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Get into Selective High School Victoria Entry (2025) – The Ultimate Year 10 Edutest Exam Prep Guide

Looking to join a Victorian Selective High School? Get a comprehensive breakdown of the entrance exam, including exam structure, preparation tips, and a detailed checklist to help you succeed. Written by experienced tutors who have guided thousands of students.

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Selective High School Exam Guide

Are you a current Year 9 student aspiring to join a Victorian Selective High School? The Victorian Selective High School entrance exam for Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School or Suzanne Cory High School is your path to a more academically driven education. As experienced tutors who have guided thousands of students through this process over the past five years, we'll provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare.


Key Exam Information

Entry Points

  • Year 10 Entry: Exam typically held in May - June but dependent on each school

Application Process

  1. 1. Exam registration (apply via Edutest)
  2. 2. Entrance Exam (administered by Edutest)
  3. 3. Interview - note this is dependent on each school
    • Written application

Exam Structure Overview

Year 10 Entry (Current Year 9 Students)

The entrance exam consists of five distinct tests:

AssessmentFormatQuestionsDuration
MathematicsMultiple Choice6030 min
Numerical ReasoningMultiple Choice5030 min
Verbal ReasoningMultiple Choice6030 min
Reading ComprehensionMultiple Choice5030 min
Written ExpressionWritten130 min


Types of Exams

  • Tests of Ability - measure your potential
  • Tests of Achievement - assess your performance

Detailed Test Breakdowns

Mathematics

Multiple Choice | 60 Q | 30 min | Test of Achievement

The Mathematics test assesses year-level mathematical knowledge—plus a little extra challenge to see how well you apply concepts beyond the standard curriculum. The year 6-10 curriculum content will most likely be on the exam.

Topics Covered:

  • Basics
  • Algebra
  • Surds
  • Indices
  • Equations
  • Linear
  • Non-linear Relationships
  • Pythagoras Theorem
  • Trigonometry
  • Geometry
  • Probability
  • Statistics
  • Financial Math
  • Rates & Proportion
  • Measurement
  • Kinematics
  • Sequences and Series
  • Logarithms

Numerical Reasoning

Multiple Choice | 50 Q | 30 min | Test of Ability

Numerical reasoning is a test that evaluates your ability to think and reason using numbers, focusing on problem-solving rather than memorised knowledge.

Key Components:

  • Number Patterns
    • Series
    • Sequences
    • Matrices
    • Shapes
    • Boxes
    • Tables
  • Worded Problems
    • Time
    • Motion
    • Financial Math
    • Measurement
    • Statistics
    • Probability

Verbal Reasoning

Multiple Choice | 50 Q | 30 min | Test of Ability

This test assesses your ability to think and reason using words and language. Vocabulary, word relationships, coding, classification and deduction are assessed.

Key Question Types:

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Four words alike
  • Box words alike
  • Foreign language
  • Two statements
  • Analogies
  • Information Deduction
  • Syllogisms
  • Anagrams
  • Rebus
  • Word Pyramids

Reading Comprehension

Multiple Choice | 50 Q | 30 min | Test of Achievement

The Reading Comprehension test assesses your capacity to read and interpret meaning from written passages, as well as correct, complete and punctuate sentences.

Key Question Types:

  • Implied Word
  • Sentence Correction
  • Truth Statement
  • Word Replacement
  • Sentence Transformation
  • Proverb Inferencing
  • Extracts:
    • Expository
    • Descriptions
    • Narratives
    • Persuasive
    • Articles
    • Editorials
    • Memoir
    • Poetry

Written Expression

Written | 1 Q | 5 min reading + 25 min writing | Test of Achievement

This test requires students to compose either a creative or persuasive text. Students will be required to prepare for either as they will not get to choose between them; the exam question will nominate one of the following:


Creative Text

This text asks students to write an original imaginative piece in response to a given prompt that is either visual or written. This piece will usually be in the form a short story, and will measure your ability to write creatively.


Persuasive Text

This test nominates a topic in which students are required to take a stance in the form of a persuasive essay.


Preparation Checklist

General Preparation


Week Before Exam


Day of Exam


FAQs

Q: How does the Victorian Selective Entry High Schools exam differ from other selective school exams?
A: The exam focuses on reasoning and general abilities rather than specific curriculum content, assessing higher-order thinking skills.


Q: How much time should I spend preparing?
A: Successful candidates often begin preparing 3-6 months before the exam, dedicating several hours per week to practice tests and concept review.


Note: Exam formats and content may vary year to year. This guide is based on past exam patterns and student experiences. For the most current information, always refer to official SHS communications.