Nowra Anglican College student Emma Moore scores ATAR of 98.85

Hard work and talent paid off for the Nowra Anglican College student who not only achieved an ATAR of 98.85, but also scored a Band Six in all of her subjects.

This means Emma made the NSW Education Standards Authority HSC all-round achievers merit list.

Shoalhaven students overcame two years of COVID-19 disruption to their studies, and Emma said coming out on the other side and receiving high marks was the cherry on top.

"To see that number was a big surprise, I'm obviously very happy," the 18-year-old said.

"It was such a crazy year, especially being in lockdown for six to eight weeks - online learning was tough.

"Exams also got pushed back for four to five weeks and it made the process so much longer."

Read more: Shoalhaven High School students finish HSC English exams

Emma studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths Advanced, Maths Extension, Geography and English Advanced.

Despite missing out on some labs for her practical science subjects, Emma pulled through with high marks - including 93 in Biology and 90 in Chemistry.

She aims to use these subjects in the future in a career in medicine, with multiple university offers already under her belt.

"I got early entry into a few medical science degrees, including (University of) Wollongong, University of Canberra and Macquarie University," she said.

"Now that I have a pretty good ATAR I might be able to get into undergraduate medicine at University of NSW or Newcastle."

Read more: Here's who topped each subject in the HSC

Emma's highest mark was 97 for Maths Advanced - her favourite subject.

She also achieved a mark of 93 in English and credited her teacher, Mrs Richardson, for making the subject so enjoyable.

"I had a really amazing English teacher, she made it really enjoyable, interesting and engaging," she said.

An all rounder, Emma also made it to state cross country last year.

She attributed balance as the key to achieving high results and encouraged students heading into their exams in the future to remember to live a life outside of study.

"Studying too much and burning out is so common, especially with HSC exams being pushed back," she said.

"I made sure I did exercise every day and made sure I still went to the beach because I knew I needed a break.

"I think it's what everyone should do rather than staying up until 3am studying - it won't benefit you in the long run."

Nowra Anglican College principal Lorrae Sampson said she was proud of all HSC students who received their results on Wednesday.

"The thing I'm really pleased with is all students have done their absolute best," she said. "I'm really proud of them."

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