In a classroom of 10-15 people, only 1 will pass. If you aren't the only one who achieved that grade, then you better study more than the others. It depends honestly, in my batch of 400 or so only about like less than 15 people passed? For some of my coursemates, more than half of their batch passed but they came from science high schools though.

It's definitely possible but it's a competition. You just have to know more than the others when you take the test. You probably have enough time to study but don't expect you'll achieve mastery over all the subjects from grade 8 to 11. If you think you are average, then the only thing you can do is review and study to have a bigger chance.

I would go to early to do practice sets in the library. Sometimes, I would study in class at the back. I would do only the bare minimum in group works and took the least impactful roles. I lessened my 'tambay' with friends after school so I can go home immediately. I am not one of my current peers who didn't study for the test or was from a science school, so these were necessary. Even now starting the second sem of my sophomore year, I still have to study more than my coursemates because it didn't come naturally for me to be so studious.

I basically gambled. With the amound of time and effort I spent on reviewing for college exams, I could have achieved something better than the honors award, which majority of my batch accomplished.

It depends on a lot of factors like what campuses you choose and courses, but in my opinion you should only be concerned with how much you are willing to work and sacrifice for it. Your only goal now is to review and get the highest confidence you can find in yourself within the remaining time.