EBS Edutest Exam Guide (2028 Entry): Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences Format & Practice

This is the Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences exam guide for 2028 entry. Current Year 10 and Year 11 students sit an Edutest paper at The University High School — Mathematics, Science Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Use this page for format, practice and study plans. Interview day after a shortlist is a different page: the EBS interview and post-exam checklist.

Key Exam Information

Entry Points

• Year 11 Entry: For current Year 10 students
• Year 12 Entry: For current Year 11 students

Important Note: There is only one intake per year for entrance into the following academic year.

Application Process

1. 1. Exam registration (apply via Edutest)
2. 2. Entrance Exam (administered by Edutest)
3. 3. Interview Day (for shortlisted applicants)
   • Group Activities
   • Individual Interviews

For detailed information on the application process, visit the official University High School website.

Exam Structure Overview

The entrance exam consists of multiple tests designed to assess various competencies. While specific details may vary, the general structure includes:

Note: The exact number of questions per section may vary. It's essential to manage your time effectively during each test.

Detailed Test Breakdowns

Mathematics

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

Science Reasoning

Science Reasoning assesses your observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a scientific context.

Topics:

• Biology
  • a. Cells
  • b. Body Systems
  • c. Diseases
  • d. Ecosystems
  • e. Evolution
  • f. Genetics
• Chemistry
  • a. Atoms
  • b. Periodic Table
  • c. Reactions
  • d. States of Matter
• Physics
  • a. Forces
  • b. Kinematics
  • c. Mechanics
  • d. Electricity
  • e. Energy
• Astronomy
  • a. Scale
  • b. Planets
  • c. Orbit
  • d. Satellites
  • e. Time
• Geology
  • a. Plate Tectonics
  • b. Rock Types
  • c. Moh's Hardness Scale
  • d. Cartography
• Experiments
  • a. Variables
  • b. Conclusions

Question Types

• Drawing Conclusions
• Graph Analysis
• Table Analysis
• Estimation/Scale
• Flow Charts
• Contour Lines
• Cross Sections
• Science Equations

Verbal Reasoning

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

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

Preparation Checklist

General Preparation

Week Before Exam

Day of Exam

Study plans (12, 6, 3, 2 and 1 month)

EBS is research-driven. The Science Reasoning paper rewards students who can read evidence, not recite a textbook. The other three papers are standard Edutest — see the Edutest exam guide for Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension drill. JMSS uses a different science split; do not assume that paper applies here. Use the JMSS exam guide if you are sitting both.

• 12 months: Year-level maths and wide reading. Make graphs and data tables a weekly habit. Official dates stay on the University High School EBS page.
• 6 months: Variables, fair tests, and "does this data actually support the claim?" Drill Verbal Reasoning weekly — it is the paper students skip.
• 3 months: Timed sections across all four papers. Target weak sub-skills instead of repeating what you already mark well.
• 2 months: Full mocks in order, strict timing. Keep an error log.
• 1 month: Consolidate. If you are shortlisted, switch to the interview-day checklist— that is not another Edutest sitting.

FAQs

Q: How does the EBS exam differ from other selective school exams?
A: The EBS exam, administered by Edutest, focuses on scientific aptitude and communication, mathematics and english skills. This is the only school which has this combination of assessments.

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.

Q: What is the most challenging part of the exam?
A: Many students find the time pressure challenging, particularly in sections like Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning. Regular timed practice is essential to improve speed and accuracy.

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