How to perform well in the GAT?

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.

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:

GAT: What is the GAT and why is it Important? (updated 2025) | KIS Academics

Everything you need to know about the GAT: what it is, why it matters, how it impacts your ATAR, and smart tips to help you do well on the big day.

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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:

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.

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What is the GAT used for?

There are three main uses of the GAT:

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 can’t 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.

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Conclusion

While it would be ideal to study for the GAT and prepare yourself as best as you can given the implications if, for example, you are unable to sit your exams at the end of the year for whatever reason, it is important to consider the GAT in the context of broader VCE when deciding if and how much study you decide to undertake. At the very least, I would certainly recommend visiting the VCAA website and familiarising yourself with the types of questions.

FAQs

Written by Dee Tomic who completed her PhD in epidemiology with Monash University.

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