How many minus credits are still okay in the HSG assessment year? (2/2)

Update October 2026: Since the autumn semester 2026, at most 8 (instead of 12) minus grade credit points are allowed, no more than 4 of them in Contextual Studies. We have adjusted the levels in the table accordingly.

In our last blog post we created a table that shows you, based on your current minus credits and your commitment to exam preparation for the HSG assessment year, which recommendations might be relevant for you. Here's the table again as a reminder:

Now we want to give you concrete tips on how to turn things around and successfully master the coming semester.

a) Very high commitment, few minus credits:

1. Broaden your knowledge of your main subject by reading additional literature and taking an interest in academic articles or research papers.
2. Use online resources and e-learning platforms to deepen your knowledge further and explore advanced topics.
3. Network with subject experts or alumni to benefit from their experience and insights.

b) Medium commitment, few minus credits:

1. Build regular study times into your daily routine to make sure you keep at it continuously.
2. Find out which study methods work best for you and adapt them accordingly.
3. Learn how to motivate yourself by setting small rewards for goals you achieve.

c) Low commitment, few minus credits:

1. Draw up a clear study plan with concrete goals and break it down into small steps.
2. Find a study group so you can motivate each other and learn together.
3. Use different study techniques, such as flashcards or interactive learning methods, to increase your interest.

d) Very high commitment, a medium number of minus credits:

1. Identify the specific challenges that are stopping you from achieving better results, and work on them in a targeted way.
2. Find a mentor or coach who supports you in your learning process and gives you feedback.
3. Reflect regularly on your progress and recognise the areas where you have improved.

e) Medium commitment, a medium number of minus credits:

1. Use the university's resources, such as tutorials and office hours, to clear up open questions and close gaps in your understanding.
2. Consider whether you'd like to sign up for additional seminars or workshops to broaden your knowledge.
3. Plan targeted (and sufficiently long) study phases before the exams to make sure you are well enough prepared.

f) Low commitment, a medium number of minus credits:

1. Identify the factors that keep you from being more committed, and try to eliminate or reduce them.
2. Draw up a detailed schedule and set clear goals for each study session.
3. Get support from the Coaching Institute or a study advisory service to motivate you and put you on the right track.

g) Very high commitment, many minus credits:

1. Analyse exactly why you got many minus credits despite your high commitment, and work on the weaker points.
2. Challenge yourself by going deeper into the topics and discussing complex content with experts (e.g. relatives) or a coach.
3. Use different study strategies to make sure you understand and apply what you've learned better.

h) Medium commitment, many minus credits:

1. Create a structured study plan and set clear priorities to make sure you spend enough time studying.
2. Regularly exchange ideas with fellow students or a study group to motivate yourself and learn from each other.
3. Use the Coaching Institute to improve your study strategies and get support with exam preparation.

i) Low commitment, many minus credits:

1. Set clear goals for your studies and think about why you are doing the assessment year. Find a motivating vision that drives you.
2. Create a structured study plan and make sure you work on the content regularly.
3. Get support from lecturers or at the Coaching Institute to motivate you and put you on the right track.

Finally, we'd like to stress that while the assessment year at HSG can be demanding, it is perfectly manageable with the right attitude and appropriate commitment. Use the resources available, whether fellow students, teachers or professional coaching, to get the most out of your studies. And always remember that success at university doesn't just depend on intelligence, but also on the willingness to commit and keep improving.

We hope our recommendations help you pass the coming semester successfully!

We at the Coaching Institute support you individually in your HSG studies and prepare you in the best possible way for the coming semester. Here you can find out more about our offer specifically for students at the University of St.Gallen.

If you're interested, feel free to contact us with no obligation

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