Top Study Tips for Excelling in the HAST Exam 2025

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.” ~Robert H. Schuller

The power of a good prep behind great success is certainly undeniable. Whether succeeding in a test, winning a big game or creating a record, everything comes from a backstory of dedication, hard work and consistent preparation. Whether a child is appearing for his/her school test or a competitive test like HAST, both focus and preparation are required. 

Is your child appearing for HAST 2025?

This detailed overview of HAST and HAST exam study tips will help your child prepare better and excel.

Understanding HAST

The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) in Australia is an assessment test designed to identify high-ability students. Australian schools use this test to identify and select students for selective entry programs, gifted and talented programs, and other accelerated learning opportunities.  

The HAST is developed and administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research. As an assessment tool for evaluating high-performing students, the HAST exam specifically assesses higher-order reasoning skills and academic aptitude rather than memorised knowledge.

How do schools implement HAST?

The schools in Australia use the results of the HAST exam to make informed decisions about student placement in specialised academic programs.  It is used to help identify students with more potent cognitive abilities who would benefit from a more challenging curriculum and a stimulated learning environment.

HAST Formats

The HAST tests are conducted at significant levels- HAST P (Primary) & HAST  (Junior and Middle Entry)- and cater to different student age groups. 

HAST PRIMARY

HAST Junior and Middle

HAST Exam Study Tips

Preparing for the HAST exam 2025 requires a strategic, focused, sincere and consistent approach. Here’s a breakdown of key HAST test study tips to help students perform better.

• Understand the HAST Format

🔶Familiarise yourself with the different test sections, i.e. Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, & Written Expression.

🔶Understand the number of questions, time limits, and question types for each section.

🔶Also, while devising your preparation plan, remember that HAST assesses higher-order cognitive skills and aptitude, not just memorised knowledge.

• Create a Study Plan catering to your needs

🔶Make sure to have the advantage of an early head start. Begin your preparation well in advance to allow ample time for practice and revisions.

🔶Develop a structured study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each test section.

🔶Keep a justified balance by maintaining consistency in your study habits.

🔶Identify your comparatively weaker areas and dedicate extra time to understanding the concepts and practicing them.

• Make use of reliable Practice Materials

🔶Try to obtain the official HAST practice tests and sample questions from the ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) website. They are updated with the latest test formats.

🔶During your preparation journey, you can also consider using HAST Practice Tests from trusted test preparation platforms with a good track record like Selectivetrial.

🔶While practising sessions, practice under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment. Also, create a quiet, distraction-free study space.

• Develop Your Core Competencies

🔶Practice reading various texts and answering comprehension questions.

🔶Focus on understanding main ideas, identifying details, and drawing inferences.

🔶Strengthen problem-solving skills and mathematical concepts and practice various math problems.

🔶Develop pattern recognition and logical reasoning abilities. As well as practice identifying relationships and sequences in visual patterns.

🔶Practice writing clear, concise, and well-structured responses focusing on grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

• Self-Assess, Analyse, & Improve

🔶Take multiple Practice Tests and Mock Tests for self-assessment and progress checks.

🔶Carefully review answers to practice and mock tests, especially incorrect ones.

🔶Identify error patterns and understand where your logic or conceptual lack went wrong.

🔶Take overall feedback from teachers, tutors, or subject-matter experts. If need be, consider personalised tutoring sessions.

• Nurture & Perform better by:

🔶Working on and acquiring effective time management strategies

🔶Developing test-taking strategies for approaching different question types.

🔶Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

🔶Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage test anxiety.

🔶Keeping confidence in yourself and trusting your preparation journey.

To gain more insight on HAST exam preparation, study tips and Practice Tests, visit HAST Practice Test.