Limited Offer:10% Off Super PacksSUCCESS10→

HAST Exam Day Success

IGNITE Test Day Guide

Complete guide to HAST test day for Adelaide IGNITE programs. What to bring, timing strategies, anxiety management, and expert tips from 500+ successful students.

⚠️ CRITICAL Test Day Rules

📍 Arrive 20-30 minutes early - Late arrivals may NOT be admitted

✏️ Paper-based test - No computers, bring pencils

🚫 No calculators - Automatic disqualification if found

📱 No phones - Must be left outside test room

🎧 Quiet environment - Disruptive students may be removed

Test Day Timeline: Hour by Hour

Follow this proven timeline for maximum test day success.

Night Before

What to DO:

✓Early bedtime: 8:30-9:00pm for 9-10 hours sleep
✓Prepare test day bag with all required materials
✓Lay out comfortable clothes for morning
✓Light dinner (avoid heavy foods)
✓NO last-minute cramming or practice tests
✓Relaxing activity: reading, light TV, calm music

What to AVOID:

✗Staying up late studying (counterproductive)
✗Sugary snacks before bed
✗Stressful conversations about the test
✗Screen time after 8pm (affects sleep quality)

Test Morning

What to DO:

✓Wake up 2 hours before test start
✓Healthy breakfast with protein (eggs, oatmeal, yogurt)
✓Bathroom visit before leaving home
✓Arrive 20-30 minutes early (not too early = anxiety)
✓Quick confidence-building conversation
✓Deep breathing exercises in car

What to AVOID:

✗Rushing or arriving late (stress-inducing)
✗Arriving too early (45+ mins = nervousness)
✗Sugary breakfast (energy crash during test)
✗Heavy foods (digestive discomfort)
✗Discussing test difficulty with other parents

At Test Venue

What to DO:

✓Check in at registration desk
✓Final bathroom visit
✓Unpack pencils, eraser, ruler, water bottle
✓Listen carefully to proctor instructions
✓Do NOT talk to other students (increases anxiety)
✓Focus on your own preparation, not others

What to AVOID:

✗Comparing preparation with other students
✗Last-minute practice or reviewing notes
✗Panicking if other students seem confident
✗Bringing unauthorized items (phones, calculators)
✗Arriving with excessive items (distracting)

During Test

What to DO:

✓Read ALL instructions carefully before starting
✓Use time management: 75-90 seconds per question
✓Skip difficult questions, return later
✓Use process of elimination for multiple choice
✓Stay calm if a section feels hard (everyone feels this)
✓Use breaks wisely: bathroom, water, deep breaths

What to AVOID:

✗Spending too long on one difficult question
✗Leaving bubbles blank (guess strategically if time runs out)
✗Comparing progress with other students
✗Panicking if a section feels hard
✗Changing answers multiple times (trust first instinct)

After Test

What to DO:

✓Celebrate completing the test (regardless of how it felt)
✓Avoid discussing specific questions with others
✓Do something enjoyable and relaxing
✓Remind your child: feeling hard = everyone felt this way
✓Focus on what's next, not dwelling on the test
✓Wait patiently for results (4-6 weeks)

What to AVOID:

✗Grilling your child about test difficulty
✗Comparing experiences with other families
✗Trying to "figure out" if they passed
✗Dwelling on mistakes or difficult sections
✗Stressing about results before they arrive

Test Day Checklist

Essential items for HAST test day success.

Must Bring

2B PencilsREQUIRED
Bring 3-4 sharpened pencils (ACER forms require 2B)
EraserREQUIRED
Good quality eraser (test mistakes happen)
RulerREQUIRED
For Mathematical Reasoning section
Water Bottle
Clear, unlabeled bottle (allowed at desk)
Snack
For break (banana, muesli bar - avoid messy/noisy foods)
Tissues
In case of runny nose (focus destroyer)
Watch
Analog watch for time management (if allowed by venue)

Cannot Bring

Calculator
Strictly prohibited - mental math only
Phone/Electronics
All electronic devices banned
Study Materials
No notes, books, or practice tests
Smart Watch
Digital watches may be banned (check venue rules)
Correction Tape
Eraser only (correction tape not allowed)

⚠️ Bringing prohibited items may result in disqualification

Managing Test Anxiety

Evidence-based strategies for staying calm and focused during HAST.

Before Test Anxiety

•Deep breathing: 4-7-8 technique (breathe in 4 counts, hold 7, out 8)
•Positive self-talk: "I\'ve prepared well. I can do this."
•Physical relaxation: Shoulder rolls, neck stretches
•Visualization: Picture yourself calmly completing each section

During Test Anxiety

•Pause and breathe: If panicking, close eyes and take 3 deep breaths
•Skip and return: Don\'t get stuck on one question
•Ground yourself: Feel your feet on floor, notice 5 things you see
•Remember: Feeling hard = everyone feels this way

Parent Support Tips

Positive framing: "This is an opportunity to show what you know"
Reduce pressure: "Just do your best - that\'s all we ask"
Avoid comparisons: Don\'t mention how other students are doing
Celebrate completion: Treat afterwards regardless of perceived performance

Prepared for Test Day?

