ATAR Notes: Forum

National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: pi on June 09, 2014, 10:28:29 pm

Title: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 09, 2014, 10:28:29 pm
So among all the chaos on the #atarnotes chat-room in which there were existing discussion regarding pokemon and physics already happening a chat was attempted on a new channel #selectiveschools, although it seems the message didn't get across too well and it was a bit of a shambles.

Here are some last minute tips and things you can do to improve in the short space ahead, a few things that I'm sure would have come out of the aforementioned chat if time and organisation persisted. This was written regarding the Year 8 exams but I'm sure it has some relevance to other selective school and scholarship exams too. Also, I guess it's applicable as non-last minute tips too, for the candidate who still has some months to go to ensure adequate preparation (my opinion, many people do more or less prep and make it through). 

Last minute tips for the selective school exams
pi

It looks like many of you have attended a prep course (JAC, Hendersons, etc.) and have smashed out some Jim Coroneos Publication (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) material, but if you haven't (or have) MAKE SURE you've had a go at the official prac papers or even the NSW Year 7 Selective School paper for added practice. You don't need to have studied a lot to pass these exams, but many applicants have and you don't want to start from behind the pack if you can help it.

Persuasive writing* - Have a structure and keep it very simple so it's easy to remember. You shouldn't need more than 4-5 paragraphs in all to concisely convey your argument. Personally I had something like this going back in the day:

Intro (3 lines)
What is the issue?
Where is the problem? How is it a problem?
Why is there a need to fix it? How can we approach the issue?
Conclusion (2-3 lines)

You may have your own structure (if you do and if it's working, stick by it and don't change it on my behalf!), just make sure it's structured. Examiners look for your ideas and your structure of how your ideas flow. It's also easier to organise your thoughts in the quick 15mins. My topic was "Should we ban violent video games", can you confidently write a structured piece on that right now?

Always good to provide the point of view of the opposite side (if the topic is open and suggests this - but make it clear as to what your contention is and only present the other side if you're going to rebut it down) in the introduction and also in the body of your essay as it shows you've thought deeply about the topic. If you want to write a rebuttal para (I didn't) here is a sample structure for that:
Structure:
"Some/one might/may suggest that <problem from other side>"
"However, this is not true because/research suggests/the reality is/the issue with this is that <your rebuttal to that point>"
"Hence this is an invalid point to make / further affirming the stance that <your contention>"

Example, topic: "We should have single sex schools"
Some may suggest that if all schooling was single sex, there would be inherent and somewhat awkward social interactions between both genders, resulting in a situation that is not favourable for future family and working life. However, the issue with that is that school only encompasses a mere six hours out of a possible twenty-four in a day and also a mere thirty-odd weeks in the year, leaving a substantial amount of time left open to socialise with the opposite sex, not including the combined-gender social events for schools as aforementioned in this essay. Hence, this is an invalid point to make as it is not justified well by the reality of the proposed situation.

Another point is on statistics, you don't need them to write a good essay. No one is expecting you to have all these random statistics memorised, so unless you know it's true, don't quote it. Never make up stats.


Verbal reasoning - This one can't really be helped at this stage, it's something you need have builded upon from being an avid reader throughout junior school. However, there are some strategies still in play. Look at your multiple choice options: if there are a few that are synonymous then they're not the answer; if there are some big words you've never heard of it's probably not the right answer. It's a tough section (for me anyway) but keep calm and if you have no idea make an educated guess and move on to the next one. Between now and the exam maybe have a relaxing look through some word lists, practice your analogies or do some vocab tests. You might even want to have a go at a verbal reasoning paper. I remember two words that asked for the definition of back in my day were "jihad" and "segue" (do you know what they mean?), it's quite random.


Numerical reasoning - If you're stuck, write down what you have. Whether that be giving letters to names (ie. algebra), writing out the alphabet, or drawing out patterns. Writing or drawing something helps you think, keeps your mind ticking 100% of the time. If you have a pattern, go through your operations (+, -, x, /) but also think about alternating patterns (every second number) at the same time, think about squared numbers. If you have no idea after about a minute, guess it and move on. This is a skill which may come naturally to some, but can be learnt and developed as well using some of the aforementioned prep courses and/or books, the first few pages here are a nice read for some basic strategies.


Maths - Much the same as above, drawing things out can be great. Between now and the exam have a look over your basic maths. Can you solve linear equations with ease? Can you calculate volumes and areas of shapes? Can you do multiplication of big numbers quickly? Do you understand simple and compound interest? Are you confident with dealing with percentages? Do you know what SOH CAH TOA is? Do you know Pythagoras' Theorem? Do you know your indices (x0 = 1, remember that!)? You should have these Year 9 maths concepts in the bag through your preparation or schooling. Remember: it may be faster to use trial and error (ie. using the answers they give and working backwards from the question to find the correct solution) rather than solving out a question, keep that in mind if you think it's going to be a long solve.


Reading comp - I liked to read the questions and then read the passage. When reading, look for the key words mentioned in the question. If the passage is too complex for you, guess it and move on with the aim to revisit it later. I did this with poems as I hate/hated them. Again a lot of this skill comes back to how much you read as a kid. Another part of this exam is focused on grammar and punctuation. Do you the difference between a noun vs pronoun vs verb vs adverb vs preposition etc? Do you when to use semi-colons and commas? Might be worth reviewing basic grammar and punctuation.

If you're really really worried it might be worthwhile having a look at trying some yr9 ICAS papers (no idea how much they cost) or trying these tests out but I don't think it'll help much with only a few days to go. Unlike maths, you can't work miracles with English tests in just a few days or weeks, it takes months or even years to build your skills up (including speed reading).


Creative writing* - Plan what your story is inside your head, keep it simple while addressing what you have in front of you. Never use things like "it was all a dream" and that nonsense, and never copy the story out of a video-game or existing novel, you never know who is reading your story. You don't need to title your piece (I didn't and got a "superior"), so don't get stressed out about it. Mine was something like "the day in the life of a bee" and I killed my bee off, you /can/ do that if it flows. If you have images, this is good advice:
A tip would be to try to sound deep, whether it really is or not is irrelevant, but making your creative piece sound deep makes it stand out from the crowd, and more often than not in a good way. Try to maintain some sort of storyline to your story, but seriously in 15 mins, having a fully fledged story is perhaps implausible. Pick one scene (or two if you can fit it) and do a sort of internal monologue or profound spiel on it. Like Water said, make the images symbolize something, and it doesn't really matter if it's a bit far-fetched, as long as it carves out a good impression of your essay. To complement your 'spiel', add a lot of nifty details and describe them. If you're walking along a street in a cold winter day, then do some sort of specified description on the wind or how your cloak is billowing or something. I probably didn't put it properly and it probably doesn't fit your writing style, but it eliminates the need for any real extensive thinking, whilst still maintaining a sort of 'wow factor' to your piece.

