Almost there, but not quite through: how to master the final sprint of the HSG assessment year

Dear student

Update October 2026: Since the autumn semester 2026, new rules apply to the HSG assessment year: you only pass once every criterion is met at the end – otherwise you repeat the year once and in full. We have therefore revised this post; it now guides you through the final sprint in the spring semester.

First of all: Chapeau! You've finished the autumn semester of the HSG assessment year – a milestone nobody can take away from you. But before you pop the champagne corks and treat yourself to a break without any study notes, we still need to deal with the second half: the spring semester exams. Only once those grades are in is the assessment year passed. You're well on your way, but only almost through – and we want to make sure you don't trip over the last stone on the home straight.

The marathon is almost over, but you haven't crossed the finish line yet

Imagine you're running a marathon. You've already covered half the kilometres and can see the finish line in the distance – but there's still that climb ahead of you. Many people call this hill "Maths with Statistics B" or "Economics B". And because every grade of the year counts in the end – the average of at least 4.00 as well as the maximum of 8 minus grade credit points – this is where it's decided whether you reach the finish. You don't want to underestimate this climb, or you'll end up in the ditch just before the end.

So: Whatever you do, don't get overconfident now! After a good autumn semester it may be tempting to shift down a gear, but that would be like starting to think about the after-party halfway through the marathon. No – now it's about focusing on the last few metres. And don't underestimate Contextual Studies: the grades count there too, and you may not collect more than 4 minus grade credit points.

Train early: your secret recipe against exam stress

You didn't start the marathon untrained – so don't make the mistake of tackling the last kilometres without preparation now. Start revising early – you'll thank yourself as the exam period approaches. Especially in subjects like maths, it's up to you: get stuck in and keep going through the material – not just in the revision phase. But don't worry, it's doable – like marathon training, where you get a little further every day.

Step by step, day by day – that way you'll be ready when the big moment comes. It's a bit like cooking: you want to serve the perfect dish, and that takes time, dedication and regular tasting. Don't make it unnecessarily hard for yourself by leaving everything to the last minute. Prepare, and you'll see: the final sprint will be much easier.

Tailored tutoring instead of fast-food knowledge

Now for the crucial point: many students think they can just “push through” the exam by flicking through a few standard materials and memorising everything. That's like trying to get through a marathon on fast food. It might just about be enough – but you won't feel great afterwards. And especially in subjects like maths, pure memorising can have fatal consequences. You don't just want to know what a formula looks like – you want to understand why it works and how to apply it flexibly.

So: Get help that is tailored to you. Of course, you could also watch third-party study videos where a few students solve exercises for you, and lean back and relax. That certainly works for some – and sometimes it almost feels as if you understand the material yourself. But if you really want to get to grips with it rather than just watch along, it might be worth considering tailored help that responds exactly to your needs.

On to the final sprint!

The spring semester is the last stage of your assessment marathon – and with the right preparation, you'll master it. Set your priorities wisely, start training early, and if you need support along the way, we're here to help. Together we'll run the last kilometres, and then nothing will stand in the way of your success.

So off you go, tie your shoes tight once more and get out on the track – you've got what it takes to rock the finish line!

Good luck and see you soon,

The Coaching Institute team

• HSG
• exam preparation
• study strategies
• University of St.Gallen
• HSG assessment year
• spring semester
• private tutoring
• minus grade credit points
• Contextual Studies
• maths tutoring
• final sprint