University Of Cape Town to launch Test Hustle Challenge for students

Gearing up for test season, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will launch the seven-day Test Hustle Challenge for students from 23 to 30 August. This is an opportunity to define their test preparation goals and commit themselves to a focused and dynamic study regime, said Residence Life’s Sean Abrahams.

“The Test Hustle is not only about academic tests but about testing oneself and reaching new heights in potential,” said Abrahams, a Department of Student Affairs PhD candidate and Residence Life specialist for Learning and Innovation.

The Test Hustle Challenge involves selecting personal test preparation goals. Participants will receive daily motivations in the morning and evening to keep them on track. They will also receive inspirational daily visualisation scripts designed to encourage resolute mindsets, aligned with their academic goals.

“We want students to persevere, and this is another way to support students’ capacity to remain focused, determined, effortful and committed.”


“We want students to persevere, and this is another way to support students’ capacity to remain focused, determined, effortful and committed,” said Abrahams. “We will walk that path with them each day.”

The Test Hustle Challenge is the evolution of UCT’s past successes in motivating students, most notably the Exam Hustle programme introduced in the first semester, and which was endorsed by students.

One participant wrote, “Every day I read the encouraging messages, and it helped me stay focused and to keep going even when I don’t see the point sometimes.”

Another said, “The messages served as a reminder that setbacks are opportunities to learn and try again – not reasons to give up.”

A third said, “They helped me complete tasks and study every day.”