VIC Selective Entry High School Test 2026: Complete Preparation Guide

The Victorian Selective Entry High School examination is one of Australia's most competitive academic assessments, determining entry to Victoria's four selective government high schools. This guide provides comprehensive information about the test and how to prepare effectively.

Understanding VIC Selective Entry

The Four Selective High Schools

Victoria has four selective entry high schools that admit students based on the entrance examination:

Melbourne High School (Albert Park)

• Boys only
• Approximately 300 places per year
• Consistently ranks among Australia's top schools

The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School (Melbourne CBD)

• Girls only
• Approximately 230 places per year
• Victoria's top-performing girls' school

Nossal High School (Berwick)

• Co-educational
• Approximately 200 places per year
• Focus on science and mathematics

Suzanne Cory High School (Werribee)

• Co-educational
• Approximately 200 places per year
• Serves Melbourne's western suburbs

Why Choose Selective Entry?

Students at selective entry high schools benefit from:

• Accelerated curriculum designed for high achievers
• Peers who share academic motivation
• Teachers experienced with gifted students
• Excellent VCE results and university pathways
• Free tuition (government schools)

Test Format and Components

The VIC Selective Entry test is administered by ACER and includes four components:

1. Verbal Reasoning

Assesses the ability to think and reason using concepts expressed in words.

Question Types:

• Analogies (e.g., "cat is to kitten as dog is to...")
• Word classifications
• Logical deductions
• Verbal sequences

Skills Required:

• Strong vocabulary
• Understanding of word relationships
• Logical thinking
• Quick processing of verbal information

2. Numerical Reasoning

Measures mathematical thinking and problem-solving ability.

Question Types:

• Number patterns and sequences
• Mathematical word problems
• Data interpretation
• Quantitative reasoning

Skills Required:

• Mental mathematics
• Pattern recognition
• Problem-solving strategies
• Working with numerical relationships

3. Reading Comprehension

Assesses understanding and analysis of written texts.

Text Types:

• Literary passages
• Scientific articles
• Historical texts
• Contemporary non-fiction

Question Types:

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

4. Writing

Students complete a writing task demonstrating expression skills.

Task Format:

• One extended writing piece
• May be persuasive, creative, or narrative
• Typically 20-30 minutes

Assessment Focus:

• Ideas and content
• Organisation and structure
• Language and expression
• Technical accuracy

Registration and Timeline

Typical Schedule for 2026 (Year 9 entry in 2027)

Event	Typical Timing
Registration Opens	February 2026
Registration Closes	March 2026
Test Date	June 2026
Results Released	August 2026
Offers Made	September 2026

Important: Always verify dates on the ACER Selective Entry website.

Registration Requirements

• Student must be entering Year 9 the following year
• Must be eligible to attend Victorian government schools
• Online registration with fee payment
• Schools nominated in order of preference

Competition and Selection

Understanding the Numbers

School	Approximate Applications	Places	Acceptance Rate
Melbourne High	1,500+	~300	~20%
Mac.Robertson	1,200+	~230	~19%
Nossal	800+	~200	~25%
Suzanne Cory	700+	~200	~29%

Note: Numbers are approximate and vary year to year

Selection Process

1. All students sit the same test
2. Scores are calculated across all components
3. Students are ranked by total score
4. Offers made based on school preferences and rank
5. Students may receive offers from lower-preference schools

Preparation Strategies

When to Start

We recommend beginning preparation 6-12 months before the test:

• 12 months out: Build foundational skills, identify weaknesses
• 6 months out: Focused practice on all test components
• 3 months out: Intensive practice with time management
• 1 month out: Review, maintain confidence, manage stress

Component-Specific Preparation

Verbal Reasoning

• Study word roots, prefixes, and suffixes
• Practice analogies and word relationships
• Work on vocabulary building daily
• Complete logical reasoning puzzles

Numerical Reasoning

• Master mental mathematics
• Practice number sequences
• Solve multi-step problems
• Develop estimation skills

Reading Comprehension

• Read challenging texts across genres
• Practice identifying main ideas and themes
• Work on inference skills
• Build academic vocabulary

Writing

• Practice both persuasive and creative writing
• Develop quick planning techniques
• Focus on clear structure
• Build vocabulary for expression

How ExamPrepd Supports VIC Selective Preparation

Adaptive Practice
ExamPrepd's ACE engine adjusts to your child's level, providing appropriately challenging questions that build skills progressively.

Comprehensive Coverage
Practice all four test components:

• Verbal reasoning questions
• Numerical reasoning problems
• Reading comprehension passages
• Writing prompts with AI feedback

Progress Tracking
Monitor improvement across all skill areas. Identify strengths and areas needing more practice.

Efficient Preparation
Our adaptive system ensures practice time is spent on areas that will improve scores most.

Test Day Success

Before the Test

• Confirm test date, time, and venue
• Prepare required materials
• Get adequate sleep
• Eat a nutritious breakfast

During the Test

• Read instructions carefully
• Pace yourself across sections
• Don't spend too long on any question
• Stay calm and focused

For Parents

• Remain positive and supportive
• Don't add pressure on test day
• Have a plan for after the test
• Remember: this is one opportunity among many

Beyond the Test

If Your Child Receives an Offer

• Accept or decline by the deadline
• Prepare for the transition to Year 9
• Connect with other incoming students
• Celebrate the achievement!

If Your Child Doesn't Receive an Offer

• Remember that many paths lead to success
• Consider other excellent schools
• Use the preparation skills built for future challenges
• The academic skills developed remain valuable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coaching necessary for the selective test?

While not required, structured preparation significantly improves outcomes. ExamPrepd offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive tutoring programs.

Can interstate students apply?

Students must be eligible to attend Victorian government schools. Generally, this means being a resident of Victoria.

Are there special provisions for students with disabilities?

Yes, ACER provides access arrangements for students with documented disabilities. Apply during registration.

Start Preparing Today

The VIC Selective Entry test rewards students who have developed strong reasoning, reading, and writing skills. ExamPrepd's adaptive learning platform builds these skills efficiently, with practice tailored to each student's needs.

Start your free trial and begin preparing for selective entry success.

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Last updated: February 2026