*For writing tasks you want to maximise your score, so don't use any slang, any swearing, any abbreviations, any contracted verbs, any numbers like "9" (write it as "nine" unless it's a large number like 2014 or something), and it's always best to try and write in 3rd person (unless the topic is suggesting otherwise for the creative part - you never write "I think" for anything persuasive as they already know that's what you think given you're writing it). Another tip applicable to both is to not spend more than a minute planning, spend as much time as possible WRITING, that's what counts.


The day before the exam
- Have all your pens, pencils etc (there should be a checklist like below! READ IT and bring everything) ready the night before, know when the exam is and try and get there early, bring an ANALOGUE watch, the official list is:
Quote from: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/secondary/Pages/exam.aspx
Your child should bring the following items to the examination:
- the exam ID number supplied by the Department. You will receive this ID about one week before the test day
- photo ID
- two 2B or 4B pencils, a sharpener and an eraser. A blue or black biro is optional for the writing tasks
- a snack and drink for the break.

You child is not allowed to bring the following items to the examination: mobile phones, digital watches, pencil cases, rulers, scrap paper, calculators, dictionaries, bags.
- Don't study this day, take the night off and watch a movie or something, keep relaxed
- Get a good night's sleep before the exam, it'll do wonders especially if you're waking up earlier than usual


On the day and examination technique
- Double and triple check to make sure you have everything they've told you to bring, make sure you don't just check but also bring it!
- If they still hold the exam in the Royal Exhibition Building, it will be cold so rug up! If you have a runny nose, ask for some tissues!
- Stay away from nervous people, they'll make you nervous, it's like a contagious disease and no-one wants a disease
- Bring some water with you to the exam but leave it on the ground, you do not want to drop it all over your work by accident (it does happen)
- When you get into the exam hall and if your table is wonky or you can't see the clock or something, LET THE SUPERVISORS KNOW before the start as they can help you get a new seat or fix up the table or something.
- Fill in your answer sheet, NOT the question booklet (unless the instructions say otherwise, ALWAYS go with the exam instructions!)
- If you are running out of time, don't guess randomly, best to guess "all B" or something, it's likely that one of the ones you're guessing will be a B (for example)
- As you may have gathered, I'm a fan of guessing a question if it's taking too long. I say this because the last thing you want to do is end up spending a lot of time on a question you will not get right when you're leaving out the last 5 questions you would have got right to chance with random guessing in the last minute of the exam. Keep an eye on the clock at all times and make sure you attempt the whole paper to the best of your ability.
- Never leave out a question. This includes skipping questions, always fill it out. This is so you don't leave it blank by accident and also so you don't fill in the next answer where that one should have been and then screw up your whole sheet, takes ages to fix up.
- If rubbing a bubble out, rub it out completely!
- If you finish a paper early, go back and check over your answers!
- Keep calm, the fact that you're interested in getting into these schools by coming on a VCE/Uni forum is impressive, you're MILES ahead of everyone else (miles ahead of me at your age and I got in!), take some confidence in that and always remember this if your nerves start taking over on the day

If it doesn't go well for you, don't lose faith in your academic prowess, maybe it wasn't your day. Look at the people of this forum, all of whom are successful, only a handful went to MHS/Mac.Rob/Nossal/JMSS. It's definitely possible to do well elsewhere with the right attitude and appropriate study. Back in my day results came out in August by mail although I think they may use email now.

Good luck!



Feel free to add your own advice below, I'm far from the be-all-and-end-all of such matters, especially as I sat the exam many years ago. Also feel free to post questions below (do not PM me).
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: deerlinas on June 11, 2014, 05:19:39 pm
Thank you so much, this is really helpful ^^ So basically don't use "I've" or "she'll" or any contracted verbs in our persuasive/creative writing pieces ? Also, do you think we could use "&" instead of "and" if we don't have enough time when writing our creative/analytical piece ? One last question, is it alright to use the words "I", "my", or "you" in our analytical piece ? Thank you so much :) xx
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 11, 2014, 05:37:12 pm
Thank you so much, this is really helpful ^^ So basically don't use "I've" or "she'll" or any contracted verbs in our persuasive/creative writing pieces ?

Yep, try not to use them at all for any writing piece (even when it comes to school/VCE/etc.)! :)

Also, do you think we could use "&" instead of "and" if we don't have enough time when writing our creative/analytical piece ?

Well if you're really in the last minute or so and you have some sentences to come you can resort to this, but try not to otherwise :)

One last question, is it alright to use the words "I", "my", or "you" in our analytical piece ? Thank you so much :) xx

I wouldn't use any pronoun like that in my analytical piece. You can say things like "One might suggest that there is a link between video games and violence, however the reality is that... blah". I would use "one" over I/you. "I" is unnecessary as the examiners already know what you are writing is your opinion and saying "you" is making assumptions about the opinion of the person reading your piece, if that makes sense.

Now worries and best of luck! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: radicalness123 on June 11, 2014, 05:54:48 pm
what to study for maths and how to write analytical at superior level
How many sups for mhs/nossal
Words for the test such as pique and random words
this is for year 8 into year 9 exam
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 11, 2014, 06:05:56 pm
what to study for maths

So for maths I've outlined above some topics that I think are important, including: linear equations and graphs on Cartesian planes, basic quadratics, calculating areas and volumes, dealing with surds, dealing with interest, dealing with money and decimal points, Pythagoras' Theorem, basic trigonometry ratios, basic probability (tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, etc.), and so forth. Most of which can be found in any good Year 9 maths textbook.

how to write analytical at superior level

I've (again) outlined my structure above. What makes a superior piece (in my opinion) is having good ideas, and articulating them with a good structure. Examiners want to see organised and good ideas, I've shown I how used to organise my essays above, the "good ideas" part is entirely up to your own knowledge. Be original but don't be controversial/racist/sexist/ageist. If you have good ideas that flow well in an organised structure in paragraphs, you'll do well for sure. In terms of essay length, I'd aim for 1-2 pages.

How many sups for mhs/nossal

When I sat the exam, "Nossal" didn't exist. I'd say as many sups as you can get, but there's no point getting 4 sups and bombing out on the other two sections, they want well-rounded students. Just try your best and the sups will come if you deserve them. For interests sake, I think I got 5 sups.

