VIC Selective Entry Practice Papers — New ACER Format (June 2027)

The best VIC selective entry practice papers are timed, match ACER’s current three-part exam, and explain every answer. Start with ACER’s free sample questions to see the style, then use a larger set of timed papers for volume. Be wary of old “past paper” PDFs: from the June 2026 exam, the test changed to three parts (Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 60 minutes, Reading & Verbal Reasoning 55 minutes, Writing 40 minutes), and ACER does not release past papers.

One exam covers all four VIC selective entry schools: Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson Girls’, Nossal and Suzanne Cory. The next exam is in June 2027, for Year 9 entry in 2028; the exact date has not been announced.

Selective Practice Tests for Melbourne High, Mac.Rob, Nossal & Suzanne Cory

There is no separate “Suzanne Cory practice test” or “Melbourne High paper”. Every candidate sits the same exam, so the same practice suits all four schools. Rank schools by fit (location, single-sex or co-ed, the daily trip). Compare Melbourne High vs Mac.Rob and Nossal vs Suzanne Cory when shortlisting.

Key Dates for 2027 Selective Entry Prep

Based on the 2026 cycle. Confirm the 2027 dates on ACER’s site once they are published:

Now – early 2027: Build a weekly timed-practice habit. Six to twelve months of consistent work beats last-minute volume.
March – April 2027: Applications. In 2026 they ran from 2 March to 24 April.
June 2027: The exam, on a Saturday (20 June in 2026). With breaks, the whole sitting takes about four hours.
August 2027: Performance reports and first-round offers (3 August in 2026), then later offer rounds.

Free Selective Papers & “Free Download” Searches

ACER does not publish past papers, so full “past paper” PDFs online are not official. They are often in the old format, missing explanations, or of unclear origin. ACER’s own sample questions are useful for style, but there are only a few.

EduSpark does not offer free PDF packs. Paper 1 in each subject is free online, timed and marked instantly with explanations, and the VIC sample questions need no signup. That is a better way to judge a practice source than an unverified download. See also free vs paid practice tests.

What Practice Papers Are Available?

There are several sources of selective entry practice papers, ranging from free samples to comprehensive paid platforms. Here is an overview of what’s out there:

ACER sample questions — ACER, which sets and runs the exam, publishes a downloadable set of sample questions. They are the most authentic guide to style, but there are only a few.
Free online resources — Various educational websites offer free practice questions for verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and mathematics. While useful for getting started, free resources often lack the structure, timing, and difficulty calibration of the real exam.
Published practice books — Several publishers produce selective entry preparation books. These can be a helpful supplement, though the format and difficulty may not always match the current ACER exam style.
Online practice platforms — Platforms such as EduSpark offer large sets of timed, instantly marked papers. Check that they have been updated for the three-part format.

What Makes a Good Practice Paper?

Not all practice papers are created equal. When choosing resources for your child, look for practice papers that meet these criteria:

Matches the current ACER format — question types, four options (A–D), and part timings like the real exam. Material written for the pre-2026 format can build the wrong pacing habits.
Timed conditions — the exam is fast-paced, and untimed practice gives a misleading picture of readiness.
A range of difficulty — a mix of easier and harder questions, as in the real exam.
Explanations — a worked explanation for every question. Knowing an answer was wrong is not enough; students need to see why.
Progress tracking — scores over time and weak topics, so practice goes where it is needed.

Subject-by-Subject Breakdown: What to Practise

ACER runs the exam in three parts: Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (60 minutes), then a 20-minute break, Reading & Verbal Reasoning (55 minutes), a 5-minute break, and Writing (two tasks, 40 minutes). The multiple-choice questions have four options, A–D. ACER does not publish question counts. Here is what to practise for each skill (see our full guide to the exam format).

1. Mathematics — Part 1 (60 minutes, with Quantitative Reasoning)

ACER says the knowledge required will not exceed the Year 8 curriculum, and that the Mathematics questions include applying maths to real-world contexts. Practice should cover number, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and probability, and multi-step word problems. The whole part is timed together, so students need to pace themselves across both skills.

Fractions, ratios and percentages come up in many multi-step problems, so quick, accurate working without a calculator is worth practising.

2. Numerical Reasoning — Part 1 (with Mathematics)

ACER describes quantitative reasoning as “the ability to think and reason using numbers, patterns, and shapes”. Practice should include number sequences, patterns, data in tables and charts, and number puzzles. Many students find this the least familiar skill, which is why regular practice helps.

Focus on building the skill of identifying patterns quickly. Unlike mathematics, there is no set formula to apply — students need to develop flexible thinking and the ability to spot relationships between numbers in unfamiliar arrangements.

3. Verbal Reasoning — Part 2 (55 minutes, with Reading)

ACER describes verbal reasoning as “the ability to think and reason using words, concepts and logic”. Practice should include word relationships and analogies, vocabulary, and logical deduction. A strong vocabulary helps, but the questions are about reasoning rather than memorisation.

Students who read widely tend to perform better in verbal reasoning, as exposure to varied language builds the intuitive understanding of word relationships that this section demands. Supplement practice papers with regular reading across different genres and topics.

4. Reading Comprehension — Part 2 (with Verbal Reasoning)

Reading questions follow passages of different kinds, such as fiction, non-fiction, persuasive writing and poetry. ACER says they test the ability to retrieve information and to interpret, reflect on and evaluate ideas in texts.

Reading time comes out of the same 55 minutes as the verbal reasoning questions, so students should practise skimming a passage for its structure, then going back for detail only when a question needs it.

5. Writing — Part 3 (40 Minutes, Two Tasks)

Writing is the only part that is not multiple choice: two tasks in 40 minutes. ACER says it assesses the ability to convey ideas in precise language, organised coherently. Students should practise writing to a variety of prompts under time.

With two tasks in 40 minutes, plan briefly, keep a clear structure, and leave a minute or two to proofread each piece. EduSpark does not mark writing, so ask a teacher or tutor to read practice pieces.

How to Structure a Practice Paper Routine

The most effective approach is to begin structured practice six to twelve months before the exam. Here is a suggested framework:

~12 months before: Begin with diagnostic practice papers to identify strengths and weaknesses across every skill. Focus early study on foundational skills in weaker areas.
~9 months before: Move to regular weekly practice — one full practice paper per subject each week. Review every incorrect answer and track progress.
~6 months before: Increase to two papers per subject each week. Build speed and accuracy under timed conditions; target recurring weak spots.
~3 months before: Simulate the real sitting: the three parts in order, with the 20- and 5-minute breaks, to build stamina for a sitting of about four hours.
Final month: Reduce volume a little to avoid burnout, and sit one or two full mocks under real conditions.

Consistency matters more than volume: a few well-reviewed papers a week over months does more than dozens crammed into the final fortnight.

How EduSpark’s VIC Practice Works

EduSpark has 30 or more papers in each of four skills: Mathematics, Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Each paper practises one skill under a 30-minute timer, which suits weekly practice. The Complete Bundle adds full-length mocks in the new ACER format: Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning in 60 minutes and Reading & Verbal Reasoning in 55 minutes.

Instant marking, with an explanation for every question.
Scores and weak topics tracked across papers.
Paper 1 in each subject is free, with no card needed. The rest is a one-off payment for 12 months: $59 per subject or $149 for the Complete Bundle (see pricing). Nothing renews.

Practice builds readiness; it cannot guarantee a place.