Halfway Through Year 12… What’s Next After the HSC?

You’re halfway through Year 12 now, does that sound scary? 

The energy and anticipation of the new year has worn off, Trials are on the horizon, and that big question—what comes after the HSC?—starts to come into focus. Not to mention family members probing “so, what’s the plan next year?” over dinner.

Some students are feeling excited. Others, completely unsure. Most are somewhere in between.

At Drift Tuition, we know that uncertainty can be overwhelming. And you’re not alone if you’re uncertain about whether you’re making the “right” decision. To help unpack some of this pressure, we’ve teamed up with Dr. Hilary Coleman, founder of Unilateral, an educator and university academic who’s helped hundreds of students make the leap from school to uni (and learn more about themselves along the way).

You're Not Meant to Have It All Figured Out

Let’s start here: if you feel uncertain right now, that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

“The only thing certain about the future is that it will be unpredictable,” Hilary reminds us. “But humans are wired to grow through challenge—and that’s a good thing.”

Rather than trying to lock in the perfect post-HSC plan, Hilary encourages students to think of their future like a map, not a script. You don’t need to know every stop on the journey—you just need to stay curious and open enough to take your next step.

“You’ll never meet anyone whose life has gone exactly to plan. Some of your most rewarding, life-shaping moments will happen during the detours you didn’t expect.”

Uncertainty isn’t a weakness. It’s a sign you’re engaging with your future in a meaningful way. 

The goal isn’t clarity overnight—it’s confidence in yourself, even when things are unclear. Just ask your parents about how different things looked for them when they were 17/18.

Choose the Path That Fits You—Not Just the One That Sounds Good

One of the most powerful things you can do right now is pause and ask yourself: What actually feels right for me? Not what looks good on paper. Not what your friends are doing. Not what other people expect of you.

“I’ve had students tell me they want to help people, so they chose medical science—only to realise they hate chemistry,” Hilary says. “Your course should match your actual strengths, not just your ideals.”

Start asking these kinds of questions:

• What kind of day-to-day lifestyle do I want?

• Do the subjects in this course genuinely interest me?

• Am I choosing this for me—or for someone else?

It’s also a great time to explore what uni courses really involve. Most universities will list their unit outlines, prerequisites, and structures online. It’s worth researching and asking heaps of questions now, rather than discovering halfway through that your course isn’t the right fit.

Write down your non-negotiables. Do you want structure, or more freedom? Are you self-motivated, or do you work best with routine? Matching your study to your learning style matters- especially if you’re in a course for 3+ years. Your school’s careers team are also a great resource to use if you haven’t already. 

Get Familiar with What Uni Is Actually Like

I often catch up with my past students for a coffee in their first few weeks of their first year at uni. One thing I hear a lot is “I thought I knew what uni will be like”— most people underestimate just how different it is to school.

“It’s not just more content,” Hilary explains. “It’s a whole different system—where you’re expected to be your own time manager, your own motivator, your own advocate.”

That doesn’t mean it’s unmanageable—it just means you’ll need to develop a few new skills. Hilary has created quick guides and a University Glossary for students and families to bridge the knowledge gap. 

And if things don’t go to plan? That’s normal, too. It’s not a failure to ask for help, to change direction, or to feel lost.

“Uni staff exist because students ask questions. You’re not alone—and you’re not expected to know it all on day one.”

Source: The University of Sydney

So, What Should You Be Doing Right Now?

Here’s what we’d say to any Year 12 student halfway through the year:

• Keep exploring. Look beyond the name of a course—into the subjects, the lifestyle, and the skills required.

• Reflect often. Your goals might shift between now and the end of the year. That’s a good thing.

• Practise independence. Time management, asking for help, and making decisions are skills you’ll use way beyond school and will help you stand out in your career.

• And finally, be kind to yourself. No one path defines you—and no “wrong” choice ruins your future.

  
  

Where to From Now Until After the HSC?

There’s no magic formula for life after the HSC—but there is a way forward that works for you. Whether you’re feeling 100% sure of your next step or are still very much in the “figuring it out” phase, there’s thousands of students just like you.

You don’t need to have it all mapped out to move in the right direction.

About Unilateral

Dr. Hilary Coleman has been in education for 17+ years, teaching across high school and university. She’s passionate about helping students build real confidence, not just tick boxes. Through her platform, Unilateral, she shares honest, practical tools that make the school-to-uni transition smoother—for students and families.

You can access her University Glossary and free video resources here, or come and join her Facebook community for more helpful tips to get more insight into life after the HSC.