Test preparation

How do I prepare for these tests?

Special preparation or coaching is not likely to improve your results. The best preparation is to arrive relaxed and refreshed on the testing day. A good night’s sleep is very important.

Prior to the testing date: Please advise the school and AAS of any serious medical conditions which may require monitoring on the testing morning e.g.  EpiPen, Diabetes

Please Note: We do not provide sample test papers.

During the test session:

  • Listen carefully to directions from the Supervisor
  • Read questions carefully and do not rush
  • Sometimes it is wise to read a question a second time
  • Use a process of elimination to choose your best answer
  • If a question is too difficult, it is better to leave the answer space blank and come back later if there is time
  • Always match the answer number correctly from the test booklet to the answer sheet
  • Remember that nobody is expected to answer all questions – work steadily and do your best
  • For practice fill in the sample personal information sheet, identifying your name, date of birth and your language background before the test day.

About the tests

With the exception of Written Expression each test is multiple-choice. (This means you are provided with a choice of five possible responses, one of which is correct).

In most tasks the tests are in ascending order of difficulty. (Meaning each item is more difficult than the one before).

Each test is timed, usually around 40-45 minutes in length, except for written expression, which is 25 minutes in length.

You may score highly even if you do not finish the test, but remember to keep working steadily throughout each task.

On the scholarship examination day

  • Bring two pens – blue or black. All other materials will be provided
  • Bring food and drink for the recess break (unless advised otherwise by the school)
  • Bring  tissues
  • Make sure to arrive ahead of the time given. Being late may unsettle you
  • Use the toilet before the first test session. Interruptions may affect results
  • Relax and do your best
  • The four tests are held in two sessions
  • There is a 20-minute break between each session
  • Entry for late arrivals is at the sole discretion of the test supervisor
  • Unpaid applicants will not be permitted to attend the testing

Items not permitted in the examination

These items may be confiscated by the examination supervisors:

  • Bags
  • Calculators
  • Mathematical instruments such as compasses or dividers
  • Photographic or other data/image recording equipment
  • Programmable watches or mobile phones
  • Rulers
  • Books or paper/s
  • Apple or smart watches

If I run out of time should I guess the answers?

The aim of these tests is to identify real achievement, not guesswork. It is better to continue to work steadily than to rush and guess answers. You will be given further instructions regarding answering procedures on the test day.

You should work solidly until the time is up for each test. If you finish early you should carefully check your work by re-reading the questions and checking your answer choices thoroughly.

Policy on cheating

As Scholarship tests are competitive, often with a substantial financial reward on the tests result, students must ensure they:

Do NOT bring any unauthorised materials into the testing room.

Do NOT take any material from the testing room.

Do NOT communicate with any other student during testing and

OBEY all reasonable instructions given by Academic Assessment Services staff.

If the identity of a student is called into doubt, Academic Assessment Services/or a school may request the student be re-tested.

Any student found cheating will be removed from the test room and/or have their results cancelled. There will be NO REFUND of fees under these circumstances. Cancellation of results for cheating will be at the absolute discretion of the Director of Academic Assessment Services.