I'm kinda disappointed so many people on this forum are worried about "how many sups will I need" and so forth, the reality is that getting a "superior" is a comparison made against everyone else's score for that test. You /can't/ change how everyone else will perform on the day, but you can change how YOU will perform on the day. So focus on doing your best, and as I said, the best will come.

Words for the test such as pique and random words

I can't guarantee that the word "pique" will be on the exam, so sorry about that. It's quite random (as I said in my main post) and going through word lists (as linked above) *may* help, although I feel it's too late to be cramming in new material.

Best of luck! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Hannibal on June 11, 2014, 06:29:04 pm
Hey Pi,
In terms of co-curricular for Year 10 entry, I feel like I am a jack of all trades, master of none :(. I debate, play four sports for school, have played two other sports in earlier year levels (Contemplating on joining a club soon), have a little bit of leadership in past year levels, play two instruments and am part of a music ensemble, am part of the community links team, volunteer occasionally and have won a major bursary twice in a state science competition. Even with a few of these things to back me up, I feel like I'm lacking in terms of leadership achievements, and that all the extra things are too shallow... What do you think? Anything I can do before I have to hand in my application, that will give me a bit of a shot? :)

Thanks for your time.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on June 11, 2014, 06:40:12 pm
Thank you so much! I have a lot of confidence now (i know i shouldnt get my hopes up too high) but your info is really useful  ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 11, 2014, 06:50:58 pm
Hey Pi,
In terms of co-curricular for Year 10 entry, I feel like I am a jack of all trades, master of none :(. I debate, play four sports for school, have played two other sports in earlier year levels (Contemplating on joining a club soon), have a little bit of leadership in past year levels, play two instruments and am part of a music ensemble, am part of the community links team, volunteer occasionally and have won a major bursary twice in a state science competition. Even with a few of these things to back me up, I feel like I'm lacking in terms of leadership achievements, and that all the extra things are too shallow... What do you think? Anything I can do before I have to hand in my application, that will give me a bit of a shot? :)

Thanks for your time.

Hey there, unfortunately I'm not well versed in Year 10 entry schemes, maybe someone like memely who had a few friends get in at this level or miganificent.

Either way, here's my advice. I think you should play to your strengths. My vague understanding of the process if that they want people for Year 10 entry who are strong academically, have leadership skills, and do things outside of school such as sport, music, volunteering etc. Try and milk what you have, use language in your application that may even make these positions bigger than they actually are, flatter yourself and talk yourself up! I'm not sure how to application is structured, but if you're grouping them like "academics", "sport", "music","volunteering" etc then have your best achievements up the top, if you won a Prize in something say how many people entered the competition, make yourself look exceptional. Sorry I can't add much more, but I've really never had much experience with this pathway, best of luck though! :)

Thank you so much! I have a lot of confidence now (i know i shouldnt get my hopes up too high) but your info is really useful  ;D

No worries, best of luck for your entrance into Mac.Rob! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 04:57:34 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for all the help the help you've given me. I just wanted to know what are my chances of going if about 7% of our year 8's are going and in the JAC sim test I beat all of them and they repeat their performances. Also forgive me, my tablet is stuffing up, but how you said to not study the day before the exam, to just take it easy? Kinda hard to get that into someone who says that VCE maths questions are coming in the test. And yes my dad said that. Well, atleast I have an excuse to watch the world cup. Thanks again.
Novashock
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 12, 2014, 05:29:00 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for all the help the help you've given me. I just wanted to know what are my chances of going if about 7% of our year 8's are going and in the JAC sim test I beat all of them and they repeat their performances. Also forgive me, my tablet is stuffing up, but how you said to not study the day before the exam, to just take it easy? Kinda hard to get that into someone who says that VCE maths questions are coming in the test. And yes my dad said that. Well, atleast I have an excuse to watch the world cup. Thanks again.
Novashock

Hi there, no worries!

If you repeat that performance you should be in with a very good chance! :) And yes, take it easy before the exam, watch something on TV or something. There is no VCE maths on the exam (in case you count Further Maths which can be primary school standard at times...) so not sure what your father is on about (no offence to him).

Best of luck! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: chingchongling on June 12, 2014, 08:14:14 pm
Hi Pi,

I have a few questions I'd like to ask you :D!

For the argumentative writing section, in your introduction is it necessary to include a linking sentence?

Would you know if the people look at your application before or after your results?

I participate in quite a few things in my school such as SRC, debating, Green Team, Library monitor and various sports. Furthermore, I used to play soccer outside of school at an okay level I guess - A- Grade (I quit this year but considering taking it up again). Do you think this would suffice?

What do you think the minimum score required to attend MHS is?

Thank you for taking your time to read this :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 12, 2014, 08:45:29 pm
Hi Pi,

I have a few questions I'd like to ask you :D!

For the argumentative writing section, in your introduction is it necessary to include a linking sentence?

In your intro you should try and lay out the foundation for your essay, it should be in itself a "link" to the rest of your essay. I don't think you need a linking sentence to your first para specifically.


Would you know if the people look at your application before or after your results?

I'd imagine they'd look at them together and proceed from there, although I'm not too sure.


I participate in quite a few things in my school such as SRC, debating, Green Team, Library monitor and various sports. Furthermore, I used to play soccer outside of school at an okay level I guess - A- Grade (I quit this year but considering taking it up again). Do you think this would suffice?

As I said to a user above, play to your strengths! Make sure you have a balance of academics (your test will show that hopefully!) vs leadership vs outside of school things like sport, debating etc. If you can show that balance and show that you're good at those things I think you'll be in a good stead.

What do you think the minimum score required to attend MHS is?

I don't think there is a "minimum" given you have an application, they'll weigh it all up together!

Good luck! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 09:52:04 pm
not sure what your father is on about
Best of luck! :)
Thanks dude. He's always like that. The reason my dad wants me to cram is because the first part of the year I was oversees for personal reasons and I started going JAC like 2 months ago. also our school's curriculum is way behind all this, which is why my dad wants me to constantly cram, so I can stand a chance at going into MHS or Suzanne Cory. I also couldn't practice this week cause I have my mid-years, and as I was away the first part of the semester, I had a lot of catching up to do. :( I want to just go there and give it my all, but i'm afraid I won't get in... anyway, i'm just revising the Maths topics you mentioned above  :)
(P.S- for the last 2 hours, i was learning how to do Surds, Do we need to know that?)
Thanks Again, Stay Cool  8)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 12, 2014, 09:58:32 pm
(P.S- for the last 2 hours, i was learning how to do Surds, Do we need to know that?)

