I didn't like the HSC.
My marks have been fantastic (I got a 98.55 on the UAI Estimator Version .11) but they haven't been what they should. The whole year I've been marked down because of my handwriting. I was told after the trials that one of the teachers hadn't bothered to read my essay, he just gave me a 13/20 because I wrote 8 pages. I was entitled to a laptop but my school didn't give it to me because of logistics problems.
I recieved a laptop for the HSC itself and am expecting a similar UAI to my estimate, but really whatever I get will smack with a possibility of how I could have done.
Not only that but I just encountered some shit teachers in some things. Heaps of kids jump on you for saying this 'OH BUT A GOOD KID CAN TEACH HIMSELF' - bullshit, the HSC syllabus is written deliberately vague by those with an academic background for teachers, most of which have lots of experience. Then you have to find your own notes, find your own time to work consistantly on it whilst going to school and studying for your other subjects.
But in comparison to the US our system's way better.