I was always slightly average, but never good.

In my average school, I would open my reports, only to get average marks. Double digits ranks covered the page as I scrolled: 40s, 50s, even 157th in English. 

At school the next day, my friends would crowd around in circles, firing will-o-wisps of gossip detailing the latest subject they topped, and the marks of the usual suspects who sparred with them, where word of the ‘smart’, ‘top’, ‘high achievers’ would spread like wildfire. 

I listened in, but with my head laid low. I was never one of them. I envied my friends, yet not enough to compete. I wanted to get better, but didn’t have the motivation. Those ranks would only be an unattainable dream for the lazy, procrastinating, average old me. 

This endless routine would never change.

Until it did.

In my Year 12 semester 2 reports, I achieved top 5 in 3 of my subjects, including 3rd for Chemistry and 5th for Maths Extension 1. In trials and the HSC, I would go on to rank 1st and 2nd in 3u and 4u Maths, putting me on par with James Ruse and Baulkham Hills kids, who I had always thought were so far away. 

How did I do it?

I changed my gameplan. I tackled practice questions that challenged me instead of repeating what I knew in a different format. When I made mistakes, I would take note and always come back to review them, especially silly mistakes. Through my tutors, I developed a thorough understanding of the content and formed stepwise strategies to break down each type of question. 

Hi, I’m Claire Zhang. I graduated Hurlstone Agricultural High School as an all rounder with a 98.95 ATAR. I know what it’s like to lack confidence in your abilities, to feel demotivated, to be stuck being average or behind. Now, I believe there is no such thing as being ‘naturally smart’ — only the correct learning and nurture partnered with exam strategy and breakdown. So let me share these strategies with you so you too can achieve the success you deserve!