For WA parents preparing for Year 7 entry
WA GATE and ASET: a parent's guide to the test
Not sure where to start? Understand the names, see what the four test areas involve, and find questions you can try with your child. You can browse our examples and explanations without creating an account.
Selective Path is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the WA Department of Education. How we review our material
Is GATE the same as ASET?
GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education. When families talk about the WA “GATE test”, they usually mean the Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET). ASET is the test's official name, not a second test to prepare for.
The Department requires applicants to its Gifted and Talented secondary selective-entry programs to sit the ASET. Arts applicants also complete an audition or workshop; arts and languages applicants may need an interview. Check the Department's testing guidance for the program your child is applying to.
What your child will do
What is in the WA ASET?
The test covers four areas. Below, we explain each in everyday language and suggest a question you can ask when reviewing practice together. The linked examples are original Selective Path material, not official test questions.
Area 1
Reading comprehension
Read a passage carefully, work out what it says and implies, and choose answers supported by the text.
When practising together: After an answer, ask: “Which part of the text helped you decide?”
Try Reading questions with answersArea 2
Communicating ideas in writing
Develop and express ideas in writing. The official handbook explains the task and how this area is marked.
When practising together: Discuss a few possible ideas before writing. Afterwards, ask whether a reader could follow the idea clearly.
Explore a Writing picture promptArea 3
Quantitative reasoning
Use numbers and mathematical relationships to reason through unfamiliar problems, not just recall a method.
When practising together: Ask your child to explain why their calculation or diagram answers the question, not just give the final number.
Try Quantitative questions with answersArea 4
Abstract reasoning
Spot relationships and patterns in visual information, then apply a rule to a new example.
When practising together: Ask: “Does your rule work for all the completed diagrams?” Check that before looking at the explanation.
Try Abstract questions with answersOfficial samples and independent practice
Where can we find free ASET practice?
1. Start with the official handbook and sample test
The Department's ASET page links to its handbook, four sample parts, answer booklet and multiple-choice answers. These are the official resources for understanding the test format and current instructions.
2. Try a few questions with explanations
Our free sample questions with answers include three Reading, three Quantitative and three Abstract examples, plus a Writing picture prompt with guidance. No account is needed. Writing has no single correct answer; the guidance helps your child develop their own response.
3. Review one idea before doing more questions
Let your child try first, then read the explanation together. Ask what made an answer work and why another choice did not. If something was difficult, choose one skill to revisit rather than treating a short score as a verdict.
What a practice result cannot tell you
A practice score describes that attempt. It is not a predicted ASET score or a guarantee of a school place. The Department does not use practice results when making offers and does not endorse private coaching or tutoring. Selective Path does not provide an estimated official TSS or an admission prediction.
Where to go next
Ready for a full practice paper?
A free parent account gives you one practice paper each in Reading, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning, plus a separate Writing activity with limited AI feedback. Your account saves the results and feedback. No payment is required.
Get the free practice papersWant to understand scoring language? Read our separate guide to official TSS and practice scores.