How to Prepare for the Victorian Selective Entry Exam: A Complete Study Guide
The earlier you start, the better—but never at the cost of your child's wellbeing. This guide shows you how to build strong foundations from Grade 3 onwards, prepare strategically, and keep learning enjoyable.
Why Start Early?
The Victorian Selective Entry High School exam is highly competitive. While many families begin formal preparation in Year 7, the most successful students often have years of foundational work behind them.
Some parents begin as early as Grade 3—not with intense exam drilling, but by building strong reading habits, mathematical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These "switched-on" kids are typically working a couple of grade levels ahead of their peers by the time the exam approaches.
Benefits of Starting Early
- More time to build genuine understanding rather than surface-level cramming
- Lower pressure environment—learning can be playful and exploratory
- Strong foundations in reading, writing, and maths make exam prep easier later
- Time to identify and address weaknesses gradually
- Children develop confidence and independence in their learning
- Habits of curiosity and critical thinking become second nature
The key message: the sooner you start, the better—but only if you do it right. Early preparation should feel like enrichment, not punishment.
The Preparation Timeline: Grade 3 to Exam Day
Here's a comprehensive timeline showing how preparation can evolve from early primary school through to exam day. Remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Grades 3–4: Building Foundations (4–5 Years Before Exam)
Focus on creating a love of learning. No formal exam prep yet—just enrichment activities that build strong cognitive foundations.
- •Daily reading (20–30 minutes) across many genres—fiction, non-fiction, news for kids
- •Logic puzzles, brain teasers, and pattern games (Sudoku, chess, tangrams)
- •Mental maths practice through games and everyday situations
- •Encourage curiosity: science experiments, building projects, asking "why?"
- •Simple creative writing: journals, stories, letters to family
- •Keep it playful—no pressure, no testing
Grades 5–6: Building Skills & Habits (2–3 Years Before Exam)
Gradually introduce more structured learning while maintaining the joy of discovery.
- •Introduce timed activities (20–30 minute mini-challenges)
- •Start verbal reasoning and pattern recognition exercises
- •Work on maths concepts 1–2 years ahead of grade level
- •Structured writing practice: persuasive essays, creative pieces
- •Occasional practice tests (2–3 per year) just for exposure
- •Establish consistent homework routines and study habits
- •Introduce vocabulary building through reading and word games
Year 7: Structured Preparation (1 Year Before Exam)
Now is the time for more focused exam preparation—but still with balance.
- •Familiarise with the actual exam format and question types
- •Weekly or fortnightly practice tests under timed conditions
- •Identify specific weaknesses and create targeted practice plans
- •Build time management skills—pacing through different sections
- •Regular writing practice with feedback
- •Review and consolidate Year 7–8 curriculum content
- •Consider quality tutoring or programs if needed (but not essential)
Year 8: Final 6 Months (Intensive Preparation)
The home stretch—increase intensity while protecting mental health.
- •Weekly full-length practice exams under realistic conditions
- •Deep focus on weak areas identified from practice tests
- •Refine time management strategies for each section
- •Writing practice with varied prompts and strict time limits
- •Build exam stamina—4 hours of concentration is demanding
- •Maintain physical activity, sleep, and downtime—essential for performance
Final Month: Refinement & Mindset
Less is more. Focus on confidence and wellbeing.
- •Light review rather than heavy new learning
- •One or two final practice exams—no cramming
- •Focus on exam logistics: what to bring, where to go
- •Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and calm
- •Positive self-talk and confidence building
- •Trust the preparation—the work is done
Section-by-Section Strategies
The selective entry exam tests Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Verbal/Quantitative Reasoning, and Writing. Here's how to prepare for each:
Reading Comprehension
Tests ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written passages.
Key Skills
- • Finding main ideas and themes
- • Understanding author's purpose
- • Making inferences
- • Vocabulary in context
- • Identifying tone and style
Preparation Tips
- • Read widely: news, fiction, science articles
- • Practice active reading—annotate and question
- • Build vocabulary systematically
- • Time yourself reading passages
- • Discuss what you read with others
Mathematical Reasoning
Tests problem-solving ability, not just calculation skills.
Key Skills
- • Number patterns and sequences
- • Word problems and real-world applications
- • Geometry and spatial reasoning
- • Data interpretation (graphs, tables)
- • Algebraic thinking
Preparation Tips
- • Master mental maths—speed matters
- • Work ahead in maths curriculum
- • Focus on understanding, not memorising
- • Practice word problems regularly
- • Learn to check answers quickly
Thinking Skills (Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning)
Tests general cognitive ability through abstract problems.
Key Skills
- • Pattern recognition
- • Logical sequences
- • Analogies and relationships
- • Spatial visualisation
- • Deductive reasoning
Preparation Tips
- • Practice puzzles: Sudoku, logic grids, tangrams
- • Play strategy games: chess, coding puzzles
- • Work through IQ-style test books
- • Learn common pattern types
- • Time yourself to build speed
Writing Task
Tests ability to construct coherent, well-organised writing under time pressure.
