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Preparation Guide for Selective/OC Exam
Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming exam!
Apr 26 2025
Test Admission Ticket
Important: Download and print your Test Admission Ticket from theapplication dashboard.
Your child must bring the printed test admission ticket to the test centre and show it to the invigilator.Digital copies on phones or devices will not be accepted.
Students must wear their school uniform (sports uniform with the school emblem is fine. Let your child choose their preferred uniform (formal or sports). Pack a hat for breaks outdoors and a jacket if the weather is cool.
What to Bring
● Two 2B pencils ● Eraser ● Pencil sharpener ● Printed Test Admission Ticket ● Clear water bottle
If Applicable, Also Bring:
● Approved adjustments for disability (e.g., FM transmitters) ● EpiPen, asthma inhalers, diabetes medication, or other necessary medications ● Glasses ● Tissues ● A clear plastic bag for stationery (no pencil cases allowed) ● A quiet wristwatch (no noise, calculators, computing, internet connection, messaging, or malpractice features)
What NOT to Bring:
● Pens ● Rulers ● Calculators ● Note paper ● Dictionaries or other books ● Smartwatches, phones, or other devices that compute, photograph, communicate, or make noise ● Pencil cases
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know
Do we need exactly two pencils?
Two is just the minimum recommendation, so you won’t run out. Feel free to pack three or more pencils, just in case.
Do all stationery items have to be in a clear plastic bag?
Yes, all stationery items must be in a clear plastic (ziplock) bag. Following this rule avoids potential issues on test day. Pencil cases are not allowed to be brought.
Can they bring an insulated water bottle?
No. Use a small, clear water bottle (like those from major supermarkets), remove the label, and write your child’s name on it.
What if my child is sick and unable to attend the test day?
Obtain a doctor’s certificate and submit it through the application dashboard by the specified cut-off date (for a make-up test on 19th May). For more information, see Illness or misadventure
What is the duration of the test?
OC Exam timetable 8:00 am Students arrive 8:30 am Reading Test (30 minutes) 9:00 am Short break (students remain seated or use the bathroom) 9:10 am Mathematical Reasoning Test (40 minutes) 9:55 am Short break (students remain seated or use the bathroom) 10:05 am Thinking Skills Test (30 minutes) 10:40 am End of Thinking Skills Test 10:55 am Parent pick-up time
Selective Exam Timetable 12:00 pm Students arrive 12:30 pm Reading Test (40 minutes) 1:10 pm Short break (students remain seated or use bathroom) 1:20 pm Mathematical Reasoning Test (40 minutes) 2:10 pm Longer Break (students can leave the room or use bathroom) 2:40 pm Thinking Skills Test (40 minutes) 3:25 pm Short break (students remain seated or use bathroom) 3:35 pm Writing Test (30 minutes) 4:10 pm End of the Writing Test 4:20 pm Parent pick-up time
Are snacks allowed?
Yes, for the selective school test, students may bring a substantial snack to eat during the longer break between tests. However, for the OC test, snacks are not permitted as the breaks are shorter.
Is a wristwatch necessary?
A wristwatch is not essential, as the test screen will display the time. However, you may provide a quiet one, ensuring it does not produce noise or include features such as calculators, computing capabilities, internet access, messaging, or any other functions that could lead to malpractice.
Is there an online practice test available?
Yes, new online practice tests are now accessible. Encourage your child to familiarize themselves with the test sections by visiting the relevant test page provided below.
No, a Windows laptop with a trackpad and a separate mouse will be provided by the department for each student. Students are not permitted to bring their own computer equipment.
Do students need to submit their answers for each test?
No, students’ answers are automatically saved and submitted when the time for each test component ends. There is no ‘submit’ or ‘finish’ button.
Can students track their word count for the Selective Writing test?
No, the test software does not include a word count functionality for the Writing test.
Are working-out papers provided?
Yes, each student will receive two A3 sheets of paper for working out at the beginning of the test.
How many students applied for the 2025 test?*
Selective School Exam: 17,559 students applied for one of 4,248 places (excluding Aurora College). OC Exam: 13,110 students applied for one of 1,840 places (excluding Aurora College).