Complete your preparation and understand what happens after the test.

← Back to IGNITE Hub View Results Guide →

Your Complete IGNITE Preparation Roadmap

Everything you need to master the HAST test and secure your place in Adelaide's IGNITE programs. Follow our proven 7-step preparation journey.

Exam Format & Structure

Complete HAST test breakdown for IGNITE programs with detailed component analysis

▸4 HAST test components
▸Total time: 2.5 hours
▸100+ questions
+1 more

Understand the Test

School Selection Guide

Choose between Aberfoyle Park, The Heights, and Glenunga based on your child's needs and location

▸Aberfoyle Park (Southern)
▸The Heights (Modbury)
▸Glenunga (Eastern)
+1 more

Compare Schools

Preparation Strategies

Proven preparation timelines and strategies for IGNITE program success

▸9-12 month timeline
▸Component-specific strategies
▸Weekly practice plans
+1 more

See Strategies

Practice Tests & Resources

HAST format practice tests and comprehensive study materials for all IGNITE schools

▸3,000+ practice questions
▸Full-length mock tests
▸HAST format practice
+1 more

Access Resources

Results & Next Steps

Understanding IGNITE results, offers, and application timelines

▸Results timeline
▸Offer notifications
▸Acceptance process
+1 more

Understand Results

Frequently Asked Questions

30+ comprehensive answers about IGNITE program preparation and application

▸30+ detailed FAQs
▸6 topic categories
▸Voice search optimized
+1 more

Browse FAQs

Ready to Start Your IGNITE Journey?

Join 500+ successful Adelaide families who prepared with BrainTree Coaching. Get instant access to our complete IGNITE preparation packs and expert coaching.

View Complete Prep Pack Try Free Sample Test

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Limited Offer:10% Off Super PacksSUCCESS10→

HAST Exam Day Success

IGNITE Test Day Guide

Complete guide to HAST test day for Adelaide IGNITE programs. What to bring, timing strategies, anxiety management, and expert tips from 500+ successful students.

⚠️ CRITICAL Test Day Rules

📍 Arrive 20-30 minutes early - Late arrivals may NOT be admitted

✏️ Paper-based test - No computers, bring pencils

🚫 No calculators - Automatic disqualification if found

📱 No phones - Must be left outside test room

🎧 Quiet environment - Disruptive students may be removed

Test Day Timeline: Hour by Hour

Follow this proven timeline for maximum test day success.

Night Before

What to DO:

✓Early bedtime: 8:30-9:00pm for 9-10 hours sleep
✓Prepare test day bag with all required materials
✓Lay out comfortable clothes for morning
✓Light dinner (avoid heavy foods)
✓NO last-minute cramming or practice tests
✓Relaxing activity: reading, light TV, calm music

What to AVOID:

✗Staying up late studying (counterproductive)
✗Sugary snacks before bed
✗Stressful conversations about the test
✗Screen time after 8pm (affects sleep quality)

Test Morning

What to DO:

✓Wake up 2 hours before test start
✓Healthy breakfast with protein (eggs, oatmeal, yogurt)
✓Bathroom visit before leaving home
✓Arrive 20-30 minutes early (not too early = anxiety)
✓Quick confidence-building conversation
✓Deep breathing exercises in car

What to AVOID:

✗Rushing or arriving late (stress-inducing)
✗Arriving too early (45+ mins = nervousness)
✗Sugary breakfast (energy crash during test)
✗Heavy foods (digestive discomfort)
✗Discussing test difficulty with other parents

At Test Venue

What to DO:

✓Check in at registration desk
✓Final bathroom visit
✓Unpack pencils, eraser, ruler, water bottle
✓Listen carefully to proctor instructions
✓Do NOT talk to other students (increases anxiety)
✓Focus on your own preparation, not others

What to AVOID:

✗Comparing preparation with other students
✗Last-minute practice or reviewing notes
✗Panicking if other students seem confident
✗Bringing unauthorized items (phones, calculators)
✗Arriving with excessive items (distracting)

During Test

What to DO:

✓Read ALL instructions carefully before starting
✓Use time management: 75-90 seconds per question
✓Skip difficult questions, return later
✓Use process of elimination for multiple choice
✓Stay calm if a section feels hard (everyone feels this)
✓Use breaks wisely: bathroom, water, deep breaths

What to AVOID:

✗Spending too long on one difficult question
✗Leaving bubbles blank (guess strategically if time runs out)
✗Comparing progress with other students
✗Panicking if a section feels hard
✗Changing answers multiple times (trust first instinct)

After Test

What to DO:

✓Celebrate completing the test (regardless of how it felt)
✓Avoid discussing specific questions with others
✓Do something enjoyable and relaxing
✓Remind your child: feeling hard = everyone felt this way
✓Focus on what's next, not dwelling on the test
✓Wait patiently for results (4-6 weeks)

What to AVOID:

✗Grilling your child about test difficulty
✗Comparing experiences with other families
✗Trying to "figure out" if they passed
✗Dwelling on mistakes or difficult sections
✗Stressing about results before they arrive

Test Day Checklist

Essential items for HAST test day success.

