What is the AST?

The ACT Scaling Test (AST) is a test that measures skills necessary for success at university. It is necessary for T-Package Year 12's who seek to go to University after college or later on.

What makes up the AST?

AST is made up of three papers across two days.

Day 1:

The Short Response (SR) Test (2 hours)

In the SR, there are 19-25 questions that test thinking and reasoning. Students will be asked for explanations, interpretations, and justifications of responses.

The Multiple Choice (MC) Test (2 hours and 15 minutes)

There are 80 questions in the MC that are grouped into units based on a piece of stimulus material. The material is drawn from the social sciences, humanities, sciences, and mathematics areas and is accessible to all senior secondary students.

Day 2:

The Writing Task (2 hours and 30 minutes)*

Students will be given stimulus material on a particular topic and are then expected to write a clear argumentative response of 600 words.

*(Students approved to have Linguistically Diverse Status are allowed extra time to complete each of the AST Sub-Tests)

Preparation for the AST

Lake Ginninderra runs at least one trial AST in Year 11 and one in Year 12 to prepare students and introduce the code of conduct. Students can assist in their own preparation by practicing the skills required and by being aware of current events and issues, through internet and media, in order to form opinions on these issues.

We highly recommend students attend all AST workshops in order to be confident and ready for the test. These workshops for Year 11 students start in Term 4 and continue through the first half of Year 12 (up to the dates of the AST). They assist in creating an understanding of how the AST contributes to your ATAR and developing the skills needed to do well in it.

The AST Team at the college also run preparation workshops on Monday H Line for all students intending to sit the AST.

There are opportunities for ATAR Interviews based on students’ AST trials, keep an eye on the SG notices to know when these are running.

For more information regarding the AST, visit the BSSS's website.

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