Overview of the SEHS Exam Format
The Victorian Selective Entry High School (SEHS) exam is a competitive entrance test administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It determines entry into Year 9 at four government selective schools - Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School.
Students sit the exam in Year 8, typically in June each year. The test runs for approximately 3 hours including breaks and is divided into three sections. All four schools use the same exam, so every student sits the same paper regardless of which school they preference.
Understanding the exact format gives your child a significant advantage. Knowing how much time is allocated to each section, what types of questions appear and how to manage transitions between sections can mean the difference between finishing comfortably and running out of time.
Complete Exam Timeline
| Activity | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in and seating | ~30 min | ID verification, finding your seat, reading instructions |
| Section 1 | 60 min | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning |
| Break 1 | 20 min | Students may eat, drink and use the bathroom |
| Section 2 | 55 min | Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning |
| Break 2 | 5 min | Short transition break |
| Section 3 | 40 min | Writing - one persuasive and one narrative task (20 min each) |
Total time at the venue is roughly 4 hours from arrival to departure. The actual test time across the three sections is 2 hours and 35 minutes, with 25 minutes of break time.
Section 1 - Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (60 Minutes)
What Section 1 Tests
Section 1 combines two disciplines into a single timed paper. The mathematics component tests curriculum-level skills including arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, basic algebra, geometry, measurement and data interpretation. Questions go beyond what is typically taught in Year 8 classrooms.
The quantitative reasoning component tests pattern recognition, number sequences, spatial reasoning, logical deduction with numbers and abstract problem solving. These questions are less about learned formulas and more about thinking under pressure.
All questions in Section 1 are multiple choice. Calculators are not permitted. Students must show strong mental arithmetic and the ability to estimate quickly. Many students report not finishing this section, so time management is critical.
How to Prepare for Section 1
Practise under timed conditions from the start. Speed matters as much as accuracy in this section. Focus on building fluency with mental calculations, recognising common patterns quickly and learning when to skip a hard question and come back to it.
The Maths Prep and QR Prep modules cover every question type your child will encounter. For timed practice under real conditions, SK Mock Tests replicate the exact format and timing.
Section 2 - Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning (55 Minutes)
What Section 2 Tests
The reading comprehension component presents passages of varying length and complexity. Questions test literal comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context, author's purpose, tone and the ability to synthesise information across paragraphs.
The verbal reasoning component tests analogies, code-breaking, word relationships, syllogisms, logical sequences and pattern completion using letters or words. These skills are rarely taught in school, making dedicated practice essential.
Section 2 is where strong readers have an advantage, but raw reading ability is not enough. Students need to read efficiently under time pressure, extract answers quickly and apply logical thinking to unfamiliar question types in the verbal reasoning portion.
How to Prepare for Section 2
Build a daily reading habit with challenging texts - newspapers, opinion pieces and age-appropriate non-fiction. For structured practice, the RC Prep module builds passage analysis skills progressively, while the VR Prep module covers every verbal reasoning question type that appears in the exam.
Vocabulary is a hidden advantage in this section. Students who recognise more words read faster and infer more accurately. The Vocab Builder and Spelling Practice modules strengthen this foundation.
Section 3 - Writing (40 Minutes)
What Section 3 Tests
Section 3 requires two handwritten essays. Task 1 is a persuasive piece - students are given a statement or question and must argue a position with evidence and reasoning. Task 2 is a narrative - students write a short story based on a given prompt.
Each task has a strict 20-minute time limit. Students write on paper, not a computer. Legibility, spelling, grammar and vocabulary all contribute to the score. ACER markers assess both content and expression.
Writing is the section where most students feel the time pressure most acutely. Twenty minutes per task means there is no time for extensive planning or rewriting. Students need a reliable essay structure they can execute quickly and confidently.
Persuasive Writing
A strong persuasive essay has a clear thesis in the opening paragraph, three distinct supporting arguments with evidence, logical transitions between paragraphs and a conclusion that reinforces the position. ACER rewards clear reasoning over emotional appeals.
Narrative Writing
A strong narrative has an engaging opening hook, a clear conflict or turning point, sensory language that shows rather than tells, and a satisfying resolution. Students who practise with timed prompts develop the instinct for how much story they can fit into 20 minutes.
How to Prepare for Section 3
Writing improves with feedback, not just practice. The SK Writing Lab scores essays against the same rubric criteria that ACER markers use, giving instant feedback on structure, vocabulary, technique and time management. For ongoing coaching, the SK Writing Coach provides personalised guidance tailored to your child's writing patterns.
How the SEHS Exam Is Scored
ACER calculates a scaled composite score across all three sections. The exact weighting formula is not published, but all sections contribute meaningfully. This means a student cannot afford to neglect any single area - strong maths alone will not compensate for weak writing, and strong writing alone will not compensate for weak reasoning.
The scaled scores are used to rank all candidates. Places at the four selective schools are then offered based on total score and school preferences. Students list their preferred schools in order, and offers are made from highest score downward until all places are filled.
What Makes a Competitive Score
There is no published cut-off score because it changes each year depending on the candidate pool. Historically, students in the top 5 to 10 percent of all test-takers typically receive an offer from one of the four schools. Roughly 4,000 students sit the exam each year for approximately 870 places across the four schools.
The best strategy is balanced preparation across all three sections rather than over-investing in one area. Start with the FREE SK Diagnostic Test to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses, then build a targeted preparation plan.
Key Rules and Conditions on Exam Day
- No calculators - all mathematical work must be done mentally or on scrap paper provided
- No electronic devices - phones, smartwatches and tablets must be switched off and stored
- Writing is handwritten - no laptops or keyboards for Section 3
- Photo ID may be required - check ACER's current requirements for accepted identification
- No notes or reference materials - the exam is closed-book
- Special provisions - students with documented learning difficulties can apply to ACER for exam adjustments through their school
For a complete guide to what happens on the day, including what to bring, parent drop-off logistics and managing pre-exam nerves, read our exam day preparation guide.
Building a Preparation Strategy Around the Format
Understanding the format is the first step. The next step is building a structured preparation plan that addresses each section systematically. The ACE Method - Assess, Climb, Excel - provides a proven framework.
- Assess - take the FREE SK Diagnostic Test to see where your child stands across all exam sections
- Climb - use targeted Section Prep modules and Skill Builders to address weak areas identified in the diagnostic
- Excel - simulate real exam conditions with SK Mock Tests and refine writing with the SK Writing Lab
For a detailed breakdown of preparation timelines by year level, read our complete preparation strategy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SEHS Exam Format
The exam runs for approximately 3 hours including two breaks. Section 1 (Maths and Quantitative Reasoning) is 60 minutes, Section 2 (Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning) is 55 minutes, and Section 3 (Writing) is 40 minutes. There is a 20-minute break after Section 1 and a 5-minute break after Section 2.
No. Calculators are not permitted in any section of the SEHS exam. All mathematics and quantitative reasoning questions are designed to be solved with mental arithmetic and working on paper.
Sections 1 and 2 are multiple choice. Section 3 (Writing) requires two handwritten essays - one persuasive and one narrative, each with a 20-minute time limit.
ACER calculates a scaled composite score across all three sections. The exact weighting is not published, but all sections contribute. Places at the four selective schools are offered based on total score and school preferences.
Section 1 combines curriculum mathematics (arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, measurement) with quantitative reasoning (patterns, sequences, data interpretation, spatial reasoning). Questions go beyond Year 8 curriculum in difficulty.
Yes. SK Mock Tests simulate the real exam format with the same section structure, timing and question types. Timed conditions help students build speed and manage exam-day pressure.