Is the HSC Really Necessary?
As I move through high school, I’ve started to question whether the HSC is really as necessary as everyone says it is. It’s treated like the most important exam of our lives, but I can’t help wondering if it truly defines our future or just adds pressure at a time when we’re already trying to figure ourselves out.
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The HSC is meant to prepare us for university and future careers, but not everyone wants to follow that path. Some students are more suited to hands-on learning, creative industries, or vocational training, yet they’re still judged by the same academic system. It can feel unfair that one set of exams is expected to measure everyone’s intelligence and potential.
There’s also the mental pressure that comes with the HSC. Stress, anxiety, and burnout become normalised, as if struggling is just “part of the process.” While learning how to manage pressure is important, I question whether so much weight needs to be placed on a single set of exams.
At the same time, I understand why the HSC exists. It creates a standard and opens doors for many students. But I don’t think it should be seen as the only path to success. Everyone learns differently, and success looks different for everyone.
