Australia introduced the ATAR ranks in 2009 as a primary tool for admission into tertiary colleges. However, this tool only covers some citizens, leaving out those aged 30+ years intending to further their studies. STAT test bridges the gap in tertiary admission, allowing learners without ATAR ranks to join their dream schools and programs. Our STAT Test exam experts will explain what the test entails and how Australian colleges use it to assess, score, and admit students. For the best scores, learners needing help can contact us for the “Take My STAT Test” service.
What Does the Test Entail?
Australian students seeking admission into tertiary colleges without the admission ranks must take an exam to determine their suitability and readiness for the new academic level. The STAT (Special Tertiary Admission Test) is a computer-based aptitude test assessing various competencies. This exam is available for any learner, but it suits applicants without formal qualifications or those needing more recent academic credentials corresponding to the ATAR (Tertiary Admission Rank). Those who studied outside Australia are also eligible for the test.
The STAT test has three versions, depending on the school and academic designation. Generally, it tests the logical and critical thinking skills learners need to succeed at the tertiary academic level. The STAT Multiple-Choice is the most widely recognized version, popular among 14 top-tier Australian Universities. These schools include Queensland Institutions, Australian Catholic University, Griffith College and University, Bond University, Southern Cross University, University of New England, and University of Sunshine Coast.
STAT Test Content Sections and Question Types
Besides being widely recognized, the STAT Test Multiple Choice Exam is used by SATAC’s partner colleges and universities for admissions. This version is formulated by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), an organization mandated with developing all SATAC Tests.
The STAT test multiple-choice exam comprises 70 multiple-choice questions divided into two parts:
English and English Comprehension
This section comprises 35 questions covered in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It assesses the applicant’s ability to read and understand passages and texts. The English questions also test verbal skills. Primary concepts assessed under the English and English Comprehension section include
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Essay writing and structuring
- Passage comprehension
- Ability to make inferences and deduct meaning from blocks of texts
- Ability to paraphrase phrases
- Identifying primary ideas and context from texts or paragraphs
- Verbal skills
Each multiple-choice question has four responses from which the learner must pick the best answer. Only one response is accurate in each question. The English and Comprehension questions come from Stimulus Materials derived from various elementary language sources. Units in the Stimulus Material may contain more subjective or objective concepts and argumentative or conceptual issues.
Quantitative Reasoning Section
This section comprises 35 Math and Science questions in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It assesses the applicant’s ability to infer meaning and manipulate data from graphical, spatial, symbolic, and numeric forms. However, these questions are not in-depth; they only assess how well the learner can interpret and apply information.
The Scoring Technique
ACER avails STAT test results as a hard copy posted to the applicant’s physical address within three weeks after successfully sitting the exam. These scores do not equate to ATAR ranks and are only valid for three years as imposed by ACER.
STAT Multiple-choice questions are scored on a scale of 100-200 and further categorized into:
- The English and Verbal Content Scores
- The Quantitative Scores
- The Overall Scores
A 150 STAT test score is the median, representing an average performance. Scores above 150 are “above average,” while scores below 150 are below average. ACER marks each question independently and determines their score values depending on the kind of thought and effort toward getting the appropriate answer. They also consider the question’s complexity and how well other students performed on it to assign points.
Consider each question’s structure, organization, expression, and mechanics for the English and Verbal Sections. Learners get the marks based on the appropriateness of their answers, fluency, expression, and language fluency.
Course Placements Based on the STAT Test Scores
The placement criteria vary among universities and across courses. For example, Murdoch University accepts 135 in quantitative scores and 140 in written English, while Notre Dame places students with 150 in written English and 135 in the quantitative section. Applicants can take the exam online via the ACER proctoring system or at the Tertiary Admissions Center. Acer delivers all scores physically to the institution upon receiving a request from the applicant. They also develop percentile ranks, which are shared with universities and colleges. Applicants can retake it multiple times, but they can only take it once per year.
Conclusion
Performing in the STAT test should be a smooth task for students to prepare adequately. However, the first attempt can be stressful, especially for the students struggling with the core concepts. Contact our experts for STAT test resources and comprehensive help with your exams.
