For Students

Tips for SWAT Students – Years 3, 4 & 5

The OC, Selective, and Scholarship exams are designed to assess ability—not just curriculum knowledge. To succeed, focus on building your critical thinking, problem-solving, and active reading skills.

The best way to prepare is through regular practice and spaced learning. North Shore Coaching College offers targeted term programs, booster courses, and practice exams to support your journey.

You can also purchase additional materials, including our custom SWAT Practice Papers, at the [North Shore Shop].

General Test Day Tips

✅ If you’re stuck, flag the question, choose your best guess, and move on
✅ Always answer every question – there are no penalties for incorrect answers
✅ Use extra time wisely – revisit flagged questions if time allows

Do & Don’t List

✅ DO	❌ DON’T
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast	Cram the night before or skip meals
Arrive early, stay calm, take deep breaths	Panic or rush into the exam
Stay focused, track your question numbers carefully	Look for patterns in the multiple-choice options
Work quickly and accurately	Stress over questions you guessed on

 

🟢 Years 3 & 4 (OC Format):

• Test Sections:
  
  
  • Reading (25 questions)
    
    
  • Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions)
    
    
  • Thinking Skills (30 questions)
    
    
• Time Per Section: 40 minutes
  
  
• Recommended pacing:
  
  
  • Thinking Skills: ~1 min per question
    
    
  • Mathematical Reasoning: ~50 sec per question
    
    
  • Reading: ~45 sec per question (excluding reading time)
    

Tip: Check your progress at 10- and 20-minute marks.

 

🔵 Year 5 (Selective Format):

• Test Sections:
  
  
  • Thinking Skills (40 questions)
    
    
  • Reading (30 questions)
    
    
  • Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions)
    
    
  • Writing (30 mins – stimulus-based)
    
    
• Time Per Multiple-Choice Section: 40 minutes
  
  
• Recommended pacing:
  
  
  • Thinking Skills: ~1 min per question
    
    
  • Mathematical Reasoning: ~50 sec per question
    
    
  • Reading: ~45 sec per question
    

Tip: Check your timing at 20 and 30 minutes during each section.