Tips for Class of 2026
Now studying Data Science with a focus on statistical learning at Stellenbosch University, Abigail Kok’ s journey offers meaningful insights for the Class of 2026, not only on academic success, but on how to survive matric without losing yourself in the process. Future SA picked her brain for some of those...
Which study methods helped you retain information best, and what are the techniques you’ d recommend to the Class of 2026?
I tend to read my work aloud to myself and explain it to myself. I also make notes of everything. Mind maps became one of my strongest study tools. I would condense entire topics onto a single page – it helped me visualise information and connect ideas quickly.
Going through past papers also helped. If you mimic an exam scenario, it teaches you time management, helping you realise that if you’ re struggling with a question, you need to move on instead of getting stuck. You can always go back to that question, but if time’ s running out and you’ re still stuck there, you might panic and forget even the stuff you knew.
What are your top tips for preparing for exams without burning out?
My top tip would be to maintain a balance and use your support systems. My parents, teachers and my faith were a huge help.
Make exercise a priority, too. I went for a 45-minute run every day after studying – to clear my head. It gave me something to look forward to. It’ s important to have times when your focus isn’ t biology or maths, but yourself and your mental health.
And sleep?
I aimed for between eight and 10 hours of sleep each night, even during exams. It’ s vital for body and mind, and sleep has been found to help with learning and memory retention.
My best advice is to keep practising. Write the papers instead of merely reading through them. Active practice forces you to struggle through problems, apply knowledge and identify weak areas. Repetition teaches you how to work through something even when your answer feels completely wrong. I ' d advise you to do as many past papers as you can. They give you such a good grasp of the content.
How did you plan your study schedule during matric, and which tools or systems helped you stay organised?
My diary became my survival tool. Structure is everything. Even now, the more stressed I get, the more detailed my diary becomes. I planned my days to fit in study sessions, meals, exercise, and downtime. A typical day involved studying from morning until lunchtime, followed by another session later in the day and a scheduled run in the evening.
Planning everything allowed me to see that all the work was going to get done, and this helped reduce any exams anxiety. Starting early and working consistently left me enough breathing room to stop studying at a reasonable hour, rest properly, and still enjoy parts of my matric year.
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