【DSE Ultimate Strategy】Skyrocket Math to Top Levels

Crush DSE Math (Compulsory/Extended) by turning past papers into your secret weapon. This topper-approved method builds speed, accuracy, and exam smarts for 5**/6** scores.

Setup for Success

Gear up: Calculator programs for quadratics, trig, stats (e.g., Heron’s formula, complex numbers). Practice inputs fast.
Progression: Start with older papers (easier), ramp to recent ones. Always time yourself — Paper 1 (90-100 mins), Paper 2 (45-55 mins). No timing = just practice, not exam prep.
Error log: Notebook for mistakes — note topic, why wrong (concept? calc error?), fix it. Review weekly.

Paper 1 Tactics (Core/Section A&B)

Easy wins first: Nail basics (indices, factorization, percentages, inequalities, simultaneous eqs) — Section A gold. Calc-heavy? Program it.
Triage questions: 3 tiers — easy (quick solve), medium (mark, revisit), hard (5** killers, skip then return). Finish easy/medium fast for buffer. Used 90 mins total for full solve + review.
Long Qs: Show all steps clearly. Stuck? Partial credit via substitutions or diagrams. Cross-check with calc.

Paper 2 MC Hacks (Speed Demons)

1-min rule: Aim <1 min/Q — sub numbers into options, graph visually, or program (variation, loci).
Tricks unlocked:
- Plug choices back (esp. quadratics/inequalities).
- Casio hacks: STAT mode for regression, DRAW for graphs.
- Partial variation: Quick program + test.
Final sweep: Flag duds, eliminate 2 options, guess smart (even/odd patterns rare but check).

Final Sprint (Last Weeks)

Daily drill: 1 full timed paper/day. Analyze immediately — redo wrongs untimed, then timed.
Don't chase unicorns: Skip ultra-hard B (3D trig variants) if time short — secure A + reliable B. Focus repeats.
Mindset: Simulate exam (no phone, quiet). Review builds confidence — top scorers (181/184) finished early for checks.

Stack 20+ papers like this, and you're list-2nd bound. Grab past papers from HKEAA, drill relentlessly! 💪