KIS Summary:
- Overview of what the GAT is, and the components of the GAT so you are prepared for what it is.
- Explains what the GAT is used for, and why it is important.
- Some study tips provided so you can prepare to ace the GAT!
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As with most acronyms that get passed along the VCE grapevine from the year 12 cohort down, the three letters GAT are commonly thrown around in the high school lexicon. If you’re studying a Unit 3 & 4 VCE subject, you’re required to sit the GAT, so you should familiarise yourself with how it affects your overall VCE grades. Here, I’ll breakdown the various components of the GAT, what its results are used for, and some tips on how to best prepare for the GAT in the context of broader VCE study.
Table of Content:
What is the GAT?
GAT stands for General Achievement Test, an assessment testing VCE students’ general knowledge (including writing, mathematics, humanities, science and technology). It is mandatory for all students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3 & 4 or scored VCE VET subjects. Find out more here.
What are the Components of the GAT?
From 2022 onwards, there will be two sections to the GAT. While the previous GAT was a three-hour assessment, the new GAT is a bit longer (but thankfully, it now comes with a break). The new GAT schedule is:
Section A
9:30 - 9:45am Reading time
9:45 - 11:45am Writing Time
- One writing task with two parts
- 50 numeracy multiple-choice questions
- 50 reading multiple-choice questions
As per VCAA’s example, a writing task prompt could look something like:
A numeracy multiple choice question could look like:
The normal hourly rate of pay for permanent adult workers is $22.
What is John’s hourly rate of pay?
1. $23.10
2. $24.20
3. $26.40
4. $27.50
Senior VCAL students will only need to sit Section A of the GAT. For everyone else, there will be a break from 11:45am - 1:15pm before Section B commences.
Section B
1:15 - 1:30pm Reading time
1:30 - 3:00pm Writing Time
- One extended writing task
- 25 mathematics, science and technology multiple-choice questions
- 25 arts and humanities multiple-choice questions
For Section B, the questions and writing task will be similar to previous GATs, but with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking.
What is the GAT used for?
1. Standardising SAC results
Without the GAT, your study scores could be greatly affected by the difficulty level of the SACs your teachers set. It is no hidden secret that some schools set much more difficult SACs than others, and it wouldn’t be fair for students to be penalised for this reason - so that’s where the GAT comes in.
By comparing GAT scores across schools, VCAA will either score SACs up or down from the mark given by the teacher to level the playing field for all. So when it comes to the GAT, you’re not competing against the other students in your school - in fact, you should hope they all do well to maximise your SAC scores!
2. Derived examination scores
If you cannot sit your exams at the end of the year for whatever reason, or want to apply for special consideration, the GAT will play a major role in adjusting your scores. If you receive stellar GAT scores and much lower exam scores, and apply for special consideration, your scores would likely be adjusted upwards to more closely reflect the scores you would have received in more normal circumstances.
3. Cross-checking exam results
All VCE written exams are marked by two separate assessors. If they both give you similar marks, no further action is taken. But if there is a notable difference in their scores, not only does a third assessor get involved, but your GAT scores from that area (e.g., writing if it’s your English exam) are compared against the exam.
So if you did well in the GAT, it’s more likely the exam score will be adjusted to something more in line with the examiner who gave you the higher mark.
How to Prepare for the GAT?
Practice Papers
You can find practice papers for the GAT on the VCAA website, and I recommend doing a few papers to get yourself familiarised with the questions that they ask. Do it under timed condition too, to ensure that you don't go over the time limit on your exam itself.
Review your Mistakes
Just like how you prepare for your other exams, you should be reviewing the papers and/or practices you completed to understand why you made the mistakes you did, and how you can improve from there.
I would recommend getting some feedback on your writing tasks too. You can either consult your teacher, your tutor, or use this free marking tool from KIS Academics:
Do not Stress too much
It's much easier said than done, but trust me, there is no use stressing about the GAT. It is an important exam, but it is not the be-all-end-all; it does not affect your final VCE marks too significantly!
Keep your cool during the test, and pay attention to the clock. You've prepared for this test, there is no point stressing out about it now!
Conclusion
The best way to prepare for the GAT is to familiarise yourself with the test format, so even if you don't do any practice papers, you can at least flip through them to get a better understanding of what will be tested. If you require any additional help to get the ATAR you hope to achieve, a private tutor from KIS Academics can help you:
For more study tips and resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
How to Study for GAT?
- Go back in time starting from 2021 and work your way through past GATs.
- Some schools provide practice GATs for their students; if this is your school, treat it like a real exam and give it your best shot.
- Revise the questions you got wrong and any teacher feedback on writing tasks.
What resources are available to Study for GAT?
- Consider booking in a free 30-minute study skills consultation to discuss how to best approach the GAT given your individual situation, as well as broader strategies for semester 2.
- VCAA website
How important is the GAT?
It is important in that your GAT score will be factored into your score adjustment. So it is beneficial for you to do well in the GAT.
Is the GAT difficult?
It is not a difficult test, but it is challenging to some students because the test format is very different from what you would expect, and you don't get a lot of time to complete it.
That is why our best tip is to look through past GAT papers to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that might be asked, and pay attention to the clock during the exam itself.
Written by Dee Tomic who completed her PhD in epidemiology with Monash University.
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