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Complete guide to interpreting NSW Selective School test results including score calculations, percentile rankings, placement offers, reserve lists, and next steps. Navigate the results process with confidence.
Students sit the NSW Selective High School Placement Test
Students receive their test results online
Initial placement offers sent to successful students
Additional offers as positions become available
Students commence at their selective high school
NSW Selective School test scores are calculated based on performance across all four components.
30 questions assessing comprehension and analysis skills
35 questions testing problem-solving and logical thinking
40 questions evaluating abstract and spatial reasoning
Written response marked on language, creativity, and structure
Score interpretation varies by school competitiveness and year. Here's a general guide:
Highly competitive for all selective schools including James Ruse
Competitive for most fully selective schools
Strong chance at partially selective schools and some fully selective
Competitive for partially selective schools
May be eligible for some partially selective programs
Percentile rankings show how your score compares to other test-takers.
Score higher than 99% of students who took the test
Score higher than 95% of students - very competitive
Score higher than 90% of students - competitive for many schools
Score higher than 75% of students - eligible for some programs
Families list their preferred selective schools in order of preference during application.
Students are ranked by their test scores for each school.
Offers are made to highest-ranking students up to each school's capacity.
Families have a deadline to accept the offer, or it goes to the next student.
Students not offered their preferred schools are placed on reserve lists.
Students who don't receive an initial offer may still receive a placement from the reserve list.
Reserve list offers can come anytime between September and February
Position on reserve list is not disclosed to families
Multiple reserve list offers may come as positions open
Higher-ranked schools on your preference list are prioritized
Accepting a reserve list offer may mean declining your current school
Accept the offer within the specified deadline
Complete all enrollment paperwork
Attend school orientation sessions
Purchase required uniforms and materials
Notify your current school of the transfer
Prepare for the transition to selective school
Remember: Not getting in doesn't define your potential
Stay on the reserve list - offers can come later
Consider reapplying next year if eligible
Explore other academic programs at your local school
Look into selective subject programs at comprehensive schools
Focus on building skills for future opportunities
Students may request a review of their application or results in specific circumstances.
Significant illness or medical condition during the test
Family trauma or bereavement close to test date
Technical issues during computer-based testing
Documented disability or learning difficulty not previously accommodated
Contact NSW Department of Education immediately after results
Provide supporting documentation (medical certificates, etc.)
Submit formal appeal within specified timeframe
Await review - decisions are typically final
Explore more comprehensive resources to help your child succeed in the NSW Selective School placement test