⏱️ Exam Day Guide
What to Expect on ACER Scholarship Level 1 Day
🎒 What to Bring
|
Item |
Note |
| ✅ |
Photo ID or school ID |
Most schools require identification. Check with your specific school in advance. |
| ✅ |
2-3 sharpened HB pencils |
For multiple choice sections. Bring a sharpener. |
| ✅ |
Clean eraser |
Mistakes on MC answer sheet need to be completely erased. |
| ✅ |
Blue or black biro pens (x2) |
For Written Expression sections. Bring a backup. |
| ✅ |
Water bottle |
Staying hydrated improves concentration measurably. |
| 🚫 |
No calculator |
Not permitted in any section. |
| 🚫 |
No notes or dictionary |
Completely closed-book exam. |
| 🚫 |
No phone during exam |
Switch off and leave in bag. |
⏱️ Timing Strategy Per Section
| Section |
Time |
Strategy |
| Written Expression 1 |
25 min |
5 min plan → 17 min write → 3 min read + improve last line |
| Humanities |
40 min / ~40Q |
~60 sec per question. Skip after 90 sec, return later. |
| Mathematics |
40 min / ~32-36Q |
~70 sec per question. No calculator. Estimate first. |
| Written Expression 2 |
25 min |
Same as Task 1. Different style prompt. |
🧠 Mental Strategy
😤 The exam is hard by design
ACER questions are set to challenge even high-achieving students. Encountering a question you can’t answer is normal and expected. Do not panic – move on.
🎯 Skip-and-return rule
If a question takes more than 90 seconds: mark your best guess, circle the question number, move on. Return at the end if time allows.
✅ Always answer
There is no negative marking. A blank is always worse than a guess. If completely unsure, eliminate 1-2 clearly wrong options and choose between the rest.
⭐ ACER Examiner’s Trick: For Written Expression: the prompt is a starting point, not a cage. Students who interpret the prompt in an unexpected, insightful way – while still being relevant – consistently score in the top band. Don’t be afraid to subvert the obvious interpretation.
