Academic Scholarship and Student NAPLAN Results?

How do parents prepare their children to exceed expectations in rigorous academic activities?

Having more access to education means that the competition can also be quite challenging. The application process measures potential. It also judges a student's progress in school. 

With a lot of hoops to jump through, students have their chance to shine and impress top schools. 

Academic scholarships give opportunities for students to have the highest quality of education. For example, a scholarship to a private high school has an estimated worth of$200,000. That means that, through merit, students could afford to attend top-level schools.

This article goes over the official standardised tests and interviewing process for students. Keep reading to learn more about how students can prepare themselves.

How Entrance Exams and Standardised Testing Affect Scholarship Prospects

Australian students who show promise academically compete every year for merit-based scholarships. They use several standardised tests to measure their intellectual and academic progress.

Let's discuss three of the big tests students commonly encounter.

Taking the ACERAptitude Test

The Australian Council for Educational Research, also called ACER, offers scholarship exams used across Australia. The ACER exam evaluate incoming high schoolers in the subjects of:

• Humanities

• Maths

• Written Expression (two sections)

They measure aptitude to reward top performers. It ranks test takers based on key intellectual skills, including the following:

• critical thinking

• deductive reasoning

• making inferences

• interpretive skills

The materials on this test do not draw from school curriculums. Thus, they do not test subject areas or knowledge gained from classroom study. 

Taking the Edutest Exam

Edutest, an educational assessment organisation, helps schools and students, along with their parents.

Their exam offers another option for testing Australian students' skills. Past test-takers that the Edutest exam is more straightforward than ACER's exam. Their questions have wording that's easier to follow.

Also, like the ACER exam, Edutest measures common intellectual traits. The skills tested in this scholarship exam include the following:

• Verbal  Reasoning

• Numeric Reasoning

• Maths

• Reading Comprehension

• Writing

Students may take only one or both of the above tests. This factors largely on which schools they want to apply to for entry. 

Academic Assessment Services or AAS

Tests offered by AAS measure the cognitive levels and abilities of students. Like the other exams, they cover skills across five sections, including the following:

• Maths Achievement and Reasoning

• Abstract Reasoning and Problem Solving

• Reading Comprehension

• Writing Abilities (two sections)

These tests are quite competitive. Students who receive top grades have the best chances for these tests. 

NAPLAN StandardisedTests

NAPLAN, NationalAssessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy, lasts for two hours and forty minutes.It consists of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and longer-form essay questions.

This standardised test measures students' abilities in the following areas:

• Reading comprehension

• Language conventions

• Writing ability

• Numeracy skills

The NAPLAN testing identifies strengths as well as areas for improvement. The content of the test reflects the expected level and skills for that grade. 

Important Criteria for the Scholarship Application Process

Schools cannot just measure students' potential and excellence from testing alone. Instead, schools see students' personality and passions based on their more tangible accomplishments.

The rigorous school application process consists of these four other areas.

School Grade Report

Their school grades demonstrate their ability to learn the curriculum and work ethic.

Global events of the past couple of years, especially COVID-19, have had an impact on students' learning. In addition, online learning from home can affect how well students learn. Some may have struggled under such conditions, while others weren't affected or actually thrived.

We believe that in the impact of these critical times on a students' performance should be factored into evaluating their overall grades. In fact, seeking extra help through educational platforms may alleviate some problem areas.

Extracurricular Activities

ExtracurricularActivities do the most for showcasing students' talents and professional aspirations. While some activities and clubs help direct a student to orient their experience towards what they want to pursue at university, they can also be an outlet for their interests and personal development.

Students can participate in several activities or join different groups that would look great for their application. Some types of extracurricular activities include:

• getting elected to Student Government

• volunteering at church or charities

• joining academic clubs or honours societies

• performing in plays, music, dance

• hobbies like writing, sewing, playing an instrument

• even unique and uncommon hobbies

Preparing Your Student Portfolio

Portfolios show case your child's academic accomplishments one step beyond the school grading report.You can include school projects or essays that they worked hard on. You should also showcase other items like the following:

• personality test results

• personal statement

• artwork

• performance recordings

• creative writing pieces

• photos from extracurriculars

• list of awards and achievements

• resume featuring volunteer work 

Acing the Interview

Interviews can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Nervousness is completely natural, especially when you care about making a good impression. 

Students interview with prospective schools is an opportunity to see if they and the school serve as a good fit to each other. Of course, this can go both ways! Also, teacher scan actually see your child's personality beyond what's on paper. 

To be best prepared, your child should do the following steps:

• be well-rested for the interview day

• wear a nice, clean outfit and be well-groomed

• show politeness and confidence with a firm handshake

• come in knowing about the school

• prepare answers beforehand

• put their phone away

Teachers want to hear honest answers from students. Practising helps students know how to answer questions well with their own words. Some possible questions include the following:

• What is your favourite subject

• Why do you want to go to this school

• What are your strengths and/or weaknesses

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years

• Who has had a positive influence in your life

Education Platforms Help Students Achieve their Highest Potential

Your child has the best chances for academic, and ultimately career, success when they can access important educational tools and services. In addition, hard work improves your child's chances of nabbing scholarships.

NotesEdu is an education platform that helps your child shine. Our resources and tutors will help them gain confidence and be ready for any challenge.

Get ahead today by taking a free practice test on our site.

Disclaimer: Our NAPLAN product is not officially endorsed by the NAPLAN program and is crafted by NotesEdu Team, independently of ACARA. The information provided here in is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice, endorsement, or guarantee. NotesEdu is not responsible for any inaccuracies, effectiveness of the strategies mentioned, or any consequences resulting from the use of this information. Your reliance on the information and the results obtained are solely at your own risk.