The Selective Test: Key Differences from OC
One of the most common myths about the OC and Selective Test is that good marks in the OC Test means good marks in the Selective Test, and students won’t need further preparation once they get into OC.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
In reality, there’s little correlation between the two exams - Selective Test scores don’t reflect OC Test scores. To help you understand what this means for you and your child, we have broken down the key differences in the topics tested, exam structure and goals behind getting into OC/Selective so you can help your child make the most of their time when preparing for the Selective Test and maximise their chances of success.
Topics
While the OC Test examines 3 topics, the Selective Test assesses students on 4.
SELECTIVE TEST:
Writing
Reading
Mathematical Reasoning
Thinking Skills
OC TEST:
Mathematical Reasoning
Reading
Thinking Skills
The largest difference between the two exams is the inclusion of a Writing section. This subject is often difficult for most students as it involves abstract concepts which make it hard to understand. It also takes time for students to absorb the theoretical framework and consistently apply it to their writing - so if students want to improve and do well in this area, they will need to set aside ample time to work on these skills.
Reading in the Selective Test is also becoming increasingly difficult each year. There has been a stronger focus on competency in literature rather than other areas like complex Mathematics due to the 2018 Review of Selective Education Access - and this is a trend we can expect to continue in the future.
Exam Structure
While the OC Test is made up of two 30 minute sections and one 40 minute sections, the Selective Test has 4 sections, three of which are 40 minutes long and Writing which is 30 minutes long. This is much more taxing for young students - they need to be more proficient at time management and be able to focus for longer periods of time.
SELECTIVE TEST:
Reading Comprehension - 40 minutes
Mathematical Reasoning - 40 minutes
Thinking Skills - 40 minutes
Writing - 30 minutes
OC TEST:
Reading - 30 minutes
Mathematical Reasoning - 40 minutes
Thinking Skills - 30 minutes
Unfortunately we see talented students lack the mental stamina needed to get through each section without losing focus. Learning to dedicate undivided attention towards the tests is equally important as the theory and in many instances more challenging to master.
Goal behind getting into an OC vs Selective School
Securing a spot in an OC class can definitely help with getting into a Selective School as the content from the NSW curriculum will often be covered faster and in greater depth, and students are learning with a cohort of a similar level. However students at local schools can still get into a Selective School if they work hard, dedicate adequate time for preparation and have the right guidance for learning concepts and test taking techniques.
There are less spots in OC schools (1-2 classes) compared to Selective schools (120-180 spots). This means placement in an OC class is much more competitive, so students need to score much higher relative to their peers to gain placement into an OC school.
The goal behind sitting the Selective Test is a bit different - getting into a Selective School means your child is more likely to experience a standard of education that’s in tune with their academic strengths, and be incentivised by healthy competition to improve which ultimately helps your child perform better in the HSC.
It’s also where they’ll spend the next 6 years - although there are options to transfer between high schools in Years 8-11, it is highly competitive as there are few spots available.
Although entry into a Selective School is less competitive compared to an OC class, the stakes are much higher. Because of the differences in topics, exam structure and the time spent at an OC vs a Selective School, early preparation is critical.
Students who take a break between the OC Test and Selective Test preparation may fall behind and have difficulty catching up with their cohort.
Alpha One’s Selective Test preparation courses begin immediately after the OC Test. Book your free trial or contact us for more information today!
Published 7th November 2020, last edited 26th Aug 2023
