The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a cognitive assessment developed by ACER to identify academically gifted students for selective high school entry, SEAL/SEALP programs, accelerated learning, and scholarships. It focuses on reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking—not rote memorisation.

The HAST consists of four sections: 1) Reading Comprehension (MCQ, 35–40 questions, ~45 min), 2) Mathematical Reasoning (MCQ, 28–35 questions, ~40 min), 3) Abstract Reasoning (MCQ, ~30 questions, ~30 min), and 4) Written Expression (2 essays, ~25 min). Total duration is about 2 hours 45 minutes, including short breaks.

Students in Years 5–12 can sit the appropriate HAST stream (Primary, Junior, Middle, Senior) depending on their target year. HAST is used by government and independent selective schools across Australia, including Chatswood High, Fort Street, Penrith Selective, Epping Boys (NSW), Alkira, Braybrook, Box Hill (VIC), and many more.

Start 6–12 months early. Use official ACER HAST Sample Booklets (2019, 2023), do timed practice with MCQs and essays, analyze errors, and focus on weak sections. Rotate focus (MCQs Mon–Thu, writing Fri, mini-mock Fri PM), and do monthly full mocks under exam conditions. Read widely, do puzzles, and journal daily.

Official ACER HAST Sample Booklets (2019, 2023) are the best source. You can also use reputable online resources and Braintree’s free HAST mock exams and downloadable practice questions for all four sections.

Registration is handled by each participating school. Check the school’s website for application forms, deadlines, and test dates. Most HAST tests are held between March and August, but dates vary by school.

HAST MCQs are machine-scored; essays are double-marked (third marker if needed). Reports include raw & standardised scores, percentiles, stanines, and interpretive notes. Percentiles are relative to a high-ability reference group, not the general population.

Schools receive both individual and school-level reports. Percentiles and stanines are relative to a high-ability cohort. A good HAST result is necessary but not always sufficient for entry—other factors may include NAPLAN, portfolios, interviews, and extracurriculars.

Bring 2 HB/B pencils, eraser, sharpener, 2 blue/black pens, snack, water bottle, and a jumper. Use deep-breathing to reduce anxiety, start with easier items, stick to your pacing plan, and remember: no question is “worth more”—guess if unsure (no penalty for wrong answers).

Encourage balanced daily habits (reading, puzzles, journaling), run mock test sessions at home, model stress management, coordinate with schools/tutors, and foster holistic development (sports, music, volunteering).

Common mistakes: misreading instructions, only practising strengths, neglecting pacing, leaving questions blank (guess instead), and last-minute cramming. Avoid these by reading carefully, targeting weak sections, practising pacing, and prioritising rest and nutrition.

Practice both discursive and creative prompts in 25-minute sessions. Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link), build vocabulary, and self-evaluate with ACER rubrics. Seek feedback from parents or peers.

Do daily pattern drills (shape sequences, analogies), break down visual elements (size, rotation, shading), and train in skipping and returning to difficult items to manage time.

Focus on logic problem-solving, ratios, percentages, geometry, and mental math. Practise with non-routine problems, review errors, and reinforce conceptual understanding.

Tackle varied text types (expository, narrative, visuals), practise inference and vocabulary in context, and learn to spot MCQ distractors.