DSE 2025: How to mentally prepare yourself for results day

South China Morning Post

a day ago

More than 55,000 Hong Kong students will receive their Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam results on Wednesday, a pivotal milestone that may trigger anxiety and also bring opportunity.
Here are some useful tips to mentally prepare for the big day, along with a handy checklist of what to bring.
Want to apply to a local university?
Students who have applied through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (Jupas) or Electronic Advance Application System (EAPP) and received a conditional offer can check to see if their DSE results meet the requirements. If so, they can complete admission procedures and then pay a reservation fee online.
But students whose results fall short or who did not apply should be prepared to visit universities on results day for on-the-spot applications or interviews. However, some only accept online applications.
Those trying their luck and applying to universities on site need to prepare the original and a copy of their identity cards, DSE transcript, school reports from Form Four to Form Six, other learning experiences, and student learning profile.
Certificates for non-school competitions or extracurricular activities, a confirmation letter from institutions for conditional offers (if any) and a reference letter (if any) are among the necessary documents.
Money for administration fees and a pen to fill in application forms will also come in handy.
What to do if your DSE results aren't what you'd hoped for
Planning to study abroad?
Pupils planning to study abroad should bring these documents during their visit to an overseas exhibition – the original and a copy the DSE transcript, school reports from Form Four to Form Six and student learning profile. A certificate for language proficiency test and a reference letter (if any) are also needed.
They also should not forget to bring water and a snack to manage stress and hunger. They can also pack an umbrella for unexpected weather and a phone charger, as they may need to contact someone or access important information on their mobile phone while they are there.
Mental tips for pupils and parents
Ken Fung, a clinical psychologist at Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre in Hong Kong, advised pupils to concentrate on what they could control and recognise that feelings of anxiety or excitement were normal.
'Take a moment to breathe deeply and recognise these emotions without judgment,' Fung said. 'The results are already set, so now, you need to shift your focus to how you'll respond, like planning next steps or discussing options with family.'
According to Fung, it is also important for pupils to prepare for any outcome by envisioning both the best- and worst-case scenarios.
He advised pupils to mentally practise staying calm and consider all their options, from applying to their preferred university to exploring vocational courses and even taking a gap year.
Fung also suggested that pupils should engage in light activities on Tuesday evening to distract themselves before receiving the results.
'You can watch a movie, exercise, or hang out with friends to keep your mind from spiralling. You can also start packing what you need to make sure you have everything,' he said.
Fung stressed that parents should stay calm and supportive.
'Many parents are likely [to be] feeling incredibly anxious. This stress is not just about worrying over their children's scores; it often stems from the weight of expectations,' he said.
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Parents usually view exam scores as indicators of success or failure, which can affect their children's self-esteem.
Fung said that for this reason, the way parents support their children on results day made a big difference. Regardless of the outcome, students needed to feel accepted and know that they were not alone.
'Let your child talk about their feelings without judging them, and ask how they're feeling about results day,' he said.
Parents should also ask their children in advance whether they would like to check the results together or prefer to have some time alone.
'Let them know you're there when they're ready to talk and share the results,' he said.
The psychologist also recommended that parents unsure about guiding their children on academic paths should familiarise themselves with post-DSE guidance services, such as Hok Yau Club's Student Guidance Centre and school advisers.
'Keep your options open'
Secondary school teacher Liu Tin-yan urged pupils to keep all options open to stay mentally prepared.
Before receiving their results, candidates can explore university websites to review alternative options in case their scores in certain subjects fall short of their expectations, according to Liu.
'At the very least, you won't panic or feel completely lost if they are not what you expected,' she said.
Liu also reminded candidates that there was no single best road to success and that associate degrees and higher diplomas were both good pathways.
'Associate degrees are more general and can help you transfer to a degree programme, while higher diplomas may focus on practical skills or areas for specific careers that you are interested in. Pick the one that matches your future goals,' she said.
Fung, meanwhile, said parents also needed to prepare for all scenarios and discuss other potential pathways.
'The DSE exam may seem like the most critical part of your child's journey, but we need to remind ourselves and our children that it's just one stage in life,' he said. 'These results aren't the only thing that determines a person's future success or happiness.'
Regardless of the results, Fung said, it was important to celebrate and recognise the pupil's hard work in preparing for the exam by planning a relaxing activity, like a family meal or a walk.
He said that during this time, parents should try not to talk about the results. They needed to remind their children how much they loved and accepted them.
'This will help them feel confident and resilient for what's next,' Fung said.