What if something goes wrong during the test?
Ensure your child knows they should not hesitate to raise their hand if they face any issues, such as a problem with computer hardware or software. There’s no need to panic—help will be provided once they signal for assistance.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Greetings to you all. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the constant support you give your children in their studies. The ASAT results have now been released. ASAT is a practice exam designed to replicate the conditions of the OC and Selective High School Placement Tests, giving students invaluable, hands-on experience before the real event. Thanks to your strong support, our cohort is large and the data are meaningful; however, we wish to emphasise that ASAT scores are reference data only and should never be regarded as definitive. We are aware of recent discussions such as “Which organisation’s predictions are more accurate?” or “Does ASAT truly align with the real test results?”
This year’s exams involve numerous variables: three separate test days, first-ever computer-based testing (CBT), and complex interactions between student scores, school choices, and allocation procedures. Given these factors, any forecast may fit some students yet cannot be a perfect match for everyone. At Pre-Uni New College, we openly acknowledge these limitations. ASAT is provided as a learning experience to guide students and families; it is not a fortune-telling tool for school placement. We ask for your understanding that its purpose is to build exam readiness and offer broad guidance, not to predict placements with absolute certainty.
Regardless of your child’s ASAT outcome, what matters most is that they enter the real tests in the best possible condition, minimise errors, and perform to their full ability. While practice questions play an important role, the greatest support comes from your warm encouragement and the confidence you instil in them. Considering the pressure young students already face, parental reassurance is more vital than ever.
The 2025 cohort will be the first to sit the exams in CBT format. For many children, an unfamiliar computer interface and travelling long distances to test centres can heighten anxiety. Both the Selective High School and Opportunity Class tests are, by nature, competitive selection processes, so not every student will achieve his or her preferred outcome. Nevertheless, we believe that the preparation journey itself will provide valuable skills that benefit students well beyond these exams.
Having overseen ASAT in CBT form ourselves, we understand just how challenging it is to manage every possible variable. To those who have never run such a test, it may appear straightforward, but in reality it is far from simple. For that reason, we earnestly hope that no unexpected technical issues arise in the NSW OC or Selective exams, so that all students can be assessed fairly and without external disruption. We trust the DoE NSW will do everything possible to ensure a smooth testing experience.
With only one week remaining, please remind your children: “Don’t worry, you can do it—remember that we love you, believe in you, and are always here with a big hug.”
Encourage plenty of rest and healthy routines so they arrive at the exam room calm and confident. Our shared goal is to help every student demonstrate their abilities in a safe, equitable environment. Thank you once again for your steadfast support and encouragement. We wish your children every success and a bright future ahead.
Preparing for the OC or Selective School Test can be a defining moment in your child’s educational journey. Selecting the right placement strategy requires clear planning and reliable educational guidance. To check official test dates, entry requirements, and guidelines, please visit the official NSW Department of Education website. Is Your Child Preparing for the OC […]
Prepare Your Child for Selective School Writing Success Achieving Selective School Writing Success requires a clear understanding of what examiners look for during the official test. To check official guidelines, entry requirements, and test information, please visit the official NSW Department of Education website. Overview Year 5 Writing for Selective course prepares students for the […]
Confused about the Selective High School Placement Test? Many parents have questions regarding the application process, selection criteria, and important dates. This FAQ page provides clear, concise answers based on official information from the NSW Department of Education. Our goal is to help you navigate the placement journey and find everything you need regarding Selective […]
Confused about the Opportunity Class (OC) placement process? Many parents find the application rules and procedures quite complex. To help you navigate this journey with confidence, I’ve summarized the official answers provided by the NSW Department of Education to the most frequently asked questions. This guide will provide you with the clarity you need to […]
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NSW HSC English courses are the only compulsory subject — so the course level you choose matters. It affects the texts studied, the depth of analysis expected, the workload, and how confidently a student can perform across Year 11–12. Here’s a clear guide to English Standard, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 — including […]
The Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test Reading Test breakdown is designed to assess more than basic reading skills.It evaluates a student’s comprehension, reasoning, and ability to interpret language in different contexts.The Reading Test is made up of five distinct parts, each focusing on a different reading skill. ※ Important note: Students cannot use a dictionary […]
While the ATAR remains a significant entry point for Australian university programs, students targeting ultra-competitive degrees—such as Medicine or Law—must recognise that high scores alone do not guarantee success.
