Expert Tips to Boost Confidence Before the HAST Primary Exam

What is HAST?

HAST or the Higher Ability Selection Test, is an evidence-based ability test specially designed and marked by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) for identifying academically high-performing students. 

Trusted and used by schools in Australia across several states, the HAST is used to select students for the various accelerated learning and academic enhancement programs. This test is conducted at two major levels, namely HAST Primary & HAST Secondary.

Knowing HAST Primary 2025

The HAST Primary (HAST-P)  is designed for entry to Year 5 and Year 6 for entry to the gifted and talented accelerated learning programs. This test very mindfully assesses a student’s higher-order cognitive and reasoning skills rather than testing retrieved academic knowledge. 

Things to consider before appearing for HAST P 2025:

• The HAST-P is designed to evaluate a student’s potential, not just their current knowledge.
• Preparation for HAST-P 2025 is beneficial, but it’s crucial to focus on developing reasoning skills rather than simply memorizing facts.

HAST Primary 2025 – Exam Format

This test has four test sections- Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Writing Expression and Abstract Reasoning. There is a 15 minute break between each test, hence the total time of  HAST-P is about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The updated format for HAST- P 2025 is as follows:

HAST Primary 2025 Preparation

Preparation for any competitive ability test is a little daunting for any student. Such exams not just require a dedicated preparation journey but also a strategic approach for the best results. Here’s a quick breakdown of preparation tips to crack HAST- P 2025:

Understand the Format

• Get familiar with the different question types, test format and subject concepts for each test section.
• Know time limits for each test section and make sure to practice under timed conditions for a better understanding of HAST- P 2025 exam format.

Practice Regularly

• Use Practice Tests and sample questions for consistent practice, they build confidence and reduce test-taking anxiety.
• Identify your areas of concern, focus on them and dedicate extra time for better grasp of the subject matter.

Review and Learn from Mistakes

• Don’t just mechanically keep doing your practice tests. After completion of each practice test- do review the answers, analyse the errors, try to understand where you got it wrong and how to approach similar questions in the future.
• Develop a deeper understanding of concepts related to questions you are getting wrong.

Simulate Exam Conditions

• Take full-length practice tests in a quiet environment, mimicking the actual exam conditions.
• This helps you get used to the exam environment, pressure and time constraints, hence boosts confidence and performance. 

Strategies to Boost Confidence prior HAST- P 2025

It is often observed among students of almost all age groups to start panicking in a testing environment and eventually underperform. Research suggests that without proper revision, 82% of students tend to forget within 24 hours. This shows that months of hard work just get wasted due to lack of proper revision and the dilemma within students. 

For being successful in any examination like HAST- P 2025, all one needs is a lot of self-confidence, a focused HAST- P 2025 preparation and some strategies to boost that inner self. Here’s some tips and strategies to pep up your confidence for a better HAST- P 2025 preparation and performance:

Indulge in Positive Self-Talk

• Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations like- “I am prepared,” “I can do this,” and “I will do my best.”
• Foresee  yourself doing well in the exam.

Managing Test-taking Anxiety

• Make a habit of practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and meditation.
• Get enough sleep the night before the exam, because a well-rested mind and body functions and performs better.
• Light exercising also helps reduce stress.

Focus on Your Strengths

• Think of your accomplishments and the skills you possess.
• Trust on your HAST- P 2025 preparation and hard work.
• Focus on what you know, not what you don’t know.

Avoid Last-Minute Cramming

• The night before the exam, relax and do something enjoyable. Last-minute cramming increases anxiety.
• May do some light revision, but learning new concepts is a big no.

Develop Healthy Habits

• Eat a healthy breakfast before the exam.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Get sufficient sleep and good rest.

Remember It’s Just One Test

• While the HAST- P 2025 is an important test, it doesn’t define your entire academic journey
• Give your best shot, but also remember there are other opportunities awaiting.

A combination of a good HAST- P 2025 preparation with Selectivetrial and effective confidence boosting strategies is the best way to assure success in the upcoming HAST- P 2025.

Get all HAST- P 2025 preparation plans, Practice Tests and related information at https://selectivetrial.com.au/