Explainer | Super scorers in Hong Kong’s DSE exams share the secrets of their success
Self-discipline, finding a study system that works for you, avoiding comparison with others and using AI cited as effective strategies
On Wednesday, more than 55,000 Hong Kong students received their results for the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), the city’s university entrance exam. Sixteen top scorers from 14 schools achieved the perfect 5** grades in six subjects, with 10 of them becoming “super top scorers” excelling in the extended module.
Here they share their insights and tips on how they excelled in their DSE studies.
1. Time management and self-discipline
Norris Kung Yan-long, 18, a super top scorer from St Paul’s Co-educational College who studied physics, chemistry, economics and mathematics extended module 2 (M2), said that self-discipline, having goals and setting a target were the most important factors in achieving his grades.
“Rest is necessary, but you should also define your timetable and know when to study. There must be a goal set on how much to cover, or perhaps, which topics you are not as familiar with, and do targeted revision based on that,” Kung added.
Ian Yau Pok-yan, a top scorer from Cheung Chuk Shan College said making good use of “scattered time” was important.
“When you have a lot to do, it is important to make good use of your free time, which helps with studying and internalising knowledge you learned,” said Yau, who used to stay on at school for revision after extracurricular activities.