ACT Scaling Test
The ACT Scaling Test (AST) is a test designed by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) to facilitate the comparison of T and H Course scores both within and across colleges. The test measures skills necessary for success at university. A Student Information Bulletin is available to students through their college in Semester 1 of Year 12. This provides information about administration of the test, including rules and requirements.
Further information about the AST can be found on the BSSS website. ACT Scaling Test - ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (bsss.act.edu.au)
When is the AST held?
The AST is usually held in week 8 of Term 3. The exact date will be advised at a later date.
Who sits the AST?
All students who are enrolled in Year 12 and who wish to gain an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank must complete all parts of the AST.
What makes up the AST?The AST comprises of three papers:
The Short Response Test (2 hours)
There will be 19 - 25 questions testing thinking and reasoning. Students will be asked for interpretations, explanations and justification of responses or points of view.
The Multiple Choice Test (2 hours and fifteen minutes)
There will be 80 questions grouped into units, each based on a piece of stimulus material. The material is drawn from the humanities, social sciences, sciences and mathematics areas and is accessible to all senior secondary students.
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 LD (Linguistically Diverse) Status are allowed extra time to complete each of the AST Sub-Tests.
An AST result will be awarded only if you make a serious attempt at all three components of the test.
How are the results of the AST used?The AST scores of those students who complete a T package provide the basis for scaling course scores for students at the colleges they attend. A student's scaled course scores are used in the calculation of that student's ATAR. More details of this process can be found in Scaling and the ATAR.
How do I find out my AST result?The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies does not publish your AST score on any of the certificates it produces. At the end of Year 12, however, your college will provide you with your scores on the various components of the AST.
Preparation for the AST - Each college runs at least one trial AST with students receiving the appropriate feedback. The trial(s) introduce students to both the procedures for the conduct of the test as well as the nature of the test itself. Students can also assist in their own preparation by practising the skills required where possible and by being aware of current events and issues, through the print and other media in order to form opinions on these issues.