How to Prepare for the Victorian Selective School Entrance Exam?

Effective and efficient preparation for any exam is a challenging task for students. However, complex or strenuous the task might seem it is absolutely essential to develop a focused and functional preparation plan as well as potent student habits for assured success. Whether a student is preparing for a school exam or a competitive exam like the Victorian Selective School entrance exam, there are specific approaches that one should take to ensure the best performance. 

Securing a seat in one of the Victorian Selective High Schools is a big milestone for any aspiring student. So with the SEHS entrance test 2025 being a couple of months away, here’s a detailed breakdown of the Victoria SEHS (Selective Entry High School) entrance exam and its preparation.

Understanding the Victorian Selective High School entrance exam 2025

The Victoria SEHS (Selective Entry High School) entrance exam is a fiercely competitive written test for Year 8 students seeking Year 9 entry to one of the four prestigious Selective High Schools of Victoria. This test, administered by ACER for the Victorian Department of Education, assesses a candidate’s academic potential, aptitude, and higher-order cognitive skills.

The Key Skills assessed in the Victoria SEHS Test are:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Logical reasoning
• Reading comprehension
• Mathematical reasoning
• Written communication

The esteemed and accoladed Victorian Selective High Schools are:

• Mac Robertson Girl’s High School (girls only)
• Melbourne High School (boys only)
• Nossal High School (all genders)
• Suzanne Cory High School (all genders)

Victorian Selective High School entrance exam 2025- Key Dates

▶️Application portal closure- 2nd May, 2025 (Friday)

▶️Advice despatch for parents/caregivers on exam details and arrangements- 28th May, 2025 (Wednesday)

▶️Victoria SEHS (Selective Entry High School) entrance exam- 14th June, 2025 (Saturday)

▶️Result Outcome- September 2025

Victorian Selective High School entrance exam 2025- Format

The exam comprises a series of tests of the 5 test sections. It is specifically designed to challenge the students and takes approximately 4 hours to complete, including the two short breaks of 20 minutes and 5 minutes in between. The latest Victorian Selective School entrance exam 2025 format is as follows:

Preparation strategies for Victorian Selective High School entrance exam 2025 

Gain Thorough Knowledge of the Test Sections 

• Reading (Reasoning): Evaluation of comprehension, interpretation, and analytical skills.
• Mathematics (Reasoning) : Assessment of logical problem-solving and application of mathematical concepts.
• Verbal (General Ability): Measures verbal reasoning, vocabulary, and understanding of language.
• Quantitative (General Ability): Assesses numerical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving with numbers.
• Writing (General Ability): Evaluates written communication skills, including persuasive and creative writing.

Develop Strong Foundational Skills

• Focus on building a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in Mathematics and English.
• Encourage regular reading to enhance vocabulary, comprehension and language composition.

Set Manageable Study Goals

• Give yourself small, realistic and achievable goals for improving consistency throughout the preparation journey.
• Schedule regular self-study and practice sessions for effective learning throughout the preparation journey.

Improve Reasoning & Problem-Solving Skills

• Engage in activities that promote critical thinking and logical reasoning, such as puzzles, brain teasers, and logic games.
• Practice with sample test questions, past exam papers and Victorian Selective School entrance exam styled practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format and question types.

Enhance Writing Skills

• Practice both persuasive and creative writing, focusing on clarity, structure, and language use.
• Take up regular writing exercises and also take feedback to work  on grammar, vocabulary, and organisation.

Acquire Time Management Skills

• Practice working under timed conditions with Victorian Selective School entrance test styled practice tests  to develop effective time management skills.
• Familiarise yourself with the exam’s time constraints and learn to allocate time adequately for all questions.

Reduce Test Anxiety

• Encourage a positive attitude and reduce stress through relaxation techniques, ample rest, balanced and nutritious diets and adequate sleep. 
• Ensure the student is well-rested and prepared on the day of the test to avoid last minute panic and burnout.

Take Professional Help if needed

• Depending on the specialised needs of the students guidance of personalised tutors can also be considered.
• Consider taking up professional guidance and using learning resources from trustworthy test-prep platforms like Selectivetrial.

To access detailed information on the Victorian Selective School entrance exam 2025 and Victoria SEHS Practice Tests 2025 visit our Victorian Selective High School Test- 2025  page.