Selective Entry Exam - What to Expect on Test Day and How to Prepare

If your family is preparing for the Victorian selective entry exam, knowing what to expect removes uncertainty and builds confidence. The selective entry exam is the single test used for admission to Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School. It is administered by ACER (the Australian Council for Educational Research) and thousands of students sit it each year.

This guide covers everything parents and students need to know - the exam format, what each section tests, what to bring on the day, and how to prepare in the months leading up to the test.

What is the selective entry exam?

The selective entry high school (SEHS) exam is a standardised test that determines entry to Victoria's four academically selective government secondary schools. It is designed to identify students with high academic potential, not just students who have been heavily tutored. The exam tests reasoning ability, reading comprehension, mathematical thinking and writing skills.

Key facts about the selective entry test:

• Administered by ACER on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education
• One exam for all four selective schools - students sit once and can preference multiple schools
• For entry into Year 9 (students currently in Year 8 at the time of sitting)
• Takes approximately 3 hours including breaks
• Held at designated test centres across Victoria
• Results determine offers of placement at the four selective schools

The 3 exam sections explained

Section 1 - Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes)

This section combines traditional maths with quantitative reasoning. Maths topics include number and algebra, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, geometry, measurement and data analysis. Quantitative reasoning tests pattern recognition, number sequences, spatial reasoning and logical problem-solving. All questions are multiple choice. No calculator is allowed.

Section 2 - Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes)

Reading comprehension presents passages from fiction, non-fiction, persuasive text and poetry. Students answer multiple-choice questions testing literal understanding, inference, vocabulary in context and author's purpose. Verbal reasoning tests word relationships, analogies, odd-one-out and logical language puzzles. Both components share the 55-minute time block.

Section 3 - Writing (40 minutes)

Students complete two writing tasks in 40 minutes - typically one persuasive essay and one narrative. Each task is allocated 20 minutes. Students must plan, write and review within the time limit. Writing is assessed on argument structure, paragraph logic, vocabulary precision, sentence variety and other criteria. This is the section where handwriting quality and clear structure matter most.

What happens on exam day

Knowing the logistics helps reduce anxiety for both parents and students. Here is what a typical exam day looks like:

Before the exam

• Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time
• Students check in with their admission ticket and identification
• Personal belongings (bags, phones, smart watches) are stored securely - students cannot access them during the exam
• Students are seated in the exam room and given instructions by the supervisors

During the exam

• Each section is timed strictly - supervisors announce the start and end of each section
• Students work through their test booklet and mark answers on the answer sheet (for multiple-choice sections)
• For the writing section, students write in a separate booklet
• Students may underline or annotate their test booklet but answers must be clearly marked
• Breaks are supervised - students stay in the testing area

After the exam

• Students are released after the final section is complete
• Parents collect students from the designated area
• Results are released several weeks later through the official channels

What to bring (and what not to bring)

Bring

• Admission ticket (printed)
• Two or more sharpened HB pencils
• An eraser and pencil sharpener
• A clear water bottle (no labels)
• A small snack for the 20-minute break (nothing noisy or messy)
• A non-smart analogue watch (to track time during sections)

Do not bring

• Calculators (not allowed in any section)
• Dictionaries or reference books
• Mobile phones, tablets or smart watches (must be switched off and stored)
• Correction tape or liquid paper
• Highlighters (pencil underlining is permitted)

Always check the official ACER instructions for the most current list of permitted and prohibited items. Rules may be updated from year to year.

How to prepare effectively for the selective entry exam

Effective preparation covers all three sections and builds both knowledge and exam technique. Here is a practical approach:

Start early

Most families who achieve strong results begin preparation 6-12 months before the exam. This allows time to build skills gradually without cramming. Even 3-4 months of consistent daily practice makes a meaningful difference.

Know the format

Students who understand the exam structure, question types and timing perform better than those who encounter them for the first time on exam day. Use timed mock tests to build familiarity and confidence.

Identify weaknesses early

Every student has different strengths and gaps. A diagnostic test at the start of preparation reveals exactly where to focus. There is no point spending hours on topics your child already understands when other areas need attention.

Practise under timed conditions

Time pressure is one of the biggest challenges of the selective entry exam. Regular timed practice - at least once a week - builds pacing instincts and reduces the shock of working under a strict clock on exam day.

Do not neglect writing

Many families focus heavily on maths and reading but underestimate the writing section. Writing contributes significantly to the overall score and is where consistent practice with feedback shows rapid improvement. The SK Writing Lab provides detailed feedback scored against selective entry criteria.

Balance study with rest

Over-preparation leads to burnout. Students need sleep, physical activity and downtime to perform at their best. A sustainable study routine of 30-60 minutes daily is more effective than marathon weekend sessions.

What happens after the exam

After the selective entry exam, ACER scores the test and results are released through the official process. Here is the general timeline:

• Exam day: Students sit the test. No results on the day.
• Weeks after the exam: ACER processes and scores all papers including the writing section.
• Results release: Families are notified of results and any offers of placement. The exact timing varies but is typically several weeks after the exam.
• Offers: Students may receive an offer from one of their preferred schools. Offers must be accepted by a specified deadline.
• No offer: If your child does not receive an offer, remember that this is one pathway among many. The skills built during preparation carry forward into any school.

Practice resources on SK Edge Prep

• SK Diagnostic - Free - 50 questions across all exam sections. The best starting point to identify strengths and gaps.
• SK Mock Tests - Full-length timed tests under real exam conditions. Build familiarity, pacing and confidence.
• SK Writing Lab - Submit persuasive and narrative essays for detailed feedback scored against SEHS criteria.
• Maths Prep - Structured practice for all Section 1 maths topics.
• RC Prep - Reading comprehension practice across all passage types and question styles.

Recommended tools: SK FREE Diagnostic Test SK Mock Tests SK Writing Lab Maths Prep

Frequently asked questions