Scholarship Selection Test
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to sit the SST?
Where do I get a Candidate Information Bulletin and Registration form?
If I register with more than one school will I need to sit more than one test?
What if my chosen school is testing on a different date?
What if two schools have tests on different dates? Can I sit for one test only?
What if two schools have tests on the same SST date? Can I sit for both schools?
How much does it cost to register?
Where do I send the pen and paper registration form?
When is the deadline for registering with a school?
Can I take the test at the nearest SST school in my neighbourhood?
Can I purchase past papers or sample questions?
How can I prepare for the test?
What is the difference between Sample Collection of Questions Volumes 1 and Volume 2?
What is the difference between the Sample Question Booklets and the Online Sample Questions?
How do I find out about the results?
How do I register to sit the SST?
There are two registration methods:
1). Via a pen and paper registration form - available from schools.
2). Online via the Internet - visit the schools' own websites to check whether or not they offer online registrations. (Scholarship information and registration is usually accessible from the school's home page or the enrolments/admissions section of a school's web site.)
Please note that some schools accept online registrations and pen and paper registrations, while others accept only online registrations or pen and paper registration forms.
Check an individual school's website or contact the scholarship administrator for further information about scholarships schools may offer. Some schools may require additional information or have extra registration forms to fill out. It is your responsibility to check whether you have met a school's requirements before making an application.
Where do I get a Candidate Information Bulletin and Registration Form?
The SST Candidate Information Bulletin is available by clicking on the link below.
Pen and paper registration forms are available from the school(s) with which you intend to register. If you want to register for more than one school, you must contact each school separately to obtain a registration form and the school's individual information regarding fees and deadline dates.
Online registration facilities are available via many participating schools' websites. Visit a school's website to find out more information about scholarships they may offer and to register.
Read your Candidate Information Bulletin carefully.
If I register with more than one school will I need to sit more than one test?
Yes you will. If your chosen schools have different test dates then each of these schools will be using a different test. SST scores cannot be shared amongst schools when they use different tests.
What if my chosen school is testing on a different date?
This indicates that the school is using a different version of the SST test or is using an entirely different test to the SST. Scores will not be shared amongst schools when they use different tests so you must sit the other tests as well as your SST test.
What if two schools have tests on different dates? Can I sit for one test only?
You must sit two separate tests for SST schools testing on different dates. The tests may be similar in format but will be completely different in content.
What if two schools have tests on the same SST date? Can I sit for both schools?
No you will need to choose which school you sit for. Schools in the SST program are 'stand alone' schools who do not share results with other SST schools. Please note that this does not apply to CSTP or ACEP schools that test cooperatively - you may apply to more than one of these schools. If in doubt, check with the schools you are interested in.
How much does it cost to register?
Each school sets their own registration fee. You must pay a separate fee for each school with which you register. Check with the school(s).
Where do I send the pen and paper registration form?
Send it back to the school with which you are registering. Include the appropriate fee and any other information the school may require of you.
Do I have to submit a pen and paper registration form to a school if I've registered online with the same school?
No, you need only register with the same school once. Online registrations and pen and paper registrations achieve the same aim; though please check with a school to see if they have any additional registration requirements such as special forms you may need to fill out.
When is the deadline for registering with a school?
Schools determine their deadline for registrations. You need to go to the school web site and find out that closing date. You must abide by the school's deadline.
Can I take the test at the nearest SST school in my neighbourhood?
You MUST take the test at the school you have registered with. However, some schools offer additional test centres. If you register with more than one school then you will need to sit more than one test. Schools using the SST use different tests, and scores are unable to be shared. See the list of participating SST schools and their testing dates. Contact the school for details.
Can I purchase past papers or sample questions?
There are no past papers available for purchase.
See SST Sample Questions for more details.
How can I prepare for the test?
The Sample Collection of Questions will give you a very clear idea about the kinds of questions that will be asked. You should feel more confident about facing multiple-choice questions in particular once you have worked through the collection.
The booklet is not designed to be part of an intensive drill before the test though. The tests you will take are designed to reveal your overall skills and abilities not your detailed knowledge of subjects. SST questions might ask you to analyse, interpret, comprehend, or draw conclusions. They won't require you to memorise such things as the States of America, all the names of the characters in a book, or how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. You may be asked to look at a diagram or read a passage referring to these things but you won't have to learn them especially beforehand.
In responding to the Written Expression topics you might be asked to think about the topic, organise your ideas, and express yourself clearly and succinctly.
These skills are learned over your lifetime both in and out of school so short term training for the tests is unlikely to improve performance. Your best preparation is to read widely and think critically.
What is the difference between Sample Collection of Questions Volumes 1 and Volume 2 ?
The booklets are the same in format and cover questions from all four subtests and at all three levels of the test. The only difference is that there are different questions in Volume 2 than Volume 1 . You can purchase one or both booklets and know they are completely relevant to the candidate.
What is the difference between the Sample Question Booklets and the Online Sample Questions?
Once again the difference is that the questions are not the same. The format of the questions, the subtests covered and the levels are the same. You can purchase the booklets and the online test and not double up on questions. Please note that the Online Sample Questions must be completed online - they cannot be printed.
How do I find out about the results?
ACER will provide your results to the school(s) you've registered with. We will also provide an Individual Report to most SST schools, which the schools may choose to pass onto you. In all instances, contact should be between candidates and participating schools - not ACER.