Gear the examinations toward state standards to make sure that the students are up to par with what the state requires of them. To do that, look up the state standards for the area where you are teaching. For example, one of the standards in New York State for English is that students should be skilled in literary response and expression. Have questions about a small passage that require them to use critical thinking skills.
Make sure that the entrance test covers all of the main subject areas. Generally, the main subject areas include English literature and grammar, mathematics, history and social studies and the sciences. Perhaps the school that you are creating the test for specializes in the sciences or technology. In that case, there should be specific questions to prove that the student is capable of keeping up with the other individuals in the class and institution.
Generally, placement examinations will test the students' ability to effectively communicate their ideas through essay writing. Crafting a topic is important to ensuring that all students have a fair opportunity for success. Choose a topic that the students can relate to. You might want to focus on perceptions that young people have of old people and vice versa or whether or not school uniforms are beneficial to students and schools at large.
The student might not be testing for the school, but instead for placement into a particular level of a certain subject. Considering using tiered assignments as models. Include questions on the exam that a student with average intelligence would be able to answer correctly, as well as students who are in extra help programs, honor levels courses or Advanced Placement programs. Seeing what the student does know will help the administration be able to place him.