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Complete preparation strategies for NSW Selective School test success. Follow our proven 12-month timeline and subject-specific strategies for Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing to achieve your best results.
Comprehensive 12-month preparation plan for NSW Selective School test success. Follow this structured timeline to build skills progressively and achieve optimal results.
12-9 Months Before Test
Establish strong fundamentals across all components
Assess current skill level in all test components
Identify strengths and areas for improvement
Establish consistent daily study routine
Build foundation vocabulary (500+ words)
Master basic mathematical concepts
9-6 Months Before Test
Develop advanced skills and increase practice intensity
Complete 20+ practice tests per component
Master advanced vocabulary (1000+ words)
Develop speed and accuracy
Practice under timed conditions
Refine writing to Band 6 level
6-3 Months Before Test
Intensive practice and test-taking strategies
Complete 50+ full practice tests
Achieve consistent high scores
Master time management for each component
Develop exam strategies and techniques
Build test-taking confidence
3-0 Months Before Test
Fine-tuning, confidence building, and peak performance
Complete 10+ full mock exams
Simulate exact test conditions
Achieve consistent peak performance
Master computer-based test format
Build exam day confidence
Expert strategies for each NSW Selective School test component. Learn proven techniques to maximize your performance in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing.
40 minutes • 30 questions
Read with purpose. Underline key words, circle unfamiliar terms, and make mental notes of main ideas as you read.
For some passages, read questions first to know what to look for. This helps focus your reading.
When unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers first. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer.
Always find evidence in the text to support your answer. Avoid assumptions not backed by the passage.
Allocate 1 minute per question. If stuck, flag it and move on. Return to difficult questions at the end.
Not reading questions carefully - missing key details
Spending too long on difficult passages
Making assumptions beyond the text
Ignoring context clues for vocabulary
Not using elimination strategies
40 minutes • 35 questions
Read questions twice. Identify what is being asked and what information is provided before jumping to calculations.
For difficult problems, try working backwards from answer choices. This can save time and provide insights.
Draw diagrams, tables, or visual aids for complex problems. Visual thinking often reveals solutions.
Make a quick estimate of the answer before calculating. This helps catch careless errors.
If time allows, verify your answer makes sense in the context of the question.
Misreading questions - solving for wrong thing
Calculation errors under time pressure
Not checking if answer makes logical sense
Skipping steps in multi-step problems
Not using estimation to catch errors
40 minutes • 40 questions
Recognize common pattern types: rotation, reflection, size progression, color changes, number of elements.
Check each attribute separately: shape, size, color, position, orientation, number.
Rule out answers that clearly don't fit the pattern. This narrows your choices quickly.
After systematic analysis, your first instinct is often correct for abstract reasoning.
Don't get stuck on one question. Flag it and return later with fresh eyes.
Overthinking simple patterns
Not considering all attributes systematically
Second-guessing correct intuitive answers
Spending too long on difficult questions
Not practicing enough variety of pattern types
30 minutes • 1 prompt
Spend first 5 minutes brainstorming and planning. Create a brief outline of main points and structure.
Hook the reader immediately. Use vivid imagery, dialogue, or thought-provoking statements.
Use descriptive language and sensory details. Instead of "She was sad," write "Tears welled in her eyes."
Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, complex ones. This creates rhythm and engagement.
Leave last 5 minutes for proofreading. Check spelling, punctuation, and clarity.
Not planning before writing
Running out of time - poor time management
Using repetitive vocabulary
Neglecting proofreading and editing
Ignoring the specific requirements of the prompt
30-60 minutes daily is more effective than cramming. Build skills gradually over time.
Keep a log of practice test scores. Identify patterns in your strengths and weaknesses.
Understand mistakes thoroughly rather than rushing through many questions.
Practice under timed conditions with no distractions to build exam readiness.
Maintain physical activity, proper sleep, and relaxation. A healthy mind performs better.
Practice reading and answering questions on-screen. Build typing speed for writing.
Solution: Begin at least 12 months before the test for optimal results.
Solution: Focus extra time on components where you score lowest.
Solution: Don't ignore weak areas by only practicing what you're already good at.
Solution: Always understand why you got questions wrong. Learn from every error.
Solution: In the final week, light review only. Trust your preparation.
Solution: Focus on your own progress. Everyone learns at their own pace.
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