WA GATE Application Checklist: When to Apply, What to Prepare & Key Dates

Now (Year 5, any time)

• Research GATE schools — identify 2–3 programs that fit your child (academic, arts, languages)

• Attend school open days — most GATE schools hold them in Term 2–3 of Year 5

• Begin structured ASET practice — Reading Comprehension, Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning

• Create an email address to use for the DoE portal — all correspondence comes by email

• Check your child's current year level and confirm their cohort's exam year

Mid-October (Year 5) — Applications Open

• Go to apps.education.wa.edu.au/gate and create an account (or log in if you registered interest)

• Submit the online application — list your school preferences in priority order

• You can list multiple schools and program types (academic, arts, languages) — order matters

• Request any adjustment accommodations (disability, chronic illness, impairment) by the stated deadline

• Applications close in early February — do not wait, submit early

October–February (Year 5/6) — Preparation Window

• Download the official ASET practice test and handbook from the DoE website — complete it under timed conditions

• Run at least one full 4-section mock sitting per fortnight from November onwards

• Track your TSS across practice papers — identify your weakest section and allocate extra time there

• Build a writing habit: one timed narrative per week (25 minutes), reviewed against the 4-criteria rubric

• For arts applicants: begin preparing audition material — arts assessments start Term 1 of Year 6

Early February (Year 6) — Application Deadline

• Applications close at 6 pm in early February (e.g. 6 February 2026 for 2027 entry) — no late submissions accepted

• Adjustment request deadline follows approximately one week later (e.g. 13 February 2026)

• Confirm your email address and check spam folders — all DoE correspondence comes by email only

• If your child has a reschedule request (illness, misadventure, pre-booked holiday) — contact the DoE immediately

Early March (Year 6) — Exam Day

• ASET held on a Saturday in early March — test centres confirmed in your application confirmation email

• Arrive 15 minutes early — bring photo ID and your test admission details

• Bring sharpened 2B pencils (required for the bubble answer sheets), an eraser, and a watch

• No calculators, dictionaries, or mobile phones allowed inside the test room

• If your child is unwell on test day, contact the DoE immediately — illness rescheduling is available

Late May (Year 6) — Performance Reports

• Individual performance reports emailed in late May — check your inbox and spam folder

• Report shows Total Standard Score (TSS) and section-level breakdown (RC, Writing, QR, AR)

• Compare TSS to estimated school cut-offs to gauge offer likelihood

• Within 7 days of the report, you can raise a formal review for administrative errors only (not re-marking)

Late June (Year 6) — Offers & Response

• Round 1 offers emailed in late June — respond by the deadline (typically early July, noon)

• Accepting a Round 1 offer removes your child from subsequent rounds at other schools

• Round 2 offers arrive in late July — for students who declined Round 1 or were not offered

• Final unsuccessful notifications sent in August — reserve lists remain open until December

• If not offered: explore Year 9 entry pathways and Approved Specialist Programs at local schools