Balance and perspective are key to winning the HSC "marathon", according to Wollongong students who've just crossed the finish line.
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The girls from St Mary Star of the Sea College have shared the secrets to success that earned them ATAR results in the high 90s when the figures were revealed on Thursday.
Rosa Tran, who is visiting family in Vietnam, topped the class of 2014 with an ATAR of 99.15.
Close friend Sophie Whittaker wasn't far behind with 98.9.
"It's always friendly rivalry," Sophie said of the pair's academic battle.
Sophie has gained early entry into a bachelor of law at the University of Wollongong next year and will combine five years' work, through a UOW management cadetship, with her study.
"Balance and perspective are really crucial during the HSC," Sophie said.
"When it is important to knuckle down, you've got to do it ... but it's important to relax when you get a chance.
"It's not all work ... take a break when you need it."
Eliza Fulton, who was among the college's distinguished achievers, attained an ATAR of 98.05 and plans to use it to study medical and health sciences at UOW next year. "It's like a marathon, you've just got to pace yourself ... [have] balance and breaks," Eliza said of the HSC experience.
The advice from Antonia Wayne-Boyle, who scored an ATAR of 97.4, was "just try to be consistent" and maintain a good frame of mind.
"It's kind of essential you keep positive throughout those two years [11 and 12]," she said. "Try and keep positive and it isn't as bad as you think it will be."
Antonia said she wasn't expecting such a high result, and may study law and economics at the Australian National University in Canberra.