10 quick tips to help you conquer the QCS test

It’s finally time to put all your preparation and hard work into action … QCS is here!

We know you’ve got this, but just in case you need a little confidence boost or some final words of advice, here are a few quick tips to help you power through the coming days of QCS.

1. Know your test environment If you’ll be sitting the QCS test in a room that you haven’t been in before, see if you can scope out the space in advance.

Being familiar with your surroundings will help you to stay focused on your exam paper and avoid distractions.

2. Eat for success When it comes to QCS, food is your friend! Eat a generous, healthy breakfast each morning and pack plenty of delicious snacks so you can refuel during your breaks.

Try to avoid skipping meals or over-indulging in sugary treats during the days of QCS. Eating regular, healthy meals will help to keep your energy levels steady.

3. Swap social media for socialising Everyone needs some support and encouragement during QCS, so instead of scrolling past your friends’ posts on social media, send them a text, give them a call or organise to catch up in person.

If you’re feeling exhausted or stressed, chances are your friends will be too, so head outdoors, get some fresh air and chat away those QCS worries.

You’ve got this!

4. Stay hydrated When you don’t drink enough water your body becomes dehydrated and can’t keep working properly. You might get headaches and have trouble concentrating … not what you want during QCS!

Water is your secret weapon to success, so make sure you drink plenty of it.

5. Head to bed A late-night Netflix binge or last-minute cram session might seem like good ideas, but after all that hard work during QCS your mind needs some quality rest!

Head to bed a little earlier than you normally would and put your phone, computer and tablet down at least an hour before you’re ready to go to sleep (Business Insider, 2015).

You can do it!

6. Prepare your materials Pay attention to what supplies you can and can’t take into the exam room each day and make sure you’ve got the right materials ready.

Spend a few minutes each afternoon preparing your supplies for the next day of the exam. That way you can rest easy knowing you’re ready to go in the morning!

7. Prepare your mind Don’t let nerves or negativity throw you off your game. You’re ready, you’re prepared and now all you have to do is go in there each day and give it your very best try!

Repeat after us … ‘I’ve got this!’

8. Reward yourself QCS is a big few days, so plan some small treats along the way to reward yourself for all your hard work.

Whether it’s ice cream, your favourite dinner or a trip to the movies, plan something you can look forward to each day and a bigger reward for when QCS is over. You’ve earned it! #treatyoself

You’re almost there!

9. Regroup and reflect Once QCS is over take some time to sit back, relax and reflect on what you’ve just achieved.

After all your hard work and preparation, you’ve done it. QCS is finished! Make sure you celebrate all that you’ve achieved and share the excitement with your family and friends. They’ve been on this journey too!

10. Focus on the future, not on your resultsIt’s normal to feel nervous about your results release, but there’s so much you can be doing in the meantime to work toward your future goals.

At USQ we understand that when you’re excited about study, you just want to get started! Our Tertiary Preparation Intensive Pathway (TPPIP) and Head Start programs allow you to start working towards a university degree regardless of your OP results.

If you’re worried about how your OP might affect your future plans, or want to know more about TPPIP and the Head Start program, chat to us about your options.

After all your hard work and preparation, it’s finally time to put pencil to paper and complete the QCS test. Take a deep breath, do your best and remember whatever the outcome, you’ve got this!

For even more stress-busting tips and motivation boosters, make sure you visit us on Social Hub.

Good luck!

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 15.1.H 07.2017 Graphics © Shutterstock

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