Australian Scholarship Tests Compared: ACER vs Edutest vs NSW Selective vs VIC Selective

Navigating Australia's scholarship and selective school testing landscape can be confusing for families. This comprehensive comparison helps you understand the major tests, their differences, and how to prepare effectively.

Overview of Major Australian Tests

Test	Administrator	Used By	Year Levels	States
ACER	ACER	Private schools + VIC Selective	Years 5-12	National
Edutest	Edutest	Private schools	Years 5-12	National
NSW Selective	NSW Education	NSW Selective High Schools	Year 7 entry	NSW
VIC Selective	ACER	VIC Selective High Schools	Year 9 entry	VIC
NAPLAN	ACARA	All schools (assessment)	Years 3,5,7,9	National

Test Component Comparison

Components by Test

Component	ACER	Edutest	NSW Selective	VIC Selective
Verbal Reasoning	Yes	Yes	Included in Thinking	Yes
Numerical/Mathematical Reasoning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Abstract/Non-verbal Reasoning	Yes	Sometimes	Included in Thinking	Yes
Reading Comprehension	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Writing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Thinking Skills	-	-	Yes (specific section)	-

Detailed Component Analysis

Verbal Reasoning

• ACER: Word analogies, verbal classifications, logical deductions
• Edutest: Similar to ACER with strong emphasis
• NSW Selective: Integrated into Thinking Skills section
• VIC Selective: Similar to ACER format

Mathematical/Numerical Reasoning

• ACER: Problem-solving, patterns, quantitative reasoning
• Edutest: Strong numerical reasoning emphasis
• NSW Selective: Dedicated Mathematical Reasoning section
• VIC Selective: Numerical reasoning section

Reading Comprehension

All tests assess:

• Literal understanding
• Inference and interpretation
• Vocabulary in context
• Critical analysis

The text complexity and question styles vary slightly between providers.

Writing

• ACER: Typically persuasive or creative prompts
• Edutest: Various writing types depending on school
• NSW Selective: One writing task (persuasive or creative)
• VIC Selective: Extended writing task

Target Schools and Selection

Private School Scholarships (ACER/Edutest)

Schools Using ACER:

• Many prestigious private schools nationally
• Examples: Scotch College, Xavier College, MLC School

Schools Using Edutest:

• Various independent schools
• Examples: Caulfield Grammar, Trinity Grammar (Kew)

Scholarship Types:

• Academic scholarships (full or partial)
• All-rounder scholarships
• Specific subject scholarships
• Music/sport/arts scholarships (usually with academic component)

NSW Selective High Schools

17 Fully Selective Schools including:

• James Ruse Agricultural High School
• Sydney Boys High School
• Sydney Girls High School
• North Sydney Boys/Girls High School
• Baulkham Hills High School

Selection Process:

• Single test determines entry to all selective schools
• Students rank up to 4 school preferences
• Offers based on test ranking and preferences

VIC Selective Entry High Schools

Four Selective Schools:

• Melbourne High School (boys)
• The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School
• Nossal High School (co-ed)
• Suzanne Cory High School (co-ed)

Selection Process:

• Single test (administered by ACER)
• Students preference schools
• Entry to Year 9 only

Test Timing and Registration

Typical Annual Schedule

Test	Registration	Test Period	Results
ACER Scholarships	Aug-Jan (varies)	Feb-May	4-6 weeks after
Edutest	Aug-Jan (varies)	Feb-May	4-6 weeks after
NSW Selective	Oct-Nov	March	June
VIC Selective	Feb-Mar	June	August
NAPLAN	Automatic	March	August-Sept

Note: Always verify dates with specific schools or official websites

Competition Levels

Approximate Competition

Test	Applicants	Places	Success Rate
James Ruse (NSW)	3,000+	~120	~4%
Sydney Boys/Girls	2,000+	~180	~9%
Melbourne High	1,500+	~300	~20%
Mac.Robertson	1,200+	~230	~19%
Private School Scholarships	Varies widely	Varies	5-20% typically

Skill Transferability

Core Skills Valuable for All Tests

Verbal Skills:

• Vocabulary breadth and depth
• Understanding word relationships
• Logical reasoning with language
• Reading comprehension

Numerical Skills:

• Mental mathematics
• Problem-solving strategies
• Pattern recognition
• Data interpretation

Thinking Skills:

• Logical deduction
• Abstract reasoning
• Critical analysis
• Quick processing

Writing Skills:

• Planning and organisation
• Clear expression
• Vocabulary for writing
• Grammar and conventions

ExamPrepd's Approach

ExamPrepd covers skills tested across all major Australian scholarship and selective tests:

• Adaptive verbal reasoning practice
• Numerical reasoning problems
• Reading comprehension passages
• Writing with AI feedback
• Abstract reasoning challenges

Our ACE (Adaptive Competency Engine) adjusts difficulty based on performance, building skills progressively regardless of which specific test you're targeting.

Preparation Strategies by Test

For ACER Tests

• Focus on all four components equally
• Practice abstract reasoning specifically
• Work on time management across sections
• Review past question styles if available

For Edutest

• Emphasise verbal and numerical reasoning
• Practice reading comprehension extensively
• Build writing skills for various prompts
• Check specific school requirements

For NSW Selective

• Dedicate time to Thinking Skills section
• Practice all four components
• Build typing skills for online format
• Manage time across sections

For VIC Selective

• Similar to ACER preparation
• Strong focus on reasoning skills
• Practice extended writing
• Build test stamina for length

Making Your Decision

Questions to Consider

1. What are your target schools?

   • Research which tests they use
   • Some schools accept multiple test results

2. What are your child's strengths?

   • Match to tests that suit them
   • Consider all school options

3. What is your timeline?

   • Most tests require months of preparation
   • Plan registration deadlines

4. What is your budget?

   • Consider test fees
   • Factor in preparation costs
   • Government selective schools are free if admitted

Multiple Test Strategy

Many families take multiple tests:

• ACER/Edutest for private school scholarships
• State selective test for government school option
• This provides more pathways to academic opportunities

Start Preparing Today

Regardless of which test your child will sit, the foundational skills are similar. ExamPrepd's adaptive learning platform builds the verbal, numerical, reading, and writing skills that all Australian scholarship and selective tests assess.

Start your free trial and begin building skills that transfer across all major test types.

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Last updated: February 2026