The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) is a selection test used by schools to determine academic performance at the top end of achievement. While primarily utilised by selective government secondary schools and some independent schools in Australia and overseas, the principles of accessing preparation materials and understanding test formats are relevant for UK parents and students preparing for similar academic selection assessments. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the test developer, provides official sample question booklets and information bulletins. It is important to note that ACER is not affiliated with any tutoring or coaching colleges and does not endorse their services. This article outlines the official, free, and paid resources available for HAST preparation, based solely on the provided source data.
Official ACER Resources
The primary source for authentic HAST practice materials is ACER itself. The organisation provides two main types of resources to help students familiarise themselves with the test format and question styles.
HAST Sample Question Booklet
The ACER HAST Sample Question Booklet is designed to familiarise students with the style of questions and tasks they will encounter. This resource is available as a downloadable PDF file, not a hardcopy. For UK-based parents or students seeking this resource, it is important to understand the procurement process. The booklet can be purchased directly from the ACER online shop. ACER explicitly states that it does not distribute practice materials through other organisations or companies. Therefore, any practice materials sold by tutoring or coaching colleges are not officially endorsed, and verification that materials are purchased directly from ACER is recommended.
HAST Student Information Bulletins
In addition to the paid sample question booklet, the HAST Student Information Bulletins also contain a small number of sample questions at no cost. These bulletins are an invaluable free resource for gaining an initial understanding of the test. They provide a clear idea about the kinds of questions that will be asked, helping students build confidence in facing multiple-choice questions. For the Written Expression component, the bulletins guide students on how to think about a topic, organise ideas, and express themselves clearly and succinctly. Accessing these bulletins is a recommended first step for any student beginning their preparation.
Understanding Test Preparation Philosophy
ACER’s approach to preparation emphasises the development of general ability and reasoning skills over time, rather than short-term training for the test. According to the source data, the HAST tests focus on measuring students’ general ability by assessing thinking and reasoning skills. These skills are learned over a lifetime, both in and out of school, so short-term coaching is unlikely to improve performance. The best preparation, as advised by ACER, is to read widely and think critically. This philosophy is crucial for UK parents to understand, as it suggests that a broad and deep educational engagement is more beneficial than intensive, test-specific cramming.
The Role of Tutoring and Coaching Colleges
While numerous tutoring and coaching colleges offer HAST practice materials and courses, ACER maintains a clear stance on these external providers. The council is not affiliated with any tutoring or coaching college and does not endorse any of the products or services being offered by these organisations. This disclaimer is repeated in the source data, underscoring its importance. For UK consumers seeking preparation support, this means that while commercial resources may exist, their quality and alignment with the actual test are not guaranteed by the test developer. The official recommendation is to rely on ACER’s own materials for the most accurate representation of the test.
Accessing Test Registration and Administration
For students who are required to sit the HAST, the process is administered through individual schools. The source data clarifies several key points regarding registration and administration: * Sitting the Test: A student must sit the test at each school on their nominated date. However, students are to choose one school for sitting the test. * Fees and Deadlines: Fees payable for the test are set by the individual school. Similarly, the registration closing date is determined by the school. Parents should contact the administering school directly for this information. * Disability Provisions: Under certain circumstances, testing can be provided for candidates with disabilities. Supporting medical evidence is required. For example, test material can be provided for candidates with sight disabilities, and a scribe may be permitted for candidates with arm or hand injuries. The process involves contacting the school where the child is registered to test, and the school will then contact ACER for guidelines on the provision of testing for students with disabilities.
Alternative Practice Resources
Beyond official ACER materials, there are other resources available for HAST preparation, though their official status varies. One source mentions a platform offering extensive practice resources, including 3,000+ practice questions, 50+ mock tests, and comprehensive study materials. These materials cover the three test components: Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. The platform offers free HAST practice materials, which include 20 questions covering all three components, 50 free abstract reasoning questions with solutions, and comprehensive vocabulary and comprehension exercises.
For students seeking more intensive practice, the platform also provides full-length HAST mock tests with detailed feedback. This includes 50+ full-length practice tests across all components, 1,000+ abstract reasoning questions with video solutions, 800+ verbal reasoning exercises with detailed explanations, and 1,200+ quantitative questions with step-by-step solutions. The platform also offers a complete breakdown of all three test components, information on the 50+ private schools that use HAST for admissions, and proven methods to achieve HAST success.
However, it is critical to note the source of this information. The provided data does not explicitly state that this platform is affiliated with or endorsed by ACER. Therefore, while the resources appear comprehensive, they should be evaluated as an independent preparation tool. The advice to aim for 30-60 minutes of focused practice daily, review incorrect answers thoroughly, practice under timed conditions, and strengthen the weakest component is sound general advice for any test preparation but should be considered in the context of the platform's own offerings.
Strategic Preparation Guidance
Effective preparation for the HAST, or any similar selection test, involves a strategic approach. Based on the information available, students and parents should consider the following steps:
- Start with Official Materials: Begin by accessing the free HAST Student Information Bulletins to understand the test format and see sample questions. This provides a foundational, no-cost overview.
- Invest in Authentic Practice: If further practice is needed, purchase the official HAST Sample Question Booklet directly from the ACER online shop to ensure the material is authentic and not a third-party imitation.
- Develop General Abilities: Focus on long-term skill development by encouraging wide reading and critical thinking, as recommended by ACER. This approach builds the underlying reasoning skills the test aims to measure.
- Consider Supplementary Resources: If using external platforms for practice, verify their content against the official sample materials. Use their resources for timed practice and to identify weak areas, but maintain a clear understanding that the official ACER materials are the benchmark.
- Practice with Purpose: Whether using official or supplementary materials, practice should be focused and consistent. Aim for regular, timed sessions, review mistakes carefully, and target specific components that require improvement.
Conclusion
Accessing preparation materials for the Higher Ability Selection Test involves navigating both official and unofficial resources. The most reliable sources are the official HAST Sample Question Booklet and Student Information Bulletins provided by ACER, the test developer. These materials, particularly the bulletins, are available at no cost and offer authentic insight into the test's structure. While external tutoring and coaching colleges offer practice resources, ACER explicitly states it is not affiliated with them and does not endorse their services. For UK-based students and parents, the key takeaways are to prioritise official materials, understand that test preparation is best achieved through long-term skill development, and to approach any third-party resources with caution, verifying their authenticity and usefulness against the official standards. The registration and administration of the test are handled entirely by individual schools, requiring direct contact for specific details on fees, deadlines, and disability provisions.