Scoring well on the Selective Test is a goal for many students aspiring to get into selective high schools in NSW, but what exactly qualifies as a "good" score? It often depends on the year, the difficulty of the exam, and how well other students who sit the test do. Let’s break down what you need to know about Selective Test scores and how to gauge your performance.

Score Breakdown

Your final score for the Selective Test is made up of two parts, adding to a total score of 120. Selective Test Score (100 points): This is the score you get from the actual test. It is divided into different sections with the following weights: Reading Comprehension is 25% of your test score. Mathematical Reasoning is 25% of your test score. Thinking Skills is 35% of your test score. Writing is 15% of your test score. Moderated School Assessment Score (20 points): This score comes from your school marks and counts as 20 points toward your final score. When these two scores are added together, they give you your total score out of 120, which is used for your placement.

What is Considered a Good Score?

The short answer is: it depends. Generally if you get into your preferred Selective School then you are doing great. When the test results come out, you will receive a Performance Report showing how you did compared to other students. Instead of specific scores, the report puts you into one of four performance bands. If you are in the top 10%, then you did amazing and scored better than 90% of other students. The next band includes students who did better than 75% of other students, which is also strong. The following band shows students who scored better than 50% of other students, and the last band is for those who scored lower than half of the test takers. A good score can vary each year, especially for popular schools. Even if you end up not getting the score you want, there are always more opportunities to get into the school of your choice later on. The important thing is to keep learning and growing, no matter the outcome!

Opportunities Beyond the Test

It is best to keep in mind that the minimum requirement for every school’s entry changes yearly. This is because the level of test performance required for each school depends on:

• the number of students who apply,
• their relative performance in the placement test,
• the number of places available,
• how many offers are declined by parents (for offers from the reserve lists).

You can check the PassPapers School Entry Guide for an estimate using verified past results to see if you would have made a specific school entry.

Remember that not getting into the school of your choice isn’t the end of the road. In fact, there are plenty of ways to get into the school later on, such as through the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) exams. You can also check the school’s website for different ways to enroll. The key is to stay motivated and keep growing academically, regardless of your test result.

If you’re looking to improve your chances, PassPapers Mock Exams are a great way to practice. These mock exams are designed to simulate real exam conditions and help you understand where you stand in terms of your current skill level. They break down your performance into bands, just like the real report and show how well you’re doing in different sections of the test. By taking these mock exams, you can pinpoint areas to focus on and work towards a better score.