Surds is worth knowing :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 10:12:58 pm
Surds is worth knowing :)
great, atleast i've been doing something useful with my time.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 13, 2014, 05:35:06 pm
Good luck for tomorrow guys! Take tonight off and make sure you have everything ready for tomorrow.

Hopefully you guys come back afterwards to share your thoughts and maybe write up some tips for next year's batch and then use this site for VCE in the years ahead, until then all the best.

"Honour the work and the work will honour you."
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ash324 on June 13, 2014, 06:23:32 pm
don't study today also and not tomorrow too
it will stress you out
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: chingchongling on June 14, 2014, 07:05:39 pm
Sorry, I have another question :P.

For argumentative writing is there a technique or way to come up with arguments?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 14, 2014, 07:11:45 pm
Sorry, I have another question :P.

For argumentative writing is there a technique or way to come up with arguments?

Think about it? LOL

Takes practice and a couple of mins (max) of planning. If you have a structure that has questions in it (like mine) it's then easier to answer the questions and hence make arguments.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on June 15, 2014, 07:01:35 pm
I actually HATED the analytical topic. I didnt have enough time to plan, and i finished like 3 seconds before the lady told us to stop
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 15, 2014, 07:51:25 pm
What was the topic? :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on June 15, 2014, 08:41:28 pm
What was the topic? :)

It was whether the new 'crime approach' was right, with us investing in jails and all that. :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: IndefatigableLover on June 15, 2014, 08:46:38 pm
Haha my sibling told me about the topic for creative writing and I actually really liked it (A world without sunlight)?
Oh yeah and DEECD should really consider hiring a translator on the day because the number of parents who don't listen to them (like making way for kids to go in and taking photos of other students) was really high ._.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on June 15, 2014, 08:59:38 pm
OMG when I walked out of the hall, there were parents like taking videos of everyone! whats the point?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 15, 2014, 09:51:51 pm
OMG when I walked out of the hall, there were parents like taking videos of everyone! whats the point?

Some parents... -_-

Maybe they see it as some sort of really lame milestone in their kid's (or rather, their parenting's) life.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Shenz0r on June 15, 2014, 09:58:12 pm
OMG when I walked out of the hall, there were parents like taking videos of everyone! whats the point?

That happens again in the UMAT lol
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SMOKIE on June 19, 2014, 08:48:25 pm
hey pi, just wondering if your still at mhs. if you are, might see u around :)
+ How many superiors did you get? 8)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 19, 2014, 08:52:34 pm
hey pi, just wondering if your still at mhs. if you are, might see u around :)
+ How many superiors did you get? 8)

Hi there, I actually graduated (ie. finished year 12) from there in 2011, but I do try and visit once a year to see some of my fav teachers among other things.

From memory, I got 5 superiors? Been a while now :P
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SMOKIE on June 19, 2014, 08:57:32 pm
 i got in last year with only 3 superiors :( and atm im getting very shit grades. Do you have any tips? :-\
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on June 19, 2014, 10:18:42 pm
atm im getting very shit grades. Do you have any tips? :-\

In regards to your school classes? Might be best to make a thread here Victorian Education Discussion asking for some help, this isn't the thread for that :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: plsbegentle on June 23, 2014, 09:20:01 pm
So Guys, last year I got into Suzanne Cory, but this year I really really want to get into mhs in year 10. The only thing I really need help on, is my persuasive essay. I get how the structure works but i clearly don't know how to start the introduction. For example, how should i like write my contention. i don't want to just write, therefore we should ban this or that, something catchy. And pls can someone provide like a full introduction of a random topic.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: HermioneGranger29 on August 06, 2014, 11:10:21 pm
So Guys, last year I got into Suzanne Cory, but this year I really really want to get into mhs in year 10. The only thing I really need help on, is my persuasive essay. I get how the structure works but i clearly don't know how to start the introduction. For example, how should i like write my contention. i don't want to just write, therefore we should ban this or that, something catchy. And pls can someone provide like a full introduction of a random topic.

This is what I normally do for a persuasive essay, you're welcome to ignore this as this is just an example or something. I'm not sure if this example would help or not, but it's just an example. :D

So what I normally do is to first understand the topic which i would assume you know.
For my introduction I would break it up into three parts
-Introducing the main topic
-Then writing the contention
-Finally introducing the arguments that we're going to say in the body paragraphs.

Eg. We should ban toy guns because it introduce violence to kids at an early age. (i'm just gonna hurriedly do this, so any grammatical error, don't kill me)

Introducing toy guns to children at an early age is a very common thing event in life. Although it is common to introduce toy guys to children, it may commonly, though people are unaware of this, introduce violence to children as well. Toy guys which are created to look like real guns are a danger to the community. Toy guys changes the children's personality, puts the children's lives in danger and may even harm their future.

^So that is a rushed version of how I would structure a paragraph. So the first line was my short introduction. Normally I would do 1.2 sentences of this. The second line was the one where I introduced my contention. This is probably the most important part of an introduction so I would probably do it in 2-3 lines. Finally the last couple of lines introduce the ideas I was going to talk about in my body paragraph. Maybe do this in one line or something.

For the contention, make sure you clarify and be coherent, just try and get to the point.

As there is only 15 minutes for us to write essay for the MHS, I would assume there might be a chance people would want to rush the essay, this is probably a common thing when people get nervous (remember to get plenty of sleep the day before and relax), just try to include persuasive techniques (like tone, similes, metaphors, adjectives) and really TEEL (which is pretty important in a persuasive essay).  I think they mark you on your spelling, grammar, persuasive technique so these are important factors to review.
Remember there is only 15 minutes to write the essay, so if you don't finish or had to rush, remember the test were designed so there was little time for people to even check their work. So if anyone didn't finish it, it isn't the end of the world.

^Those are my advice and knowledge on persuasive writings. Once again, you're welcome to just ignore me because I'm not that great when it comes to persuasive writing as well. If you need anymore help you can PM me, or find someone who might be in a higher year level in this forum because these people normally give really good advice  ;)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on August 14, 2014, 06:20:13 am
Results came back today! How did everyone go? I GOT INTO NOSSAL! I'm over the moon, I really did not think I'd get into any of the schools.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Novashock on August 14, 2014, 05:13:31 pm
I made it! The thing is, my parents changed my chosen school to Suzanne cory, so cause the Werribee branch is closer. If I were to go to MHS, I would need to wake up at 4:30. So anyway, how did everyone else go?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on August 14, 2014, 07:10:31 pm
I made it! The thing is, my parents changed my chosen school to Suzanne cory, so cause the Werribee branch is closer. If I were to go to MHS, I would need to wake up at 4:30. So anyway, how did everyone else go?

