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Choose between QASMT, QACI, and QAHS based on your child's strengths and interests
Each Queensland Academy specializes in different fields and looks for different student profiles. Choose based on your child's genuine strengths, interests, and career aspirations.
Quick Answer:
Choose based on your child's strengths and interests:
Each academy has a distinct focus, culture, and student profile
Queensland's premier STEM-focused academy for students passionate about science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.
Best for students who:
EduTest Emphasis: Strong numerical reasoning and mathematics
Entry Points:
Queensland's academy for creative students passionate about arts, media, film, design, and creative technologies.
Best for students who:
EduTest Emphasis: All sections plus creative industries aptitude
Entry Points:
Queensland's health sciences academy for students aspiring to careers in medicine, nursing, allied health, and biomedical sciences.
Best for students who:
EduTest Emphasis: Reading comprehension and scientific reasoning
Entry Points:
Use these checklists to help identify which academy aligns best with your child's natural strengths and interests
Observe your child over 2-3 months and note consistent patterns. Don't force a fit - genuine interest is the strongest predictor of success.
Follow this decision-making framework to make the best choice for your child.
Look for consistent patterns over 6-12 months, not passing interests. What does your child do in their free time? What subjects do they naturally gravitate toward?
Action: Complete the parent observation checklist above
Review school reports, NAPLAN results, and teacher feedback. Each academy has different academic emphases.
Action: Review academic performance in relevant subjects
While careers may change, understanding your child's current aspirations helps align academy choice with their goals.
Action: Have open conversations about future interests
Attend open days at each campus (usually held in Term 1-2). Let your child experience the environment and culture.
Action: Attend open days and speak with current students
All academies are rigorous. Ensure your child is genuinely excited about the field, not just academically capable.
Action: Gauge genuine interest vs. parent expectations
Understanding the differences between entry points can help you decide the best pathway.
| Aspect | Year 7 Entry | Year 10 Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Campus Availability | QASMT only (Toowong) | All three campuses (QASMT, QACI, QAHS) |
| Test Components | 5 components (includes Written Expression) | 4 components (no writing section) |
| Preparation Time | Start in Year 5 (18-24 months ideal) | Start in Year 8 (18-24 months ideal) |
| Academic Maturity | Earlier commitment to STEM pathway | More time to discover interests |
| Competition Level | Highly competitive (limited places) | Very competitive (more places available) |
| Social Consideration | Leaving primary school friends earlier | Transitioning with peers after junior high |
Recommendation: Year 10 entry is more common and allows students more time to develop interests. Year 7 entry at QASMT is ideal for students with strong, early STEM passion.
Solution: Let your child's genuine strengths and passions guide the decision. Success requires intrinsic motivation.
Solution: All three academies are equally prestigious. Choose based on academic focus alignment.
Solution: QACI requires substantial creative portfolio work. Don't apply without meeting this requirement.
Solution: Visit all campuses before deciding. Culture and environment vary significantly.
Solution: Respect your child's natural abilities. QACI students can be just as successful in different fields.
No. Students must select ONE campus preference during application. Choose carefully based on genuine interest and strengths.
Choose based on career aspirations and where they want to specialize. QASMT students can still pursue creative hobbies, and QACI students can excel in STEM subjects.
All three academies are highly competitive. QASMT has more applicants for Year 7 entry. Year 10 entry is competitive across all campuses.
Yes. All Queensland Academies accept students from across Queensland. However, consider commute time (QAHS is on the Gold Coast, while QASMT and QACI are in Brisbane).
Transfers between academies are extremely rare and require exceptional circumstances. Choose carefully at application time.
Explore more resources to prepare for QASMT, QACI, or QAHS
Complete EduTest breakdown for all Queensland Academies
Proven timelines and strategies for Queensland Academies success
EduTest format practice tests and study materials
Join 300+ Brisbane families who achieved 95% success rate with BrainTree's proven Queensland Academies preparation program.