How to Prepare Effectively for the VIC Selective School Test: A Practical Guide for Students and Parents

Preparing for the Victorian Selective Schools Entrance Test can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance school, extracurricular activities, and revision. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right strategy can make preparation not only more manageable but also far more effective. One resource that helped me tremendously was exploring VIC Selective school free test papers early in my study plan. Using realistic practice materials gives you a clear sense of what to expect, and that is one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps I personally found useful while preparing. My goal is to make the process straightforward, comfortable, and actually achievable, even if you’re just starting.

1. Understanding What the Test Really Measures

Before diving into practice materials, it’s important to understand the purpose of the VIC Selective School Test. The exam isn’t designed to reward memorisation. Instead, it focuses heavily on reasoning, critical thinking, reading clarity, and mathematical problem-solving. This means you have to train your mind, not just your memory.

Many students jump straight into timed tests without knowing what each section expects. I made the same mistake at first. Once I took the time to understand the structure—verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics, and creative or persuasive writing—my preparation became more focused and less stressful.

2. Why Free Test Papers Matter More Than You Think

When I first started preparing, I underestimated how valuable real or realistic practice questions could be. After trying several different resources, I found that using VIC Selective school free test papers helped me recognise question patterns, time pressure, and the thinking style needed to score well.

But the key is using them the right way:

Don’t rush through papers just to complete them.
Reflect on mistakes in detail.
Track progress weekly rather than daily.

This approach helped me see where I was improving and where I still struggled.

3. Building a Study Plan That Fits Your Routine

You don’t need an overly complicated study plan, but you do need a consistent one. Mine started with simple 30-minute sessions and gradually increased as the test got closer. The structure looked like this:

Weekdays

20–30 minutes focused on one reasoning skill
Short revision of previous mistakes
Light reading to strengthen comprehension

Weekends

One full practice test
Detailed mistake analysis
Writing practice for creativity and exam structure

The most effective thing I did was tracking what slowed me down—whether it was vocabulary gaps, difficulty with certain math concepts, or running out of time in reasoning sections. Over time, these insights helped me adjust my strategy.

4. How to Use Practice Papers the Smart Way

It’s easy to misuse practice papers by treating them like a race against the clock. But improving your score requires more intention.

Here’s what I learned:

Start Untimed

This helps you understand question types without pressure.

Move to Mixed Sections

Once you’re comfortable, combine verbal and numerical reasoning in one session.

Transition into Timed Tests

Only do full-timed tests when you’ve built confidence. It helps replicate the real environment without discouragement early on.

Review Incorrect Answers Thoroughly

Every wrong answer is a clue. I created a “mistake notebook” with the following sections:

What confused me
What the correct reasoning was
How to avoid the mistake next time

This notebook became one of my strongest tools.

5. Strengthening Reading and Vocabulary Naturally

The reading comprehension section rewards clarity, logic, and close attention to details. I didn’t limit myself to practice papers—I also built a daily reading habit. Instead of forcing difficult novels, I chose articles and short stories that genuinely interested me.

Over time, my vocabulary grew naturally. I didn’t memorise long word lists; I simply noted down new words and used them in sentences. This small habit made comprehension passages feel less intimidating.

6. Improving Writing for the Test

Writing is often the section students fear most. The good news is that good writing comes from clarity, not fancy language.

Here’s what helped me:

Start with simple story structures
Practise writing short paragraphs instead of full essays at first
Read sample responses and identify why they work
Get feedback from a teacher or family member

What made the biggest difference for me was learning to plan before writing. A quick 2–3 sentence outline saves time and improves structure significantly.

7. Managing Stress Before and During the Exam

Feeling stressed is normal, but preparation can reduce it dramatically. For me, working through multiple sets of VIC Selective school free test papers helped me feel familiar with the format, which lowered anxiety.

On the day of the test, I reminded myself of three things:

You don’t need to get every question right.
Move on if you’re stuck—don’t let one question drain your time.
Stay steady; rushing creates avoidable mistakes.

A calm mind performs better than a fast one.

8. What Parents Can Do to Support the Process

From my experience and from speaking with friends, the most helpful thing parents can do is create a steady, low-pressure environment. Encouragement matters far more than pushing for perfection.

Parents can help by:

Setting up a quiet study space
Helping organise a study timetable
Offering positive reinforcement
Not comparing their child with others

Every student prepares differently, and confidence grows with support.

9. Final Thoughts: Preparation Is a Journey, Not a Sprint

Preparing for the VIC Selective School Test isn’t about cramming or rushing through dozens of papers. It’s about building understanding, confidence, and resilience over time. Using resources like VIC Selective school free test papers gives you a realistic advantage, but how you approach them matters even more.

If you stay consistent, reflect on your progress, and work in a way that suits your learning style, you’ll walk into the exam far more prepared than you think. The journey may feel challenging, but every small step counts.