Whaaa? I went to MHS from Hoppers Crossing every day! It's really worth it, a 7.30 train gets you there on time, surely you don't need 3 hours to get dressed and whatnot?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on August 14, 2014, 11:16:05 pm
i got a first round offer into nossal, but also a principals discretion thing in macrob. I dont know if i want to go through the whole interview process. they check your reports and although my report for last year was really good, (only A's and A+'s) my report for this year wasnt very good (A's and A+'s in english and history stuff but some B's in maths and an occasional C in some subjects) I spent so much time studying for the exam that i kind of ditched school work and ended up getting B's and C's in my best subjects.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Hannibal on August 15, 2014, 07:59:38 am
i got a first round offer into nossal, but also a principals discretion thing in macrob. I dont know if i want to go through the whole interview process. they check your reports and although my report for last year was really good, (only A's and A+'s) my report for this year wasnt very good (A's and A+'s in english and history stuff but some B's in maths and an occasional C in some subjects) I spent so much time studying for the exam that i kind of ditched school work and ended up getting B's and C's in my best subjects.
There is a pretty large emphasis placed on co-curricular for principals discretion (Or it might only be the case in Year 10 entry?), but if your reports aren't straight A's then don't worry, I doubt your competition will have those.

Try to smash the interview! Good luck :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on August 15, 2014, 05:25:12 pm
Thanks Hannibal,

I'm not sure whether i should go to macrob or nossal though. Nossal is like less than ten mins away from my house whereas id have to travel three hrs a day if i went to macrob. im happy with either but going to nossal would be much easier for me  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lolface on August 15, 2014, 05:32:10 pm
thats great, extra curricular is my jam ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: winchesteraddict on August 26, 2014, 07:02:13 pm
Why do I love your posts so much? :) Thank you for all the help Pi :D I recently got accepted in Elizabeth Blackburn and your forums really gave me a sense of direction of what to study for. THANKS AGAIN :) :)

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: pi on August 26, 2014, 11:07:22 pm
Why do I love your posts so much? :) Thank you for all the help Pi :D I recently got accepted in Elizabeth Blackburn and your forums really gave me a sense of direction of what to study for. THANKS AGAIN :) :)

No worries! Glad I could play a role in your success, keep at it! :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: kpoplover on September 10, 2014, 08:38:27 pm
Nice post.  Also, for your creative/persuasive writing, I guess there's no harm in looking up 5-10 'big' vocab words and memorising their meanings (5-10 words shouldnt be too hard to memorise). Eg of words : tedious, meticulous, cumbersome etc.  Try to be descriptive and set up your character and story.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Hannibal on September 24, 2014, 08:51:14 am
iirc, pi no longer actively browses atarnotes, but thanks to the major contributors of this thread, i was able to make it into MHS, so tenks.
Yeah I never really thanked him properly, all his posts about selective schools were really helpful and no doubt played a part in me getting accepted.

Thanks :).
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ThatOneGuy on July 26, 2015, 07:49:53 pm
Hey pi!
Thanks for all the information, it was really kind of you to do this. I'm just wondering, will this apply for the NSW Selective Tests in Year 9? I don't know if you know this school or not, but I'm applying for North Sydney Boys High School and I've been studying quite a lot. The test is pretty soon and will consist of Mathematics and Writing. So I'm wondering whether the information you've provided here on Maths and Writing will be relevant to the test in NSW.

Thanks in advance.

P.S I'm in year 8 at the moment.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Blockydude on April 27, 2016, 06:57:00 am
Hi can you link me to any quadratic equations problems? And also linear equation problems. I have been struggling to find these kinds of problems on the net :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: PRE0018 on February 10, 2018, 10:47:17 am
How many superiors should you aim for at least to get into MacRobertson Girls High School?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on February 11, 2018, 10:47:57 pm
How many superiors should you aim for at least to get into MacRobertson Girls High School?

Don’t worry about getting a certain amount of superiors, if you work hard and try your best you’ll get in :) But really, it depends on your school as they use the 5% rule for the selection process. Also, make sure to be well rounded in terms of your results, you don’t want to do well in some areas and do bad in others as they look for well rounded results.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lovelyperson on February 12, 2018, 07:35:25 am
How many superiors should you aim for at least to get into MacRobertson Girls High School?

Typically at least 3 for Melb High/Mac Rob, but that was what I was told 5 years ago so it might've changed. The reasoning tests are also weighted more highly because they test skills that can't be taught. But yeah, as Aearator said above, try your best and you'll get in. :) :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: _fj_lifestooshorttoregret on February 26, 2018, 09:08:41 pm
Hey Pi,
I’m writing for both JMSS and Mac.Rob yr 10. I’m really excited for this. But... I really don’t know what to expect. Last yr, I tried for MacRob but I didn’t get in even tho I went to JAC. I say, going for the tuition was utterly useless
 N this time, I’m self learning all the topics and reading comp is smth I struggle with. I don’t like it too.
 What do I do?...
Also, do you know what I should expect for the exam as I’m writing for yr 10?
thank you for ur time x
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: yaahmad12 on March 16, 2018, 12:09:51 pm
Can someone please guide me where i can purchase last couple of years select school exam papers or topics for writing ?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: A.dolan on April 03, 2018, 08:57:20 pm
Hi,
I was wondering if you could give me some good study advice. I tend to get distracted a lot and my selective school admission tests are in 2 months!!!!!! It would also be appreciated if you could also help me get an idea of what happens on the actual day of the tests.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: justinely on April 04, 2018, 11:28:33 am
hii. so i'm yr 9 and i'm trying out for john monash and macrob this year, for yr 10 in 2019. right now, i need help with filling in the macrob application form! is there anyone who can help me out? Please reply back! it would be very much appreciated :') Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Melodyt on April 05, 2018, 03:13:43 am
Hey guys,
Not really sure if you guys are in yr eight or nine tryng to get into macrob in 2019, but either way, I guess i hae some tips for both? Im in yr ten currently at macrob who tried out in yr nine last year. I also got into schs for yr nine entry but declined it.
Yr nine entry
MATHS AND NUMERICAL REASONING WILL HAUNT YOU. I remember sitting the tests andd just crying to myself while looking at the papers. There were a lot of linear equations and turning point questions and algeebra stuff. A good way to get your head around this stuff is to do a lot of questions from yr nine maths textbooks. Also would be helpful knowing your squared and a biit of cubed numbers, espcially for numerical reasoning. A lot of people who goes to james an (aka yr eight me) and struggled with the maths being taught there will find the maths papers toture.
READING COMP AND VERBAL
I actually found these papers easy. The texts in reding weren't that wordy (unlike what james an says) and i was able to thoroughly read through them. The verbal reasoning was really easy, a lot of people found it easy as well. For reading, I really wouldn't recommend much other than you read. James an does a pretty good job  with teaching reading and verbal, but thir tests are so much harder than the actual papers. I rememeber they taught us literary devices for reading like euphamism and allegories so i took it uppon myself to learn literally all the devices there was. Turns out it was a big waste of tiime because none of them were talked about on the test... However you may have some questions about alliterations and allegories, but nothing to tricky.
WRITING PIECES
The actual topics weren't too hard, but it was the time management that was obvviously the hardest thing. The topics that were on my test were "You  are locked in a  room with a box that said 'Do not open'" and "Should atheletes' salary be capped to be given to amateur sport leagues?". I didn't do too bad on these, but a really good way, if not the best way, to do well on essays is to give yourself 15 minutes to write ann essay. If you dont have enough time, skip out on planning. I know a lot of people emphasise the importance of planning, but when you're under pressure where every second counts, you realy doon't have time to write out what you're going too write even though you have it in your head.