This guide provides the latest 2025–2026 admissions information for undergraduate-entry medical programs in the Sydney region. It covers entry requirements, selection criteria, and unique features for each program, and concludes with a brief look at other notable medical entry pathways in Australia. All information is current for students applying in 2025 for 2026 commencement. 📌 […]
1. Introduction This guide is designed to help students build strong reading comprehension skills in preparation for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. There are four parts to the Reading Test: Fast Facts No negative marking- it’s always worth having a go at every item. Sources range from Australian literature (including Aboriginal and […]
Get ready to ace the Selective High School Writing Test with this comprehensive guide covering test format, marking criteria, writing forms and structures, typing tips, and practical advice to tackle any prompt confidently.
As the exam approaches, expectations can feel overwhelming for students and parents. While it’s natural to worry about school choices, the focus should be on your child’s performance. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, provide calm support.
From Question Breakdown to Key Strategies – Everything You Need for OC & Selective Tests!
Apr 04 2025
◈ Thinking Skills in OC and Selective Tests
: Structure, Style, and Complexity
From a high-level perspective, both Opportunity Class (OC) Thinking Skills and Selective High School (SHS) Thinking Skills tests are designed to measure reasoning ability in upper-primary students (OC) and high-school entry students (SHS). That said, there are several differences that can stand out in style, structure, and the level of complexity:
Category
OC
Selective
Student Target Age / Context
Typically sat by students in Year 4 seeking placement in a Year 5 Opportunity Class
Typically sat by students in Year 6 seeking entry into a Selective High School (Year 7)
Number of Questions and Time Allowed
30 questions, completed within around 30 minutes
40 questions, completed within around 40 minutes
Question Difficulty / Depth
Reasoning problems often have a more accessible reading level and smaller numbers or simpler arithmetic in multi-step questions
The same core Thinking Skills categories appear—evaluating arguments, logical analysis, multi-step numeric reasoning—but the questions can require slightly deeper or more multi-step reasoning, and reading passages or puzzle structures can be lengthier or more complex
Vocabulary / Reading Level
The passages and puzzle wordings are pitched to a younger reading level (Year 4)
The language can be more sophisticated and the contexts sometimes broader, reflecting the older students’ typical reading comprehension
Content Overlap
Despite differences in complexity, both tests assess similar broad logic and reasoning categories:
● Set relationships
● Ordering/arrangements
● Evaluating or strengthening/weakening arguments
● Multi-step numeric or code puzzles
● Identifying mistakes / confounding factors
● Interpreting partial information
Overall, you’ll see the same fundamental skill areas—just calibrated to the respective ages.
Scoring Weight / Position in Overall Exam
Both are typically one section of a multi-part test. The Thinking Skills results factor into the overall selection score but usually in different weightings or scoring formulas, depending on each year’s official guidelines
▶ Key Takeaway
OC Thinking Skills is aimed at slightly younger students (mainly Year 4), tends to be briefer, and the difficulty level is somewhat lower.
Selective Thinking Skills is for Year 6, typically has more questions and a higher complexity of reading and logic.
They share the same fundamental puzzle types—logical reasoning, critical reading, problem-solving steps —but the level of academic maturity and time frames differ.
◈ Overview of Concepts for OC and Selective Thinking Skills
Concept
Related Main Topics
Explanation
Identifying Similarity
● Visual & Spatial Reasoning
– Folding nets into cubes or other solids – Determining different views (top, side, bottom) – Finding matching / non-matching shapes or patterns
These questions primarily test shape transformations, vantage-point identification, or comparing patterns. They may ask, “Which net folds into this solid?” or “Which arrangement is consistent with the partial diagram?”
