STAT - Preparation

General

A good starting point in preparing for STAT is to familiarise yourself with the contents of this website and the Candidate Information Booklet. All candidates are provided with either an electronic or printed copy of the STAT Candidate Information Booklet. Read the preliminary information in the Candidate Information Booklet before attempting the sample questions.

The sample questions included in the Candidate Information Booklet are indicative of the kinds of material which will be included in the test.

Some institutions offer STAT workshops, to assist candidates with their preparation for the STAT. Specific coaching for tests such as STAT is not particularly effective in improving candidates' scores. This is partly because the tests are designed to assess reasoning and comprehension skills which develop over extended periods of time through a variety of experiences. Whilst ACER does not endorse preparation workshops, it recognise that some candidates may find them useful as a mean of allaying anxiety about the test through providing the opportunity to talk with other candidates about STAT.

ACER does not provide past papers to any of the STAT workshops and candidates should be advised that the only sources of past STAT questions are the Candidate Information Booklet and the Sample Collection of Questions Booklet, published by ACER.

The Sample Collection of Questions is available for purchase from ACER through this website. Click on the 'Practice Questions' link in the left column menu on this page.

There are several books on the market which provide general advice on tests and test-taking. If you have not taken a test before (or if it is some time since you last took a test) you may find some of the information contained in books of this kind helpful in preparing for STAT.

Preparing for STAT Written English

Good preparation for the STAT Written English test is to attempt the essay prompts in the Candidate Information Booklet. (There are some additional prompts available in the STAT Sample Collection of Questions Booklet.)

Set yourself the task of choosing and writing on two of the sample prompts. Make some time when you will not be interrupted and give yourself an hour to write your essays under 'test conditions'. You will be assessed on the development of ideas and exploration of thoughts and issues. You don't have to agree with the concepts expressed in the topics - you can challenge and disagree with the prompts if you want to. You'll also be assessed on the structure and organisation of your writing, along with your use of language.

It is often helpful to ask someone else to read your essay and to suggest improvements or alternative approaches to your selected prompt. Alternatively, it can be useful to put your essay aside for several days before re-reading it to look for ways to make improvements.

Candidates are often concerned about the expected length of the STAT Written English essays. Within reason, the quality of the writing is much more important than the length. Remember, you only have 30 minutes to plan and write each essay, and the examiners do not have unrealistic expectations of what you can produce in that time.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Preparation

General

Preparing for STAT Written English