That is my advice for the yr eights trying out! TBH I kind of wouuldn't suggest going to james an's selective prep class because a lot of people dropped it midway through the year. Im not sure if this happened in other james an places but i went to the kealba/st albans branch.

BTW i got one superior, two above averages (the one before superior) and three high averages (before above average and after average) unfortunately that wasnt good enough to get in so thats why i tried again. This leads me to my...

YR TEN ENTRY ADVICE!!
I jusst want to start by sayinng that its okay if you guys havennt sat for the yr niine entry. A lot of people who got into yr 10 didnt sit for yr nine, but they still knew there stuff. I went to Hendersons for preparation,, thinking it was gonna be really good given their very pricey lessons. I was so hesitant for my parents to spend just over a grand on me, going to only 5 lessns and two practce exaams. However, the only thing that i really gained from that was doing the practice exams. They actually helped me becaus thy were actually quite similar to the actual tests, plus they would give out everyone's resultts on the tests on the same day!! but just to break down what was on the test....
MATHS AND NUUMERICAL REASONING
Okay remember how I said the maths stuff for yr nine entry was hard? Forget it. These papers were a breeze. There were questions about ppythag, algebra, inequalities, turning points and parabolas, surds, linearr stuff, just yr ten stuff. Numerical reasoning was kind of the same as the paper for the yr nine entry, but harder ofc and had a lot of simultaneous equations. Time managament wasn't an issue for me and i still hadd some time to check my answers twice. I know, it sounds crazy but legit. I think it  was because I was in the advanced maths class in yr nine and so that helped me with my yr ten maths skills. so yeah, just work off yr ten textbooks and know how to att least do some basic maths stuff of your head (like (x+3)(X+1)=x^2+4x+3)

READIG AND VERBAL
emember how i said these papers were easy for yr nine? well forget that as well. I had to guess at least 50% of the questions in reading comp. There were texts about the earth's atmosphere (ik its weird this is reading comp, not science) and there was evenn a text from Charles Dickens. Verbal wasn't too bad i guess but you really have to be good with your vocabulary. If you can't read or you suck in vocab, yoou can always rely on guuessing the answer as "C". This trick is probably why i go to this school tbh.

WRiTIng
These pieces were killer for me. I loved the persuasive piece but the creative piece was just... The topics were "Should canteens continue to sell unehealthy/junk food?" and "Write a creative piece with the starting sentences being 'it was almost as if i imagined it' and 'i couldn't believe it'" I was so surprised with the creative writing topic and spent five minutes solid thinking of a topic. I completely failed the creative, gettining a  below average (was it because my writing was just bad, or because i talked about drugs? just ill never know...) Anyways, a good way to practise is to ofc practise at home. I wrote an essay a day for a month and gave it t a tutor to correct them and send it back. I found her feedback help me to improve my essay skills which was good.

I somehow manged to get three superiors, one above and one high averge and a very sad below average. I really don't know how i made it in tbh


ALSO KEY THING FOR YR TENS
YOU GUYS HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES . IT IS SUCH A KEY I CANT STRESS IT ENOUGH!! I heard from my  mum that girl in yr ten got a really good score with four superiors but she didnt make it in because she wasn't involved enough. It is very important to do something outside of school, whether it be dancing, singing, swimming or even volunteering. I did stuff like debating, swim squad and math comps so i think that made up for my below average?
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are unfortunately required for potential students after sitting the test. Im not ure how many people get to be interviewed, but im thinking maybe 50? considering that i have 25 people in my form/new yr ten students. it's really good to just practise and practise interview questions if you are able to be interviewed. I was interviewed by the transition director and the principal and were asked questions that knd of surprised me? I remember they asked me'what was the best moment of your life?'ans i was so clueless on the spot and sat there for five seconds before saying ' tbe best moment of my life was sitting for the test for this school as i know hat if i gt in, it will change my life so sitting for the test is only one stepping stone for my future' and completely sucked their ass, which im sure they were fully aware. these are the following questions they asked as well
how do you feel about leaving your school to potentially come here?
if youre in term two, and you dont have any friends, what ould you do to find some?
why do you want to come to this school?
what do you know about this school?
what can you offer to this school?
and a bunch of questions like that. its importnt not to get scared or nervous as it is really obvious. i am a really anxius person that the transition diretor had to tell me to breathe right when she saw me. Not a very good impression. But in the end, i realised that we had such a normal conversation and talked about books and movies. its also important to come up with a question for them when they ask for one. When they asked 'do you have any questions?', it's so obvious that they want one to see if you arereally interested in this place so i answered with 'what sort of competitions do you guys hold?'. Just the most obvious question will probably be good enough. But just remember that you're not only there to be interviewed because youre alo interviewing them to see if you really want to be a new student at macrob.

So yeah, those are all my tips and adviCe for getting into macrob or schs in that case. i remember trying to find tios for yr ten entry last year but i seriously couldnt find any so i had to learn it the hard way. Hopefully this helps at least one of you guys   
 :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: A.dolan on April 06, 2018, 08:27:13 pm
Hi everyone,
I'm taking the selective school exams in about 2 months and I am extremely nervous!! My first preference is Nossal and I am trying for year 9. I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me some advice on a few things:
 - How to memorise information easily
 - How to not get distracted and stay focused while studying
 - Any useful study tips
 - Specific topics I need to be learning
Thank you!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ImAdit on April 11, 2018, 11:42:10 pm
Hi ! i am doing the Melbourne high test this year.

