Understanding GATE Results

So the ASET results have landed in your inbox — now what?

For many families in Western Australia, GATE results day in late May brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and questions. Whether your child is aiming for Perth Modern or another selective program, understanding how to interpret their ASET score report is key to making informed next steps.

Let's break it down together.

GATE Results Interpretation: What You'll Receive

When the Gifted and Talented Selection Unit (GTSU) emails your child's ASET outcome, here's what to expect:

• 📊 Section Scores Each of the four ASET sections — Reading, Writing, Quantitative, and Abstract Reasoning — is given a standardized score, typically between 50 and 100. These scores are scaled based on the overall cohort's performance.

• 📈 Total Standard Score (TSS) This is the sum of all four sections, and it's what matters most for selection. The maximum TSS is 400.

  ⚠️ Important: There are no percentile rankings provided. So a score of 240 doesn't mean 60% — it means your child performed above the average across the board.

ASET Score Analysis: What's Considered Competitive?

Here's a look at historical cut-off scores for entry into Year 7 academic GATE programs:

School	2022	2023	2024
Perth Modern	245.56	242.52	247.20
Shenton College	231.72	231.39	234.94
Willetton SHS	235.76	234.58	235.98
Bob Hawke College	229.55	231.61	234.65
Harrisdale SHS	-	-	220.26
Melville SHS	218.25	219.88	216.00
Online Program	209.5	209.5	209.5

As you can see, scores vary slightly each year — that's because cut-offs shift depending on the applicant pool's strength. A "safe" score one year might fall short the next.

ASET score analysis tip: If your child scored around 210 or above, they're eligible for entry — but placement depends on how competitive their preferences are.

What About Arts, Drama, and Languages?

GATE isn't just academic — there are other selective streams, and they're scored differently:

• 🎶 Music: No ASET score required. Entry is 100% audition-based.
• 🎭 Drama/Media Arts: A mix of 65% practical, 20% interview, and 15% ASET.
• 🌍 Languages: Mostly academic — 80% ASET, 20% interview. For Rossmoyne SHS, students usually need at least a 230 TSS.

What Happens After You Get the Results?

Now that you've seen the scores, here are your next steps:

1. ✅ Compare Scores Using the Likelihood Indicator The GTSU offers a "likelihood of offer" tool that helps you understand how competitive your child's score is for each school. Just call (08) 9264 4307 and they'll walk you through it.

2. 🛠️ Adjust Your Preferences After results are released, there's a 7-day window to:

   • Reorder preferences (e.g., move Perth Modern to the top)
   • Add or remove options
   • For arts/languages, deadlines may differ — check with individual schools This can significantly impact whether your child receives a Round 1 offer, so don't ignore this step!

3. 🔍 Request a Results Check (Optional) If something feels off or unexpected in your child's score, you can ask for a free results check. Be aware — scores may go up or down, and the original result will be replaced with the re-checked score.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Beyond the Numbers

It's easy to get caught up in comparing numbers — but remember: the ASET is just one snapshot of your child's potential. Whether they earned a 210 or a 247, what matters most is their continued love of learning and challenge.

If your child didn't meet the cut-off for their first preference, don't panic — Round 2 offers are common, and many students thrive in programs they hadn't originally considered.

At ASETPrep.com, we help families not only prepare for the exam — but also navigate what comes after. If you're already thinking ahead to appeals or other pathways, we're here to support you.