Brigette Horgan plans to do 130 hours of exam preparation before she sits her final exam later this month.
The 17-year-old Mount Maunganui College student is one of hundreds of year 11, 12 and 13 students across the Bay and the country to undertake their NCEA level 1, 2 and 3 exams.
The end-of-year exams kick off this week and Brigette reckons she has her exam preparation under control.
Her first exam is chemistry on November 12 and her last is accounting on November 20.
"After this week, I have worked out a study plan and I will have about 130 hours of study left," she said.
The teenager said she planned to use a lot of old exam papers.
"I study better by myself," she said.
"I've never studied in a group because I find we can get distracted easily."
She said some of her top tips for exam preparation included getting regular exercise, lots of sleep and eating good food.
"You also need to eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam.
"They are three hours long and you don't want to be hungry."
Students at Mount Maunganui College have also had extra help in their exam preparation this year.
Deputy Principal Tina Yule said the school was taking part in a pilot programme where the students were taught about dealing with the stress associated with exams.
She said Kanuku Simpson, also known as The Confidence Guy, had approached the school and offered his services. Mr Simpson was visiting the students four times before their exams. "He has spoken to the students about the difference between danger and fear," Mrs Yule said.
"He has also taught them meditation techniques so when they get into the exam they can calm down and get ready to go with the exam."
She said the school would consider using a similar service again next year.
Exam tips
• Give yourself enough time to study
• Organise your study space
• Use flow charts and diagrams
• Practice on old exams
• Explain your answers to others
• Organise study groups with friends
• Take regular breaks
• Snack on 'brain food'
• Plan your exam day
• Drink plenty of water
- topuniversities.com