I think you'll find that once in the exam, you'll be fine. A lot of people stress out a lot going into it with their concern being that they won't have enough time or that their hand will cramp and fall off or that the invigilator will spike their water with laxatives or VCAA has unenrolled them (honestly my main concern, what a waste of a year if so) etc etc. In reality, it'll actually go more or less like any other exam. The adrenaline will kick in (some people say it doesn't - 1) they're lying 2) they didn't care 3) they're too beast 4) they don't know what adrenaline is) and most people I know ended up finishing 5-10mins early with some time to read over things.
My 12 random tips:
#1
Use your reading time wisely, make sure you've done at least all of the following:
1) Read the LA piece slowly and thoroughly
2) Chosen what book and topic for TR
3) Formulated a very basic idea of what you're writing for context
#2
Definitely recommend the 90s or so break in between essays. Personally I took a break just before I started the conclusion of my LA (I left that para last in the whole exam as it doesn't mean much), and then after my next full essay. Chances are it'll only be in these breaks when you realise your hand is sore from writing or you're thirsty.
#3
If you fill your drink bottle to only half-way, you're less likely to drink more and less likely to run off to the bathroom. Also, when your mouth is try you only need a sip: you're doing an exam not skulling the pot of beer that you're having after the exam.
#4
Don't look at the person/people next to you. They may have a different exam strategy to you so focus on your own game. Also don't want to get in any trouble with the invigilators.
#5
If your table is wonky or you can't see the clock because you're behind something (bring a watch if you can) report it before you start. The invigilators will help you out.
#6
If you don't understand a word in the LA or in your topics/prompt, look it up in your dictionary (not dictionary+thesaurus!) during reading time. Don't waste time during the exam looking things up in the dictionary.
#7
Once the exam has started, take it easy on the highlighting. I like to highlight key words, not key paragraphs. Don't spend more than 5mins doing this.
#8
Keep plans short and to the point, don't have sentences in your plans. I say short because they don't count for marks at all, so don't spend too much time on them. My plans were something like (this one has a vague resemblance to Richard III):
Int
1 - Dicko is evil as shit and srsly cray, <scribble part of a few key quotes here>
2 - disses on women, <scribble part of a few key quotes here>
3 - women know the game too, <scribble part of a few key quotes here>, <arrow to quote from 1>
4 - etc.
Con
Takes about 3 mins if you've given it a little thought in reading time. I wrote bits of quotes so I remember to use them and used arrows to make some basic links.
#9
Go to the toilet before the exam and make sure you don't have a phone etc etc with you.
#10
Take some confidence in the fact that thousands upon thousands of students have survived the beast that is the English exam, the only ones evading it being the wusses who did Eng Lang and the crazy kids doing Lit. If they can do it, so can you
#11
Use one colour pen (go with black, it's cool). You're writing an essay, not painting a rainbow.
#12
Try and get there early. If you're on public transport, catch the earlier train/tram/bus. If you're from MGS/Scotch and commute via helicopter 1) Screw you I'm jealous 2) Arrange to fly a bit earlier. If you're running late LET THE SCHOOL KNOW. Call them up and tell them what's happening, keep them informed.
Good luck
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