Stratford High School's 2012 proxime accessit, Cameron Johnson, says being a well-rounded student is one of the reasons for his academic achievement.
"I find students that do not participate in extra activities do not do well. It is also important to have fun."
Apart from placing second academically in Year 13, he was also head boy, named the school's most stable basketball player, played soccer for the winning Eltham men's soccer team and the Eltham under 19s and was involved with activities such as the Shakespeare Festival, Stage Challenge, Relay for Life, the school ball and co-hosting the school's variety concert.
High marks, he adds, also demands putting in the time behind a desk, studying.
He says he is confident that he is well prepared for the exam. When asked to give a study tip he advises to have a go at past exam papers.