NSW Selective study plan
NSW Selective · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Mathematical reasoning & Reading
Diagnose current accuracy in Mathematical reasoning by completing a timed 40-question mixed set and logging error types
Classify every wrong answer as conceptual gap, careless slip, or time pressure
Build a one-page formula and method sheet covering fractions, ratios, percentages and averages
Practise 20 multi-step word problems using a write-the-operation-first routine
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic error log listing each missed question, its error type, and the corrected method, plus a completed formula sheet
Mathematical reasoning & Thinking skills
Solve 30 ratio, rate and proportion problems without a calculator
Apply a three-step strategy to pattern and sequence puzzles: describe the rule, test it on two terms, then predict
Complete 15 logical deduction grids and record the reasoning chain for each
Reduce average solve time on multi-step problems to under 90 seconds
Your checkpoint
A timed 30-question set scored and annotated, with reasoning chains written for all deduction grids
Thinking skills & Mathematical reasoning
Distinguish assumption, inference and conclusion in 20 short argument passages
Identify the flaw in 15 flawed-reasoning items and name each flaw type
Solve 25 geometry and measurement problems involving area, perimeter and volume
Explain each chosen answer in one written sentence to confirm the reasoning is explicit
Your checkpoint
A flaw-type reference table with at least one original example per flaw and a scored geometry practice set
Reading & Thinking skills
Summarise the main idea of 12 unseen passages in a single sentence each
Answer 20 inference questions and justify each answer with a quoted phrase from the passage
Complete 15 ordering and grouping puzzles under a five-minute cap each
Track accuracy by question type to expose the weakest category
Your checkpoint
A mid-point accuracy report by question type across Reading and Thinking skills, with the two weakest categories named
Writing & Reading
Plan and draft four persuasive essays in 30 minutes each using a fixed structure
Write three narrative openings that establish setting, character and tension within 80 words
Revise all drafts against a checklist covering structure, vocabulary variety and sentence length
Annotate two unseen passages for tone, purpose and technique before answering
Your checkpoint
A portfolio of four marked persuasive essays and three narrative openings with a self-review checklist applied
Mathematical reasoning & Thinking skills
Complete a full-length mixed Mathematical reasoning paper under strict timing
Review every error and re-solve it unaided within 24 hours
Practise 20 data-interpretation items using tables and graphs, reading units and labels first
Build speed on Thinking skills by completing 30 items in 25 minutes
Your checkpoint
A full mock paper score with a corrected re-solve log and a speed benchmark for Thinking skills
Reading & Writing
Complete two full Reading papers under exam conditions and record per-section timing
Write two timed essays in 30 minutes and self-mark against a written rubric
Refine vocabulary by recording ten precise replacements for overused words per essay
Practise 15 questions on author purpose and text structure
Your checkpoint
Two timed Reading scores with timing breakdowns and two rubric-marked essays with vocabulary upgrades
Mathematical reasoning & Thinking skills & Reading & Writing
Sit two full-length simulated exams covering all four domains under real timing
Review all remaining error-log entries and confirm each is resolved
Consolidate formula, flaw-type and structure sheets into one final revision page
Set a per-section time budget and rehearse it in the final simulation
Your checkpoint
A final simulation score report, a cleared error log and a one-page exam-day strategy sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 70% on a timed 30-question Mathematical reasoning set and show a written rule for every pattern item
Week 4: Reach at least 65% accuracy on both Reading inference items and Thinking skills deduction items, with the two weakest categories identified
Week 6: Complete a full mixed paper within time and resolve every logged error within 24 hours
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% overall on the final simulation with no section below 65% and all error-log entries closed