What is the ACER Scholarship Testing Program?
The ACER Scholarship Testing Program is a comprehensive set of testing designed to identify academically talented students. Administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), this program aims to provide educational opportunities for high achieving students through scholarships. The tests are carefully crafted to assess various cognitive abilities and skills.
With the ACER program, schools can opt for the cooperative program, where applicants take the test on a designated cooperative program test date. The test results are then shared with all the schools to which the student has applied. The order of preference plays an important role, as certain schools may only consider applicants who have listed them as the first preference. It is advisable for parents to refer to the schools’ websites for detailed information.
Alternatively, schools also have the option to conduct the test on a date of their choosing. Applicants are required to take the test exclusively at the selected school on the selected date. In this case, the test results are not shared with any other schools.
Who can apply for the ACER Scholarship Tests?
The ACER Scholarship tests are open to students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and achievements. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific scholarship program, but generally, students who have demonstrated all-round academic excellence at school are encouraged to apply.
The ACER scholarship program is split into 3 levels. These are Primary, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, as summarised in the table below:
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Students entering Years 4, 5 or 6
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Students entering Years 7 or 8
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Students entering Years 9 or 10
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Students entering Years 11 or 12
What is Covered in the ACER Scholarship Tests?
The ACER Scholarship tests encompass a range of areas, including sections on comprehension, writing and mathematics. The content is designed to evaluate a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall academic aptitude. Understanding the test structure and content is crucial for effective preparation. Provided below is a summary of the different sections to expect in a typical ACER Scholarship exam.
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25 minutes
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Designed to test the student’s ability to express thoughts and ideas in writing. The prompt will usually be creative.
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40 minutes
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Comprehension tasks which may be drawn from subject areas such as English, Art, History or Geography. No prior knowledge in these areas is needed and all relevant information is provided.
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40 minutes
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The Maths test may slightly differ from the standard school-based curriculum. Knowledge of the curriculum is still very important for achieving success in the test, however certain questions are also designed to measure mathematical abilities (including maths related puzzles, patterns etc).
What is Covered in the ACER Scholarship Tests?
Applying for the ACER Scholarship tests is a relatively straightforward process. Details on how to apply can be obtained from the official ACER website or the specific scholarship program’s information. Generally, applicants need to complete an online application, providing relevant personal and academic details. It’s essential to adhere to application deadlines and follow the outlined procedures to ensure a smooth application process
https://scholarships.acer.org/
Preparing for the ACER Scholarship Tests
Just like any test or exam, effective preparation is crucial to success in ACER Scholarship tests. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the test format and content. Practice materials, including sample questions, are available on the ACER website and can aid in understanding the testing style. However, these resources are limited and won’t have detailed solutions or techniques towards approaching scholarship questions. Seeking guidance from teachers and tutors will also be beneficial towards building confidence and maximising results. A well-structured study plan and consistent practice will contribute to optimal performance on test day.
At EduCourse, our teaching experts have come up with an interactive online learning platform to help you prepare for every section of the upcoming ACER test. The ACER scholarship test package includes video tutorials, sample responses, practice tests, worked solutions and summary guides for writing, humanities (comprehension) and Mathematics. The link below will provide you with some more detailed information on the course:
https://learn.educourse.com.au/bundles/acer-scholarship-test-package