I have two questions i want to ask you

1. what is the order of the tests done in the exam date. ect 1. numerical 2. creative 3. rc... ect

2. for analytical, do you think the style of writing you have suggested is better than just: an intro with three body paras about why its important/bad. Do you think the examiners would like it more. and did you get a superior in writing by using that style.

honestly i am not the best at analytical but i have a nice potential.

it would be highly appreciated if you responded pi. :D

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 08, 2018, 04:36:03 pm
Hi,
This is the order:
1. Verbal Reasoning (30min)
2. Numerical Reasoning (30min)
3. Persuasive Written Expression (15min)
SHORT BREAK
4. Reading Comprehension (30min)
5. Mathematics (30min)
6. Creative Writing Expression (15min)
END
Hope this is helpful.
Bye
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: crystahlll on June 10, 2018, 04:12:45 am
hi all, i would like to ask how many questions are there on average for each section? and does anybody have tips for year 11 entrance exam :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 10, 2018, 09:38:55 pm
hi all, i would like to ask how many questions are there on average for each section? and does anybody have tips for year 11 entrance exam :D

Hm TYPICALLY,

verbal reasoning- 60
Reading- 50
Numerical reasoning- 50
Mathematics- 60
 
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: crystahlll on June 11, 2018, 01:20:13 am
Hm TYPICALLY,

verbal reasoning- 60
Reading- 50
Numerical reasoning- 50
Mathematics- 60

thanks! is this the same for y11 exams too?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 11, 2018, 06:19:34 pm
thanks! is this the same for y11 exams too?
The type of tests are the same but the order might differ.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: KRAZR on June 13, 2018, 11:50:22 am
I have some important tips:
1.  ALWAYS check if your ANSWER is corresponding to your QUESTION
For  example, if your'e doing question 5 you don't want to be shading in question 4. To avoid this major error, guess the question you want to skip.

2. When you're doing numerical reasoning there will obviously be patterns. If you want to complete these questions easier, write on the booklet. If you are taking this risk, take a quick glimpse of where the supervisors are and if they're near you.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 13, 2018, 05:09:24 pm
I have some important tips:
1.  ALWAYS check if your ANSWER is corresponding to your QUESTION
For  example, if your'e doing question 5 you don't want to be shading in question 4. To avoid this major error, guess the question you want to skip.

2. When you're doing numerical reasoning there will obviously be patterns. If you want to complete these questions easier, write on the booklet. If you are taking this risk, take a quick glimpse of where the supervisors are and if they're near you.
What happens if they catch you writing on the booklet?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 13, 2018, 05:33:23 pm
According to the website, you get kicked out of the exam venue and none of your stuff is marked. I wouldn't risk it, especially for such a high-stakes exam that you'll never get a chance to redo.
that's harsh, i expected it to be something like a warning. Yep, not trying that!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: hsuao on June 13, 2018, 05:37:49 pm
that's harsh, i expected it to be something like a warning. Yep, not trying that!
you could just write on the back of the answer sheet though. they still allow you to do that.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 13, 2018, 06:02:14 pm
you could just write on the back of the answer sheet though. they still allow you to do that.
yeah, but according to what KRAZR said, it's faster to solve a question by writing on the question booklet(i'm not going to do that since the consequences are not worth it).BTW, i am aware that you can write on the back of the answer sheet.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: crystahlll on June 13, 2018, 08:00:25 pm
hey, does anyone know if we’re required to know how to square root manually?? since there are no calculators allowed. as in, square root complicated numbers like 112.56
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 13, 2018, 09:14:29 pm
hey, does anyone know if we’re required to know how to square root manually?? since there are no calculators allowed. as in, square root complicated numbers like 112.56

You shouldn't be, but you'll have to know things like square root of 144 = 12 and those basic squareroots, probs up to 20.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: john tran on June 13, 2018, 09:19:27 pm
hey, does anyone know if we’re required to know how to square root manually?? since there are no calculators allowed. as in, square root complicated numbers like 112.56
maybe,(but i think you should just worry about important topics considering there is only a couple days until the exam, so don't waste time on those things). Apparently, in a past exam, there was a question asking for the first 9 digits in pi, but i don't know if that is true or not.(someone who did the exam before stated this, not me)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: john tran on June 13, 2018, 09:20:26 pm
You shouldn't be, but you'll have to know things like square root of 144 = 12 and those basic squareroots, probs up to 20.

i agree!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: KRAZR on June 14, 2018, 06:41:15 pm
maybe,(but i think you should just worry about important topics considering there is only a couple days until the exam, so don't waste time on those things). Apparently, in a past exam, there was a question asking for the first 9 digits in pi, but i don't know if that is true or not.(someone who did the exam before stated this, not me)
surds is an important topic  ;) i remember that being on the exam
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 14, 2018, 07:28:46 pm
Anybody have any idea on what the persusive topic is?
From past years all I know is that it will be something controversial and realistic
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 14, 2018, 08:05:49 pm
I have no idea, according to some people I know who did/know the exam, they say it's something that they didn't expect to come at all :/ I'm thinking maybe 'should cyclists pay tax' or 'should gay marriage be legal', but I'm not confident with this :'(
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 14, 2018, 09:47:45 pm
I have no idea, according to some people I know who did/know the exam, they say it's something that they didn't expect to come at all :/ I'm thinking maybe 'should cyclists pay tax' or 'should gay marriage be legal', but I'm not confident with this :'(
fingers crossed ;)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 14, 2018, 10:02:08 pm
Do you guys know if we get like a little paragraph of info explaining the topic with the persuasive, or if they just give us the topic and that’s it. Tbh my biggest worry is that I’ll completely blank out during the writing tasks and waste 5 minutes thinking or something  :-\
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: appleandbee on June 14, 2018, 10:10:15 pm
Do you guys know if we get like a little paragraph of info explaining the topic with the persuasive, or if they just give us the topic and that’s it. Tbh my biggest worry is that I’ll completely blank out during the writing tasks and waste 5 minutes thinking or something  :-\

Just the topic, no explanation, don't worry about it though they are usually fairly simple :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 15, 2018, 08:12:59 am
Howver when my sister did it she got the topic, "Should elite sportspeoples' salaries be capped?"(2016)
It also came with some information/statistics.
So we don't no whether it be there or not
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 08:16:28 am
Howver when my sister did it she got the topic, "Should elite sportspeoples' salaries be capped?"(2016)
It also came with some information/statistics.
So we don't no whether it be there or not
That wouldn’t be too hard. I am scared for it being something about sports, since I’m not into them.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 15, 2018, 11:10:43 am
I'm not really that sporty guy either  :-I 
I'm fine with everything but the writings.
Right now I'm gambling on what topic it will be.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 02:52:39 pm
Alright good luck to those who are doing Year 9 entry tomorrow!!! omg i'm so nervous!!!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 03:02:34 pm
GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Joseph41 on June 15, 2018, 03:21:13 pm
All the best, everybody! :) Make sure you let us know how you go. 👊
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 03:22:41 pm
tell me about it, it's also a mental game, just thinking about it gives me chills and doubt. also, good luck to you guys as well.
lmao i wonder if i'll be sitting next to you guys.

