Updated September 13, 2026

Victorian Selective Year 10 Edutest Exam Guide (2028 Entry) | Format & Practice Tests

Year 10 Edutest exam for Melbourne High, Mac.Rob, Nossal and Suzanne Cory: format, written expression, study checklist, and a free diagnostic. The Victorian selective exam guide for 2028 entry — not the Year 9 ACER paper.

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Selective High School Exam Guide

This is the Victorian selective exam guide for 2028 entry — the Year 10 Edutest paper for Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal and Suzanne Cory. It is not the Year 9 ACER Selective Entry exam. Current Year 9 students sit Edutest: Mathematics, Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Written Expression. School-specific pages (including Mac.Rob) stay useful for the campus; this page is the exam.

Sit a free diagnostic in the Year 10 Edutest format, then practise the five papers on Big Brain. Start practice at learn.bigbrain.au/join.


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 ExpressionWritten2 tasks15 min each

Timed Edutest-style practice for the Victorian Year 10 selective papers. Same start as every other exam on this site. Start practice at learn.bigbrain.au/join.


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 | 60 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 | 2 tasks | 15 min each, no planning or reading time | Test of Achievement

Students write two pieces, 15 minutes each, with no separate planning or reading time. They do not choose the genre; the exam sets it, most often 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.


Q: What's the most challenging part of the exam?
A: Many students find the time constraints challenging, particularly in sections with a high number of questions. Regular timed practice can help improve speed and accuracy.


For the shared Edutest format (practice tests, reasoning patterns, writing timing) see the Edutest exam guide. Official registration is via Edutest. Each school also publishes its own entry notes — start from the school page on this site. Tutoring and class prices are JT Education, not this page.

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 school and Edutest communications.

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