Structured Online Courses vs Free Practice Tests: What Works Best for NSW Selective Exam Preparation?

Preparing for the NSW Selective Test is a pivotal moment in a student’s academic journey. Navigating the preparation landscape for the NSW Selective Exam can be a daunting task for both parents and prospective students. Parents and students alike often grapple with a fundamental question: Is it better to invest in structured online courses or rely on free practice tests?

In this blog, we have tried to provide a detailed analysis of the two primary approaches—structured online courses and free practice tests. Hoping to help make an informed decision and choose the path that best suits one’s needs.

What does the NSW Selective Exam entail?

This test assesses a student’s aptitude for higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning. It consists of four sections:

• Reading: Assesses comprehension of various texts.
• Mathematical Reasoning: Application of mathematical concepts to solve numerical problems.
• Thinking Skills: Tests abstract, logical, and critical reasoning.
• Writing: Requires a creative or persuasive piece based on a given prompt.

The exam is computer-based, which also adds a layer of required familiarity with the digital interface, including time management and navigation skills.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation: Free Practice Tests

Free practice tests are one of the most widely used and available NSW Selective Test preparation resources. The free practice tests can be obtained from various sources, including the official NSW Department of Education website. They are a valuable resource and take a crucial place in any student’s preparation journey.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation with Free Practice Tests: Pros

• Familiarity with the Format: The most significant benefit is getting to know the structure and types of questions of the test. This reduces anxiety and helps students feel more comfortable on exam day.
• Time Management: By simulating the timed conditions of the actual exam, practice tests help students learn to pace themselves and not get bogged down on difficult questions.
• Cost-Effective: As the name suggests, they are free. This makes them an accessible option for all families, regardless of budget.
• Diagnostic Tool: A student’s performance on a practice test can quickly highlight their strengths and weaknesses across the different sections. This helps customise a targeted study plan.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation with Free Practice Tests: Cons

• No Structured Learning: While they show you what to expect, practice tests don’t teach the underlying skills needed to solve the problems. They are a tool for assessment, not instruction.
• Limited Explanations: While some official tests provide answers and basic explanations, they often lack the detailed, step-by-step solutions that are essential for true learning. 
• Lack of Feedback: There is no one to provide personalised feedback on a student’s writing, analyse their mistakes to help them build a better strategy.
• Limited Variety: The pool of free practice tests is finite. A student can quickly run out of new material, leading to rote memorisation of answers rather than true skill development.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation: Structured Online Courses

Structured online courses are comprehensive programs designed to guide students through the entire preparation process. They typically include the detailed curriculum, video tutorials, a large bank of practice questions, mock exams, and performance tracking tools.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation with Structured Online Courses: Pros

• Comprehensive Skill Development: Unlike practice tests that only assess, courses provide a systematic approach to teaching the necessary concepts and strategies for each section. 
• Detailed Feedback & Analytics: Online test prep platforms like Selectivetrial offer detailed reports that go beyond a simple score. They can show topic-wise analysis, time spent on each question, and provide insights into a student’s performance relative to their peers. 
• Expert Guidance: Courses often include video tutorials, written explanations, and sometimes even direct access to tutors who can explain difficult concepts and provide feedback on writing samples. This personalised guidance can be a game-changer.
• Replicates the Digital Experience: High-quality online courses are built to mimic the new computer-based exam, including drag-and-drop questions, dropdowns, and a timer. This familiarises students with the technical aspects of the test, reducing stress on exam day.
• Motivation & Accountability: The structured nature of courses with clear modules and progress tracking, keeps students on track and motivated. It removes the burden from parents to constantly source and organise materials.

NSW Selective Exam Preparation with Structured Online Courses: Cons

• Cost: The most significant con is not being pocket-friendly for all. High-quality courses come with a hefty price tag, which is not affordable by all.
• Requires Discipline: The structured online courses are often self-paced. They require a certain level of discipline from the student to log in and complete the work regularly.
• Risk of Over-Coaching: As some experts have cautioned, excessive or overly rigid coaching can potentially harm a student’s well-being and may not always lead to a better outcome. 

NSW Selective Exam Preparation: Hybrid Approach is Best

Neither a structured course nor free practice tests alone is the perfect solution for a successful NSW Selective Exam preparation.  The most effective strategy is the right balance of both.

1. Start with Free Practice Tests: Use the official and free practice tests at the beginning of the preparation journey. They are an excellent diagnostic tool.
2. Invest in Structured Learning: Based on the results of the initial practice tests, consider enrolling in a structured online course. Even better when the course is tailored to suit a student’s specific needs. It will help in deepening the foundational skills and develop the higher-order thinking needed for the test.
3. End with Mock Exams: As test date draws closer, using a combination of practice tests (both free and from course) under strict timed conditions makes the biggest difference.  

The key is finding a balance. The most successful NSW Selective exam preparation like the ones from Selectivetrial focuses on building a student’s confidence and abilities. Whether you choose Selectivetrial’s structured courses, free tests, or a combination, remember to prioritise your child’s well-being. 

Visit our NSW Selective School Test- 2026 for more detailed information.