Exams - Pen or pencil?

_sophiestudies_

Hi guys!
I was just wondering, when it comes to exams, would you recommend using a pen or a pencil? For english, I've always used pen, but for things like chem where there are written and calculation components, which would be best? I personally prefer using a pencil and have always used them in SACs (I use a pretty dark pencil, like 2B), mainly because I'm prone to making mistakes hahaha. However, I'm not sure if it would be best to make the switch to pen for subjects like chem and bio due to the risks of the pencil not scanning through properly (I'm pretty sure I'll be using pencil for maths because I don't know how I could possibly switch to using a pen). Anyway, I would love some advice if anyone has any!

God

They scan the exams each year - so as long as they can read it - it should be fine.

I'd go for pen for written answers (eg, english / explain bits in chem) - and pencil (I like the mechanical ones) for the maths/diagrams/equations questions!

eightsevenone

They have recommended using pen for maths exams (not sure about science) due to the scanning process but I believe it's fine to use a 2B pencil as you already do! Personally, I always use pen for English since there's a lot of writing and it might get smudged, and pencil for maths/science

_sophiestudies_

Thanks guys for the advice! I really appreciate it!

beep_boop

bring at least 2 pens bc one might run out. this is for writing down anything: eng, maths, science etc.

don't forget pencils(mechanical pens, any from officeworks is fine) and an eraser bc u will need it for multiple choice or drawing diagrams should ur exam have any. like another person said, its reccomended to use anything 2b or darker so they can see when its scanned.

also basic stationary: rulers, highlighters etc

AngelWings

Back in the day (cough 2014), official VCAA cover sheets for your exams would come out close to the exams themselves (about 1-2 weeks prior). On there, they specified whether pen or pencil is allowed. It’s also stated on the cover sheets of old exams too.

beep_boop bring at least 2 pens bc one might run out.

I would definitely advise this and ensure they work and have plenty of ink ahead of time. I’ve heard multiple horror stories of people whose pens ran out in mid-exam. Personally had this happen in a uni genetics exam; had 3 pens and 2 ran out!

jinx_58

This is quite interesting, as for QCAA externals, we must write in blue or black pen for every exam. Unless its multiple choice (maths and sciences) where we colour in boxes with 2B pencil. I personally bring 3 blue, 3 black, 2 2B pencils and an eraser to every exam. I also bring along a subject-specific highlighter (6 subjects, 6 colours), as a memory-trigger kinda thing.

-jinx_58

beep_boop

AngelWings I would definitely advise this and ensure they work and have plenty of ink ahead of time. I’ve heard multiple horror stories of people whose pens ran out in mid-exam. Personally had this happen in a uni genetics exam; had 3 pens and 2 ran out!

This!!!! I forgot to mention that make sure that the ink barrels are moderately full in the pens. One of my pens ran out for my trial exams for spesh and luckily I had another one to continue writing. Thank god it was only trials!

_sophiestudies_

beep_boop I'm literally so paranoid that this is going to happen, which is why I usually bring in three or four pens just in case haha, and sometimes even a refill too (+ a pencil). It's excessive I know...but I guess you never know what could happen!