Prepare

The MSAP Ireland test is not based on particular subject areas so you do not need any special knowledge. Intensive preparation is not necessary, although wide and critical reading may be helpful in preparing. Most candidates find that practising questions similar to those in the test is helpful and reassuring.

The MSAP test assesses general skills and abilities developed over the course of your education and life experience that universities consider important to tertiary study. MSAP test questions are not based on learned academic curriculum or study of particular subjects, but test your response to stimulus that will not necessarily be familiar. It uses "real life" stimulus material, and the only knowledge required is around issues that relate to daily living. It is your reasoning skills that are important. For example, a test question may provide some information about history or chemistry, but your knowledge of these subjects is not being tested. The questions measure your reasoning and thinking skills in response to the material presented.

Go to our Preparation Strategy webpage for suggestions on how to prepare for the test.

Tutoring/Coaching

Coaching for tests such as MSAP is not particularly effective in improving candidates' scores. This is partly because the test is designed to assess reasoning and comprehension skills which develop over extended periods of time through a variety of experiences.
ACER cannot provide any recommendations for tutors.