Must Bring

2B PencilsREQUIRED
Bring 3-4 sharpened pencils (ACER forms require 2B)
EraserREQUIRED
Good quality eraser (test mistakes happen)
RulerREQUIRED
For Mathematical Reasoning section
Water Bottle
Clear, unlabeled bottle (allowed at desk)
Snack
For break (banana, muesli bar - avoid messy/noisy foods)
Tissues
In case of runny nose (focus destroyer)
Watch
Analog watch for time management (if allowed by venue)

Cannot Bring

Calculator
Strictly prohibited - mental math only
Phone/Electronics
All electronic devices banned
Study Materials
No notes, books, or practice tests
Smart Watch
Digital watches may be banned (check venue rules)
Correction Tape
Eraser only (correction tape not allowed)

⚠️ Bringing prohibited items may result in disqualification

Managing Test Anxiety

Evidence-based strategies for staying calm and focused during HAST.

Before Test Anxiety

•Deep breathing: 4-7-8 technique (breathe in 4 counts, hold 7, out 8)
•Positive self-talk: "I\'ve prepared well. I can do this."
•Physical relaxation: Shoulder rolls, neck stretches
•Visualization: Picture yourself calmly completing each section

During Test Anxiety

•Pause and breathe: If panicking, close eyes and take 3 deep breaths
•Skip and return: Don\'t get stuck on one question
•Ground yourself: Feel your feet on floor, notice 5 things you see
•Remember: Feeling hard = everyone feels this way

Parent Support Tips

Positive framing: "This is an opportunity to show what you know"
Reduce pressure: "Just do your best - that\'s all we ask"
Avoid comparisons: Don\'t mention how other students are doing
Celebrate completion: Treat afterwards regardless of perceived performance

Prepared for Test Day?

Complete your preparation and understand what happens after the test.

← Back to IGNITE Hub View Results Guide →

Your Complete IGNITE Preparation Roadmap

Everything you need to master the HAST test and secure your place in Adelaide's IGNITE programs. Follow our proven 7-step preparation journey.

Exam Format & Structure

Complete HAST test breakdown for IGNITE programs with detailed component analysis

▸4 HAST test components
▸Total time: 2.5 hours
▸100+ questions
+1 more

Understand the Test

School Selection Guide

Choose between Aberfoyle Park, The Heights, and Glenunga based on your child's needs and location

▸Aberfoyle Park (Southern)
▸The Heights (Modbury)
▸Glenunga (Eastern)
+1 more

Compare Schools

Preparation Strategies

Proven preparation timelines and strategies for IGNITE program success

▸9-12 month timeline
▸Component-specific strategies
▸Weekly practice plans
+1 more

See Strategies

Practice Tests & Resources

HAST format practice tests and comprehensive study materials for all IGNITE schools

▸3,000+ practice questions
▸Full-length mock tests
▸HAST format practice
+1 more

Access Resources

Results & Next Steps

Understanding IGNITE results, offers, and application timelines

▸Results timeline
▸Offer notifications
▸Acceptance process
+1 more

Understand Results

Frequently Asked Questions

30+ comprehensive answers about IGNITE program preparation and application

▸30+ detailed FAQs
▸6 topic categories
▸Voice search optimized
+1 more

Browse FAQs

Ready to Start Your IGNITE Journey?

Join 500+ successful Adelaide families who prepared with BrainTree Coaching. Get instant access to our complete IGNITE preparation packs and expert coaching.

View Complete Prep Pack Try Free Sample Test

Australia's #1 Exam Preparation Platform

Free Resources & Tools

Practice Tests & Papers

Test Calculators

Study Resources

IGNITE Test Day Guide

⚠️ CRITICAL Test Day Rules

Test Day Timeline: Hour by Hour

Night Before

Test Morning

At Test Venue

During Test

After Test

Test Day Checklist

Must Bring

Cannot Bring

Managing Test Anxiety

Before Test Anxiety

During Test Anxiety

Parent Support Tips

Prepared for Test Day?

Your Complete IGNITE Preparation Roadmap

Exam Format & Structure

School Selection Guide

Preparation Strategies

Practice Tests & Resources

Results & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your IGNITE Journey?

Australia's #1 Exam Preparation Platform

Free Resources & Tools

Practice Tests & Papers

Test Calculators

Study Resources

IGNITE Test Day Guide

⚠️ CRITICAL Test Day Rules

Test Day Timeline: Hour by Hour

Night Before

Test Morning

At Test Venue

During Test

After Test

Test Day Checklist

Must Bring

Cannot Bring

Managing Test Anxiety

Before Test Anxiety

During Test Anxiety

Parent Support Tips

Prepared for Test Day?

Your Complete IGNITE Preparation Roadmap

Exam Format & Structure

School Selection Guide

Preparation Strategies

Practice Tests & Resources

Results & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your IGNITE Journey?