Similarities and differences between the Selective Placement Test and Scholarship Tests every parent needs to know.

We usually get asked the question “Does the selective course prepare students for the scholarship test as well?” 

The information is there, however, it is very scattered, ambiguous and confusing. 

What is the difference between the selective test and the scholarship test? 

To answer this question, let us first look at the common skills these assessments assess (Selective and Scholarship): 

Reading: The ability to grasp, analyse, and interpret diverse forms of texts, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or media pieces, is required for this competence. The questions may ask students to identify a text’s core idea, purpose, tone, inference, language, or structure. The questions can be presented in a more traditional manner or in novel approaches, such as a cloze or text comparison. 

Mathematics: This skill entails the ability to solve numerical problems using mathematical knowledge and logic. Topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and quantitative comparison may be covered in the questions. The ability to solve problems is the most important skill. 

General Ability / Thinking Skills: This ability entails the ability to think logically, analytically, and creatively in a variety of settings. The questions may assess their abilities in abstract thinking, verbal reasoning, or numerical reasoning. Students must recognise patterns, relationships, or laws among shapes, symbols, or images in order to answer abstract reasoning questions. In order to answer verbal reasoning questions, students must employ language skills such as analogies, synonyms, antonyms, and word puzzles. Numerical reasoning necessitates the use of mathematical concepts such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. 

Writing: This skill involves the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in written form. The questions may ask students to write a creative or analytical piece on a given topic or prompt. Creative writing questions require students to use their imagination and originality to write a story, a diary entry, a newspaper report, a letter or a speech. Analytical writing questions require students to use their logic, creativity and evidence to write these types of texts.  

Despite the common skills assessed, the structure of the different tests differs.  

Let’s have a quick look at the most popular scholarship and selective tests: ACER, AAS, EDUTEST, The Selective School Entry Test.  

multiple choice questions (MCQ)

How to prepare?

When it comes to tutoring for selective and or tutoring for scholarship exams, it is important to focus on developing comprehensive skills rather than just teaching for the test. While it is essential for students to familiarise themselves with the exam format and content, the true value lies in nurturing their thinking skills and building confidence in solving unfamiliar questions under exam conditions.

We go beyond the standard tutoring

Our tutoring course goes beyond simply preparing students for the selective test. We understand the importance of instilling critical thinking abilities, problem-solving techniques, and the self-assurance needed to tackle any challenging question that may come their way during exams. 

By emphasising these skills, we ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the selective entry test but also equipped with a strong foundation that can benefit them in various academic pursuits. Our comprehensive approach covers both selective and scholarship tutoring, providing a holistic learning experience that empowers students to excel in any examination scenario. 

At our tutoring center, Global Education Academy, we believe in teaching students how to think rather than just what to think. We encourage them to approach questions with confidence and apply their knowledge creatively. With our guidance, they will develop the skills necessary not only for success in selective and scholarship exams but also for lifelong learning and problem-solving.

Our Selective and Scholarship tutoring course (S&S) covers all the skills students need to do well in these tests. Not only the content they need but also the ability to understand, analyse and solve questions within a limited time.  

Here is what we offer in the Selective and Scholarship tutoring course: 

• Mathematics and Thinking Skills – two hours per week of mathematics principles that students must grasp as well as deductive reasoning from the thinking skills section including spatial awareness.
• English, writing, and thinking skills – two hours per week focusing on reading comprehension, all four types of questions, writing- all genres of writing that may be tested, as well as inductive reasoning and critical thinking.

In addition, our course teaches students how to lessen their cognitive load during the exam. Teach them exam methods, time management techniques, and confidence-building techniques. We celebrate progress rather than the best score.

First Step… now is the right time. 

In order for your child to benefit from this tutoring course, we recommend that they take the benchmark test to ensure that they have the fundamentals to cope with and enjoy the course.

The diagnostic benchmark assessment will be the first step. This will help us and you understand students’ strengths, shortcomings, and potential.  Furthermore, it will indicate what areas need our attention.  The assessment includes: 

• Maths – problem-solving (3 levels) 
• English – reading comprehension (3 levels) 
• Thinking Skills – Inductive and deductive reasoning  
• Writing – marked against the marking criteria  

The assessment will give you significant clarity and will help you decide from a powerful perspective. No commitment to join us after the assessment. Here is the link to book the assessment.

Selective and Scholarship Benchmark Assessment.