The home stretch of high school: nerves, pressure and a lot of doubts

Second Baccalaureate is, without a doubt, one of the most intense years of your life.
Exams, papers, university guidance, important decisions... and, of course, the dreaded PAU.
Added to all this is the fact that many friendships go their separate ways: everyone chooses their own future, and this also generates a certain nostalgia or uncertainty.

It is normal to feel nervous, doubtful or even afraid of “not making it”. But don't panic, thousands of students go through the same thing every year, and many discover that this process can also be an opportunity to know yourself better and find your way.

Accept that feeling pressure is normal (and temporary).

Feeling stressed does not mean you are not capable. Pressure is a natural response when you are faced with something important.
The key is managing that pressure: plan your study, take real breaks and remember that not everything depends on an exam.

Your effort is not measured by a grade!
In addition, remember that the PAU only represents a part of your final grade., It averages out with the Baccalaureate. So it's not as decisive as it may seem - one bad day won't ruin all your hard work during the course!

Create your own rhythm: perseverance > study marathons

Last-minute binge eating doesn't work. What does work is the daily constancy.
Divide topics into weeks, use colours, diagrams or visual summaries.

And, very importantly: reserve time for yourself.
Going for a walk, listening to music, playing sport, watching a series, cooking or meeting friends. is not a waste of time, is to take care of your mind.
Your brain needs to switch off to perform well.

A little tip: try the “pomodoro” (25 minutes of study + 5 minutes of rest). It sounds simple, but it improves concentration and reduces exhaustion.

You don't have to have everything decided (yet).

Many people think that once you finish high school you have your life figured out, but the reality is that you have to have your life figured out. choosing a career takes time and thought.
If you still don't know what to study, nothing happens. This course also serves to discover what motivates you, what you like to learn and how you see yourself in the future.

For example:

• If you are passionate about travel, languages and learning about cultures, Tourism can be your way.
• If you are interested in politics, current affairs and how the world works, International Relations is a career with many opportunities and a profile in great demand.

In addition, many universities, such as our University Centre, The Open Faculty, organised by Open Days, a great opportunity to get an insider's view of the careers that interest you.
And as we always insist: attendance is key! Seeing a classroom, talking to teachers and students helps you make important decisions with confidence.

What if you don't get the PAU grade? No problem, there are many options

Not getting the cut-off mark you were hoping for it is not the end of the world.
You'd be surprised how many people entered a career “by chance” and today wouldn't trade it for anything.

And if it's clear to you and it doesn't make the grade... breathe: you have alternatives.

• You can repeat the PAU, both the general and the specific parts. The general mark is stored up to three years, so you can improve it without starting from scratch.
• In the meantime, you can learning languages, or enrol in another degree with a lower grade and then validating subjects.

There are a thousand ways to get to the path you want.
Sometimes the route is not linear, but that does not make it any less valid. Each person has his or her own pace, and the important thing is to keep moving towards what you are passionate about.

Take care of your mind as well as your notes

Think about it: if you were to lose your notes before an exam, you'd be overwhelmed.
So neglecting your mental health is just as dangerous. Getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy and disconnecting from your mobile phone before bed can make the difference between performing at 100% or collapsing.

Talking about how you feel also helps.
If you feel anxiety or pressure getting the better of you, talk to someoneYour parents, friends or teachers can give you support or just listen to you.
And if you need it, seeking professional help is not a failureTaking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your grades.

Conclusion: calm, perseverance and confidence

Yes, the second year of the baccalaureate is a challenge. But it is also an opportunity to growing, learning and discovering who you are.
The PAU is not the end of the road: it is just the beginning of a new stage.

Believe in yourself, take care of your mind and remember that your future does not depend on a grade, but on your attitude..
Every effort has its reward, even if the result does not come immediately.