maths adv hsc

Just a bit lost on the order of transformations for a graph. I used to think it was just going left to right in the form f(x) = a(b(x+c))+d, but I've heard conflicting other methods such as: Horizontal translation Horizontal dilation/reflection Vertical translation Vertical...

The Math Adv HSC is coming up soon, so I wanted to know if there were any final strategies and tips. Especially how to avoid silly mistakes.