Finding Procedures
● Multi-step Arithmetic & Code Puzzles
– Converting units (recipes, currency, time, etc.) -Summing or distributing constraints – Simple cipher/letter logic (shift codes, string-pattern constraints)
● Ranking / Scheduling (if it involves repeated numeric steps)
These typically require step-by-step problem-solving or calculation. Some puzzle examples:
– Figuring out maximum cupcakes from limited ingredients – Decrypting a code via repeated letter shifting – Combining multiple constraints (like bus passes on certain days, cost comparisons, or multi-currency conversions)
Evaluating Evidence
● Argument Strengthening & Weakening – Confounding vs. supporting data – Overlooked factors for or against a proposition
You see a short claim (e.g., “Running daily improves chess.”) and pick which piece of new info most strongly supports or undermines that claim.
Evaluating Reasoning
● Two Characters’ Statements – “A says X, B says Y,” deciding if each conclusion is valid
● Confounding Factors (sometimes integrated here)
A pair of individuals interpret the same fact differently, so you must judge whether one, both, or neither is correct. Typically uses the same condition-based logic as “Evaluating evidence,” but focuses on checking the logic of each speaker.
Identifying Mistakes
● Incorrect Assumptions / Overlooked Criteria
● Double Counting / Confounding
● Flawed Logic (e.g., “I’ve never seen it, so it must not exist.”)
Here, someone draws a faulty conclusion from the given statements, and you find which statement best reveals the flaw. It can be an assumption about correlation, ignoring data, or unproven generalization.
● Set & Membership Logic – “All X who do Y also do Z,” or “No X can do Y.”
● Truth–Lies Puzzle
● Ordering / Arrangement (positions, ranks)
● Partial Info (who qualifies, which scenario is possible)
Encompasses the broad realm of syllogisms, chain-of-conditions, set membership logic, truth-lies statements, or rank/positional puzzles. Usually the question is “Which arrangement must/can be true?” or “Which scenario can’t happen?”
◈ Overview of Concepts for OC and Selective Thinking Skills by Concept
Concept Area
Sub-concept
Description
1. Logic & Reasoning Concepts
A. Conditional Reasoning
● If–then statements: e.g. “If A happens, then B must happen, unless C.” ● Contrapositive thinking: e.g. “If you need at least 20 hours for a chance, then having <20 hours means no chance.” ● Chain of conditions: combining multiple “If A, then B; If B, then C” statements.
B. Set & Membership Logic
● “All X are Y,” “No X are Y,” “Some X are Y.” ● Venn-like mental pictures: you might see wording like “Everyone who plays soccer also does karate,” or “No cat-lovers like dogs.” ● You deduce which overlaps or separations must or cannot exist.
C. Ordering & Arrangement
● Rank ordering (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.): “X finished after Y but before Z.” ● Seat or position arrangements: “A is to the left of B; B is left of C… who’s in the middle?” ● Scheduling or calendar-based logic: “Which days are feasible for each activity?”
D. Evaluating Arguments
● Strengthening or weakening an argument: “Which new fact best supports / undermines this claim?” ● Overlooked/Confounding factors: typical question style: “Which sentence shows the error in the reasoning?”
E. Identifying Mistakes in Reasoning
● Incorrect assumptions: e.g., “I haven’t seen it happen, so it can’t be true.” ● Over-generalization: “If it’s true for one instance, it must be true for all.” ● Double counting or missing information that changes the conclusion.
F. Truth–Lies or Partial-Information Puzzles
● Exactly one statement is true, or exactly two statements are false, etc. ● Deduce which statement(s) must hold under the constraints.
G. Visual & Spatial Reasoning
● Shape transformations (folding nets into cubes, or vantage points from top/side views). ● Jigsaw or tiling: “Which piece completes the shape so no edges conflict?” ● Diagram interpretation: overhead maps, building layers, or partial 3D structures.
H. Multi-step Arithmetic & Code Puzzles
● Converting units (e.g., $ / cost, recipes, time intervals). ● Summing constraints (like “if you have X ingredients, how many cupcakes can be made?”). ● Simple ciphers, letter positions, string pattern constraints (no triple repetition, etc.).
2. Mathematical Foundations
While there’s no advanced “Year 7” or “Year 8” algebra in these tests, you do need solid command of:
● Basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide). ● Ratios or unit conversions (if the puzzle uses them). ● Reading tables/graphs: bar charts, line charts, easy pie charts. ● Perimeter/time tasks, or small geometry details (though “Thinking Skills” typically revolve more around logic than raw geometry).