Key Skills
- • Clear structure and organisation
- • Engaging opening and conclusion
- • Vocabulary and expression
- • Grammar and punctuation
- • Developing ideas with depth
Preparation Tips
- • Practice different styles: creative, persuasive, analytical
- • Write to timed prompts regularly
- • Get feedback and learn from it
- • Read widely to absorb good writing
- • Plan quickly before writing
Avoiding Burnout: Keeping Learning Enjoyable
This is perhaps the most important section. Starting early only works if your child remains engaged, curious, and mentally healthy. A burned-out child will underperform regardless of how much they've studied.
Warning Signs of Burnout
- Avoidance of study or homework
- Increased anxiety or tearfulness around learning
- Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, sleep problems
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Irritability and mood changes
- Saying things like "I hate school" or "I'm stupid"
If you see these signs, step back immediately. Reduce pressure, increase play, and reconnect with the joy of learning.
How to Keep Learning Positive
- Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise persistence, curiosity, and trying hard things—not just getting right answers.
- Make learning part of daily life: Board games, cooking (fractions!), nature walks, family discussions—learning doesn't only happen at a desk.
- Protect play, rest, and social time: These aren't luxuries—they're essential for cognitive development and mental health.
- Let your child have input: Ask what feels good, what's too hard, what they'd like to learn. Co-create the plan.
- Never use study as punishment: And never reward with "no study today." Learning should be neutral-to-positive, not a chore to escape.
- Watch your own anxiety: Children absorb parental stress. Stay calm, optimistic, and supportive.
- Remember the bigger picture: Selective school entry is not the only path to success. A healthy, curious child will thrive regardless.
Important Reminder
The goal is to develop a capable, confident learner—not just to pass one exam. If early preparation damages your child's relationship with learning, you've lost far more than you've gained. Balance is everything.
Sample Study Schedules
Here are suggested weekly schedules for different stages. Adjust based on your child's needs, energy levels, and other commitments.
| Grades 3–4: Light Enrichment (~3–4 hours/week) | |
|---|---|
| Daily reading | 20–30 mins/day |
| Logic puzzles/games | 15–20 mins, 3x/week |
| Creative writing | 20 mins, 1–2x/week |
| Mental maths practice | 10 mins/day |
| Grades 5–6: Building Skills (~5–7 hours/week) | |
|---|---|
| Daily reading | 30 mins/day |
| Maths practice (ahead of grade level) | 30 mins, 3x/week |
| Verbal reasoning exercises | 20–30 mins, 2x/week |
| Writing practice | 30–45 mins, 1x/week |
| Practice test (occasional) | 1x per month |
| Year 7–8: Focused Preparation (~8–12 hours/week) | |
|---|---|
| Reading practice with comprehension questions | 30–45 mins, 4x/week |
| Maths problem-solving | 45 mins, 4x/week |
| Thinking skills/reasoning | 30 mins, 3x/week |
| Timed writing practice | 45 mins, 2x/week |
| Full practice test | Weekly or fortnightly |
| Review and error analysis | 30 mins after each test |
Exam Day Tips
When the big day arrives, success depends as much on preparation as on mindset and logistics.
The Night Before
- Pack everything: admission ticket, photo ID, pencils, eraser, water, snacks
- No late-night cramming—light review only
- Early, healthy dinner
- Relaxing activity before bed
- Good sleep (8–10 hours)
On the Day
- Healthy breakfast (not too heavy)
- Arrive 30+ minutes early
- Stay calm—deep breaths if nervous
- Read all instructions carefully
- Don't spend too long on hard questions—move on and return
- Use all available time—check answers if finished early
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grade 3 really not too early to start?
Not if done right. At this age, "preparation" means building a love of reading, playing logic games, encouraging curiosity, and developing good habits—not drilling exam questions. The goal is enrichment, not pressure.
Do we need a tutor?
Not necessarily. Many successful students prepare with parents using quality resources and practice tests. Tutoring can help if you need structured support or your child has specific gaps, but it's not essential.
How many hours per week should my child study?
It depends on age. Grade 3–4: 3–4 hours. Grade 5–6: 5–7 hours. Year 7–8: 8–12 hours. Quality matters more than quantity—focused practice beats long, unfocused sessions.
What if my child isn't naturally "switched on"?
Every child can improve with the right support. Start where they are, build confidence through achievable challenges, and focus on growth over time. Not every successful selective school student was a prodigy in Grade 3.
What resources should we use?
Start with official ACER sample questions. Use quality practice test books, reasoning workbooks, and platforms like SelectiveHQ that provide structured, timed practice in the actual exam format.
How do I know if we're on track?
Regular practice tests are the best indicator. Look for steady improvement over time, not perfection. If scores plateau, identify weak areas and adjust your approach.
Ready to Start Practicing?
SelectiveHQ offers free weekly practice tests designed to match the Victorian Selective Entry Exam format. With 60 timed questions across Reading, Maths, and Thinking Skills, your child can build exam skills and track progress over time.
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