Knowing the selective entry exam dates is the first step in any preparation plan. The Victorian Selective Entry High School (SEHS) exam is held once per year, and missing key deadlines can mean waiting another full year. This guide covers every important date, a live countdown to exam day, and a preparation timeline so you know exactly what to do and when.
Countdown to the Selective Entry Exam
Selective Entry Exam Date - Victoria
The Victorian selective entry exam for is scheduled for June . All four selective entry high schools - Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School - use the same exam on the same date.
The exam is administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education. Students sit one exam and can preference up to four schools on their application.
Key Dates and Deadlines for
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Early March | Applications open through the ACER selectiveentry website |
| Applications Close | Late April | No late applications are typically accepted |
| Exam Day | June | All four schools, same exam, same day |
| Preference Change Deadline | Late June | Approximately one week after the exam |
| Results Released | August | Sent directly to families by ACER |
| Offers Process | August - October | First round and subsequent offers |
Important: These dates are based on the typical ACER schedule. Always verify the exact dates on the official ACER selective entry website at selectiveentry.acer.org, as dates can shift slightly from year to year.
Registration - What You Need to Know
Registration for the selective entry exam is handled entirely through the ACER selectiveentry website. Here is what families need to be aware of:
- Only Year 8 students are eligible. The exam is for entry into Year 9. Students currently in Year 8 (or equivalent) can apply.
- Applications are online only. There is no paper application form.
- There is an application fee. ACER charges a fee to sit the exam. Fee details and any available concessions are listed on the ACER website.
- Late applications are generally not accepted. Do not miss the deadline.
- Students can preference up to four schools. Melbourne High (boys), Mac.Robertson (girls), Nossal (co-ed) and Suzanne Cory (co-ed).
Set a calendar reminder for early March to ensure you do not miss the application window.
Preparation Timeline - What to Do at Each Milestone
Timing matters. Here is what effective preparation looks like at each stage leading up to exam day:
6 Months Before the Exam (December - January)
- Take a free diagnostic test to establish your child's baseline
- Identify weak areas across maths, reading, verbal reasoning and writing
- Build a consistent daily reading habit (30 minutes minimum)
- Start regular maths practice at or slightly above grade level
- Introduce verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning question types
- Begin weekly writing practice - one persuasive and one narrative piece
3 Months Before the Exam (March - April)
- Increase practice frequency to 4-5 sessions per week
- Start doing full-length mock tests under timed conditions
- Focus on weak areas identified in the diagnostic and mock test results
- Submit writing regularly for feedback - the SK Writing Lab provides detailed, criteria-based evaluation
- Review and analyse every mistake from practice sessions
- Submit the ACER application (do not leave this to the last day)
1 Month Before the Exam (May)
- Mock tests every week - sit the full exam under real timing with no interruptions
- Focus on speed, accuracy and time management
- No new content - consolidate what you already know
- Review error patterns from all mock tests
- Build exam day confidence through familiarity with the format
Exam Week
- Light revision only - no cramming
- Ensure your child is sleeping well and eating properly
- Prepare logistics: know the exam venue, travel time, parking options
- Pack essentials the night before: pencils, eraser, water bottle, identification
- Arrive at the venue 30 minutes early
- Stay calm and encouraging - exam day nerves are normal
After the Exam - Results and Offers Timeline
After the exam in June, the timeline continues:
- Preference changes (late June): Students have approximately one week after the exam to change their school preferences if they wish. This is the last opportunity to adjust.
- Results (August): ACER sends results directly to families. Results include whether the student has received an offer, a reserve list position, or was unsuccessful.
- First round offers (August): Students offered a place must accept or decline by the stated deadline.
- Subsequent rounds (September - October): If places become available from declined offers, additional offers are made to students on the reserve list.
There is no published cutoff score. Results depend on the performance of the entire cohort each year.
How Many Days Until the Selective Entry Test?
The countdown at the top of this page updates in real time. If you are reading this months before the exam, you have time to prepare properly. If you are reading it weeks before, focus on mock tests and exam technique rather than trying to learn new material.
Regardless of when you start, the most important first step is always the same: take a free diagnostic test to understand where your child stands right now. This 50-question assessment covers all exam sections and gives instant, detailed results.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
If the exam is approaching fast and you feel unprepared, here is what to prioritise:
- Take a diagnostic. Even with limited time, knowing your weak areas lets you use every remaining day effectively.
- Focus on writing. The writing section is where most last-minute gains are possible. Practise structuring a persuasive argument and a narrative opening under timed conditions.
- Do timed practice. Familiarity with the time pressure is more valuable than learning new content at this stage.
- Review question types. Make sure your child has seen every question type that appears in the exam - verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning often catch unprepared students off guard.
- Prioritise rest. A well-rested student who has done moderate practice will outperform an exhausted student who has crammed all week.
Frequently Asked Questions - Selective Entry Exam Dates
When is the selective entry exam in Victoria?
The Victorian selective entry exam is held in June each year. All four selective entry schools - Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson, Nossal and Suzanne Cory - use the same exam on the same date.
How many days until the selective entry test?
Check the live countdown at the top of this page for the exact number of days remaining. Every day counts - start your preparation with a free diagnostic test today.
When do selective entry applications open?
Applications typically open in early March each year through the ACER selectiveentry website. The application window closes in late April. Late applications are generally not accepted, so set a reminder.
When are selective entry results released?
Selective entry results are typically released in August, approximately two months after the exam. The offers process runs from August through October. Results are sent directly to families by ACER.
Can I change my school preferences after the exam?
Yes. There is typically a preference change window of approximately one week after the exam. This allows students to reconsider their school preferences based on how they feel the exam went.
Do Not Wait - Start Your Preparation Today
Every day on the countdown matters. Take our free 50-question diagnostic test to find out where your child stands and start preparing with purpose.
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