advisor about alternate pathways into university by calling 1300 MURDOCH or visiting the South Street Campus.

17 February 2015

Semester 1 Orientation week and university life begins. Welcome aboard!

Remember, anyone that wants to start at Murdoch in Semester 1 2015, needs to apply through TISC between August and January, or directly with Murdoch outside of those dates.