VCE exams: student Jesse McDougall shares top tips for peers

As Geelong’s VCE students prepare for exams, a top-performing student has shared his top tips to excel.

A top-performing year 12 student is lending his peers advice going into exams, as an expert reveals how parents can best support them.

Students from around the state will complete their VCE exams in October.

Kardinia International College student and Premier’s VCE Award winner Jesse McDougall received perfect study scores in four VCE subjects last year.

Jesse McDougall is a VCE student who has already done very well in VCE so far. He has provide some tips for his peers. Picture: Alan Barber

The 2022 school captain said it was important to be strategic in the lead up to exams.

“You need to be specific and strategic with how you study,” he said.

“Focus on what you’re weakest at, so that you can strengthen those skills.

“It’s important to stay committed to your goal (and) you need to be regularly working towards that.

“You do have time left to seriously make improvements.

“You can still study enough to make a difference, even though exams are close.”

Deakin University school of education lecturer Jacqui Peters said both students and parents should go easy on themselves over the course of exams.

Dr Peters said it was important to remember they are not the only way to find success.

“There are numerous ways to get to your target university or career,” she said.

“(Exams) are not the be-all and end-all.

“You might take a little longer to get to your end desire, and that’s okay.

“Go easy on yourself, and that goes for parents as well.”

Dr Peters said in preparation for exams, and in VCE years more broadly, it was important for students to look after themselves from a range of dimensions.

These include physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and socially.

“Exercise regularly … it blows the cobwebs out for the next study stint,” she said.

“Get in touch with yourself … it doesn’t have to be religious.

“Go easy on yourself (and) take those breaks.

“Maintain a social life, but with balance.

“It’s whatever works for you.”

Mr McDougall said to be so close to the finish line of his VCE was “crazy”.

He said the past few years of pandemic-interrupted study warped his perspective.

“Having two years of lockdown, and then year 12, it feels like it’s fast-forwarded life,” he said.

“It’s still surreal, the prospect of university – it seemed so far off.

“It’s exciting though, it’s like I finally know there is a future, and something to look forward to after not only just these next few weeks, but my whole life and career as well.”

Originally published as VCE exams: student Jesse McDougall shares top tips for peers