3. Critical “Soft Skills” / Strategies
Regardless of the specific “theory,” success often hinges on:
1. Careful reading: Many errors come from misreading a single condition. 2. Systematic notation: For set and chain logic, rewriting “If A then B” in your own words or marking each clue on a mini-diagram. 3. Eliminating impossibilities: Process of elimination is a staple for multi-option logic puzzles. 4. Time management: Especially for older tests (Selective), you have slightly more questions and deeper complexity
▶ Summary
Both OC and Selective “Thinking Skills” test a common set of logical, verbal, and numerical puzzle concepts:
Basic logic structures (if–then, set membership),
Puzzle-solving with arrangement, schedule, numeric constraints,
Evaluating or critiquing arguments (including confounding factors, ignoring data),
Visual or 2D/3D shape interpretatio
OC exam will keep the reading simpler and the numeric steps fewer, while Selective might push these same concepts with greater complexity or length. In either case, the essential theories are these fundamental logic, set relationships, and multi-step reasoning skills.
Preparing for the OC or Selective School Test can be a defining moment in your child’s educational journey. Selecting the right placement strategy requires clear planning and reliable educational guidance. To check official test dates, entry requirements, and guidelines, please visit the official NSW Department of Education website. Is Your Child Preparing for the OC […]
Prepare Your Child for Selective School Writing Success Achieving Selective School Writing Success requires a clear understanding of what examiners look for during the official test. To check official guidelines, entry requirements, and test information, please visit the official NSW Department of Education website. Overview Year 5 Writing for Selective course prepares students for the […]
Confused about the Selective High School Placement Test? Many parents have questions regarding the application process, selection criteria, and important dates. This FAQ page provides clear, concise answers based on official information from the NSW Department of Education. Our goal is to help you navigate the placement journey and find everything you need regarding Selective […]
Confused about the Opportunity Class (OC) placement process? Many parents find the application rules and procedures quite complex. To help you navigate this journey with confidence, I’ve summarized the official answers provided by the NSW Department of Education to the most frequently asked questions. This guide will provide you with the clarity you need to […]
NSW HSC Maths courses aren’t simply “easy vs hard.” The course choice affects what your child learns (especially whether calculus is included), what university majors remain available without extra catch-up, and how results may feel different after ATAR scaling. Here’s a clear guide. Mathematics Standard 2 (the most common “Standard” choice) Mathematics Standard 1 (a different Standard option) […]
NSW HSC English courses are the only compulsory subject — so the course level you choose matters. It affects the texts studied, the depth of analysis expected, the workload, and how confidently a student can perform across Year 11–12. Here’s a clear guide to English Standard, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 — including […]
The Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test Reading Test breakdown is designed to assess more than basic reading skills.It evaluates a student’s comprehension, reasoning, and ability to interpret language in different contexts.The Reading Test is made up of five distinct parts, each focusing on a different reading skill. ※ Important note: Students cannot use a dictionary […]
While the ATAR remains a significant entry point for Australian university programs, students targeting ultra-competitive degrees—such as Medicine or Law—must recognise that high scores alone do not guarantee success.
This guide provides the latest 2025–2026 admissions information for undergraduate-entry medical programs in the Sydney region. It covers entry requirements, selection criteria, and unique features for each program, and concludes with a brief look at other notable medical entry pathways in Australia. All information is current for students applying in 2025 for 2026 commencement. 📌 […]
1. Introduction This guide is designed to help students build strong reading comprehension skills in preparation for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test. There are four parts to the Reading Test: Fast Facts No negative marking- it’s always worth having a go at every item. Sources range from Australian literature (including Aboriginal and […]
Get ready to ace the Selective High School Writing Test with this comprehensive guide covering test format, marking criteria, writing forms and structures, typing tips, and practical advice to tackle any prompt confidently.
As the exam approaches, expectations can feel overwhelming for students and parents. While it’s natural to worry about school choices, the focus should be on your child’s performance. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, provide calm support.
