Friends told her she came third in extension 2 mathematics, ninth in extension 1 mathematics and 11th in advanced English. Im a bit surprised, Sariena said. Quite surprised, really.
She was one of seven James Ruse students to receive the top rank. Dineth Fernando said they had all kept extra hobbies, such as bass guitar, basketball, taekwondo and volunteering, to maintain balance throughout the year.
There is this kind of stigma about high achieving students, but you need to be involved in a bunch of things other than study to manage the mental strain, he said.
The seven James Ruse students who received an ATAR of 99.95, from left to right: Winston Huang (standing), Eric Huang; Anthony Hwang; Sariena Ye; Dineth Fernando; Alexander Van Phan; Grace Li.Credit:Anna Kucera
All but Sariena plan to study medicine next year; she hopes to pursue a general science degree. The HSC is over and its nice to close that chapter, but theres still a lot of decisions to make, Sariena said. I just want to enjoy university and explore some more interests.
Cabramatta High School student Julina Lim didnt want to say her 99.95 ATAR aloud at first. Im scared itll go away if I say it. Im still wrapping my head around it, she said.
When Julina told her parents, her dad kept coming back over to check the screen. Her teachers were also shaking when they found out. I think crazy was the word that was used a lot, Julina said.
She had planned to study chemical and biomedical engineering at UNSW, but might continue her economics education after topping the state in the subject. It certainly opens up opportunities for the future, she said.
Aschams Anika Deva was about to take her drivers test when she learned she achieved 99.95. My mum was still there and I dont think the instructor really understood what was happening, it was all a bit garbled, she said.
Sydney Boys High School student Alan Wong found out while at the gym; classics expert Jules Vahl from Sydney Grammar School told the Herald before he told his parents.
Im absolutely elated I think there was a lot riding on this year, partly with the obstacles thrown at the whole class of 2020, he said.
Of the 54,894 students who received an ATAR on Friday, 17 per cent ranked above 90, 33.4 per cent above 80 and 50.3 per cent above 70. The median ATAR was 70.15.
Twins Yoonji and Jinyoung Kim both achieved the same rank of 99.90, despite attending separate schools and studying different subjects for their HSC.
We worked together a lot during HSC, we motivated each other, and whenever we were disappointed with something we were always there for each other, Jinyoung said.
The school captain of Patrician Brothers College in Blacktown, Flynn Broom, struggled to sleep ahead of results day. The nervousness which had kept him awake quickly changed to hesitation as he absorbed the six band sixes on his laptop screen.
Then the smile emerged. He achieved an ATAR of 98.90, which means he should achieve his dream of studying law at Sydney University.
Tumbarumba High student Lachlan Fisher, who finished first in metal and engineering, was stoked to become the first in his family to go to university after receiving an ATAR of 85.85. I cant wait, he said.
The states top English student, Eszter Coombs from Fort Street High, achieved an ATAR of 99.85.
Natassia is the education reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
Anna Patty is a Senior Writer for The Sydney Morning Herald with a focus on higher education. She is a former Workplace Editor, Education Editor, State Political Reporter and Health Reporter.
Pallavi Singhal is a data journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald