Preparation Tips for the NSW Selective High School Test

Top 7 Tips to Ace the NSW Selective High School Placement Test

Preparing for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can approach the exam with confidence. Here are seven practical tips to help you prepare effectively.

  1. Understand the Test Structure: Know the sections and timing to reduce anxiety and improve time management.
  2. Practise Regularly with Timed Tests: Build stamina and speed with realistic practice.
  3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and improve weaker areas while maintaining strengths.
  4. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Use puzzles, logic games, and scenarios to enhance thinking skills.
  5. Read Widely: Improve reading comprehension and speed with diverse reading materials.
  6. Review Mistakes Thoroughly: Learn deeply from errors to strengthen understanding.
  7. Take Care of Your Wellbeing: Balanced preparation with rest and exercise improves focus.

Ready to put these tips into practice?

Start Selective Practice Tests

Understanding the NSW Selective High School Application Process

The NSW Selective High School Placement Test is a key step in gaining admission to selective schools in NSW. Here’s what parents and students need to know about the application process.

Who Can Apply?

Year 5 students planning to enter Year 7 in a selective high school during the application window set by the NSW Department of Education.

Key Dates
  • Applications Open: October
  • Applications Close: November
  • Test Date: March
  • Placement Outcome Notification: July
How to Apply

Apply online through the NSW Department of Education portal. Parents will need to:

  • Create an account
  • Complete application details
  • Select up to three schools
  • Submit before the deadline
Tips for Parents
  • Track and save important dates.
  • Start preparation early to reduce stress.
  • Communicate with your child to manage expectations.

Begin focused preparation with realistic practice tests to build confidence and readiness.

Access Practice Tests

How to Review Practice Tests Effectively

Taking practice tests is essential, but reviewing them effectively is where the real improvement happens. Here’s a guide to reviewing practice tests for maximum learning.

  1. Take Practice Tests Seriously: Simulate exam conditions for realistic practice.
  2. Record Your Scores: Track your results to measure improvement.
  3. Analyse Mistakes: Review why errors occurred to clarify misunderstandings.
  4. Review Correct Answers Too: Ensure understanding even on correct answers.
  5. Create a Mistake Notebook: Log and regularly review mistakes.
  6. Retake Sections After Review: Reinforce learning by retesting problem areas.
  7. Reflect on Time Management: Adjust pacing strategies for future tests.

Consistent, effective review builds confidence for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test.

Practise Now