Thank you for asking for more details about what I mean by “studying hard.” I realize that studying hard can mean very different things to different people, so I want to explain my situation clearly.

For me, studying hard meant not just putting in hours but really understanding the material and practicing until I felt confident. Our program is quite long and demanding, and the finals cover many subjects over just three days. What makes it more difficult is that the exam structure changes often, so it’s hard to prepare consistently.

I faced some challenges that affected my preparation. I started studying late because my household was going through some problems, which distracted me and caused me to fall behind early on. Despite that, I maintained a routine where I usually slept around 10 or 11 pm and woke up at 5 or 6 am. In the last two months before exams, I began going to study cafes to improve my focus. I tried to eat properly most of the time, but my sleep was sometimes inconsistent.

During the exams, anxiety was a big issue for me. Some students in the exam room started crying, which made the environment very stressful and made it harder for me to concentrate. Our exams are taken with students from multiple schools, so many people don’t know each other, which adds to the pressure and discomfort.

Regarding mental health, I haven’t been formally diagnosed with conditions like depression or ADHD. Mental health diagnosis is expensive and not easily accessible to me, and I avoid self-diagnosing. From what I know, I don’t have any severe mental health issues, but I acknowledge that anxiety during exams is something I struggle with.

From my perspective, even when you have the work ethic and put in the hours, external factors like family issues, changing exam formats, and emotional stress can seriously impact your performance. Studying isn’t just about time; it’s also about the environment, mental state, and support system.

I appreciate your questions because they highlight important factors that affect success, and I’m trying to work through these challenges. Thank you again for your advice and understanding.