Year 8 students sit the Victorian Selective Entry High School exam for Year 9 entry into Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson Girls', Nossal High and Suzanne Cory High. Preparation works best when it combines three things: knowing the exam structure, practising under timed conditions, and getting feedback on your writing. This guide shows you how to build that routine with realistic online mock tests and performance analytics.
Start by learning what the exam actually tests. The ACER-written exam covers five areas (Mathematics, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Verbal Reasoning and Writing) across three sittings, with 2 hours and 35 minutes of exam tasks.
On the day, allow about four hours including registration and breaks. Because the exam rewards reasoning and applying what you already know under time pressure, the goal of preparation is speed and accuracy, not racing ahead in the curriculum.
| Sitting | Time | What it covers | Prep focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 60 min | Year-level maths knowledge and reasoning, plus numerical thinking with patterns and shapes | Longest sitting Pace a full hour of mixed maths and quantitative questions |
| Break | 20 min | — | Practise resetting focus between sittings |
| Reading & Verbal Reasoning | 55 min | Retrieving and interpreting information from texts, and word-based logic | Two skills, one clock Split time between texts and verbal puzzles |
| Short break | 5 min | — | — |
| Writing | 40 min | Two tasks assessing precise language and coherent organisation | Two pieces Plan, write and check both inside 40 minutes |
Use a topic-wise performance analysis after your first mock to see which of these areas needs the most attention in your early study phase.
How Selectivetrial helps: ACER-format Victorian Selective mock tests that follow the current three-sitting structure, so your first mock gives you a baseline across every area of the real exam. Read the full SEHS exam format →
Incorporate full-length, timed mock tests into your weekly routine. Running a timed session builds the speed and stamina the real exam demands, and it shows you where time pressure is costing you marks.
How Selectivetrial helps: 40 time-scored tests (10 sets per subject) with unlimited attempts and full solutions, so every mock can be re-sat as your speed improves. Try the free trial →
Compare packages on what they include per dollar rather than on price alone. The things that matter most are full-length timed tests in the current ACER format, unlimited attempts so weak topics can be revisited at no extra cost, and marked writing with written feedback. Selectivetrial's Victorian packages start at $159 for 40 timed tests with unlimited attempts, and the $269 Power Pack adds 4 tutor-marked writings and 365-day access. A free trial lets you check question quality first.
Look for mock tests that follow the current three-sitting structure: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes), Reading and Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes) and Writing (40 minutes, two tasks). Tests should be time-scored and marked instantly so each attempt can be reviewed straight away. Selectivetrial's Victorian Selective mock tests are ACER-format and time-scored, with unlimited attempts and full solutions.
Writing needs a human marker: an experienced tutor who reads each piece and gives written comments on ideas, structure, language and accuracy. Selectivetrial's Plus package includes 2 writings marked by selective tutors, the Power Pack includes 4, and a standalone 4 Marked Writing pack ($79) covers 2 creative and 2 persuasive topics, with feedback returned within a few working days.
Students sit the exam in Year 8 for Year 9 entry. It is held on a Saturday in June: the most recent exam was on 20 June 2026, for Year 9 entry in 2027, with applications open from March to April and results in August. Check ACER's Victorian Selective Entry site for the dates that apply to your child.
Writing is worth a dedicated part of your preparation, not an afterthought. With two tasks in 40 minutes, planning and time management matter as much as the writing itself.
How Selectivetrial helps: writings marked by selective tutors (2 in Plus, 4 in the Power Pack), plus instant scoring and full solutions on every timed test, so each attempt points to a concrete next step.
Compare preparation packages on what they include per dollar, not price alone. Look for unlimited practice attempts, so your child can revisit weak topics without extra cost, plus written feedback on writing.
A free trial lets you judge the question quality before you commit. Start the Victorian Selective free trial →
ACER-format Victorian Selective mock tests, unlimited attempts, instant scoring and tutor-marked writing, built for Year 8 students aiming for Year 9 entry.