Good luck,  :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 03:28:51 pm
tell me about it, it's also a mental game, just thinking about it gives me chills and doubt. also, good luck to you guys as well.
lmao i wonder if i'll be sitting next to you guys.

Good luck,  :D

What seat number are you
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 03:43:26 pm
What seat number are you
3074, hhahah, i'm with the people who are gonna either be at the back or front
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 04:07:37 pm
im 1405, hbu?

I’m 2671
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 04:12:52 pm
2712.

My heart is about to explode.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 04:26:05 pm
i'm kind of close to aearator, but servillian is really close. i'll try and drop by to say hi to you guys, at least i can look forward to that.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 04:28:25 pm
wait are all of u guys sitting for Melbourne High? Am I the only Macrob person? lol
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 04:37:18 pm
Good luck everyone doing the exam tomorrow! I still remember my exam day; it was cold and rainy, and I was a nervous wreck who studied till late the day before and convinced that there was no chance I was going to get in given the sheer number of applicants there were. However, I ended up smashing the exam and received an offer for my first preference! Have faith in your preparation and abilities and you'll do amazing!  ;D ;D

For some last minute tips:
- Dress warmly! I don't know if this was just me, but the building felt ever even colder than it was outside - there were heaters there but they were basically ineffective unless you were right next to them.
- Sleep early. For some psych-nerd-stuff/evidence, sleep deprivation interferes with your ability to do automatic processes, where you don't pay much conscious efforts to what you're doing. In multiple-choice question tests, like this one, you're primarily using automatic processes when you're eliminating the obviously incorrect answers, and sleep deprivation reduces/impairs your ability to do this. So, sleep early (early than normal would be best as the nerves will probably make it harder to fall asleep)!   
- Don't forget to bring food! It's a 6 hour test and you'll need something to keep your brain running. Snacks are best - you'll get a break in the middle and I think you can even eat (i.e nibble on food) during the exam (don't quote me on this though).
- Typical exam advice but this is especially pertinent to this exam: move on if you're stuck on a question and come back to it later if you have time. Some questions are just meant to be confusing and you can't afford to waste time because you don't have enough in the first place. If you do run out of time, guess! 
- Don't go in with the mindset that this test is the be all and end all (because it isn't). You'll just put unnecessary pressure and stress on yourself and it'll won't do you any benefit.




Hm, pretty sure it's three hours now.
30 min for the exams 15 min per essay.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 04:41:08 pm
To be honest, I would get a lot of questions wrong on the exam and that the ones who can get perfect scores would get in.

But since there is a time limit,  I may have a chance since I can practically finish the entire exam.
I doubt anyone can get 60/60 in 30 minutes.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 04:53:47 pm
Yeah, actual testing time is 3 hours total but the time you're there comes up to about 6 (iirc) due to breaks, collection of papers in between, waiting outside beforehand, filing in people in, finding seats etc. At least that's how things went when I did the test. :o
That's a long time O.o
Are we allowed to bring books?
Also when did you take the exam?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Vanshj2401 on June 15, 2018, 04:55:31 pm
Good luck to everybody going for the Selective School Exam, anybody sitting near me? My seat is 1184 and I'm entering Gate 3, anybody else?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 04:58:07 pm
Are we allowed to bring books?

No, no books. And no bags as well. You'll get kicked out for cheating.

Good luck to everybody going for the Selective School Exam, anybody sitting near me? My seat is 1184 and I'm entering Gate 3, anybody else?

My seat is 1405, that's pretty close to mine :) I'm gate 3 as well!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 04:59:13 pm
No, no books. And no bags as well. You'll get kicked out for cheating.

My seat is 1405, that's pretty close to mine :) I'm gate 3 as well!
Hm...
What about pencil cases?
Also my mother told me told me that I have to bring everything in a clear plastic bag. Is this true?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:01:02 pm
Hm...
What about pencil cases?
Also my mother told me told me that I have to bring everything in a clear plastic bag. Is this true?

Yeah, everything in a clear pencil case or a clear plastic bag. I think you'll also have to bring food in clear plastic bag and waterbottle without any labels on.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Vanshj2401 on June 15, 2018, 05:02:53 pm
I believe we get our results via email on August 9 2018.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 05:06:43 pm
Yeah, everything in a clear pencil case or a clear plastic bag. I think you'll also have to bring food in clear plastic bag and waterbottle without any labels on.
i was thinking of bringing my water inside a metallic drink bottle, and it is a Pusheen(has pictures of a cartoon cats on it) one that is my sisters. Guess i can just bring a plastic one worth no labels, although it weren't be as cool.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:07:45 pm
i was thinking of bringing my water inside a metallic drink bottle, and it is a Pusheen(has pictures of a cartoon cats on it) one that is my sisters. Guess i can just bring a plastic one worth no labels, although it weren't be as cool.
I was gonna bring one too..

Has anyone else gone to tutoring? Like Hendersons and JAC?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:09:26 pm
I was gonna bring one too..

Has anyone else gone to tutoring? Like Hendersons and JAC?

me, but not Hendersons or JAC. I went to JAC in Year 5 for something else tho and it was so useless to me, personally.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 05:11:32 pm
i guess i might be able to see you guys at the doors since i'm also door 3, but the only problem is.... i don't know what you guys look like.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 05:13:07 pm
I was gonna bring one too..

Has anyone else gone to tutoring? Like Hendersons and JAC?

I went to JAC since last year for this exam. Btw guys, you know how it says to bring your Exam number, would that just be the email with the paper of ur seat number and stuff printed out?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:15:26 pm
I don't think even if we know what each others look like, we won't be even able to spot each other as there's like 4000 ppl overall this year :( I hardly think I'm gonna find my irl friends as well oh rip

I went to JAC since last year for this exam. Btw guys, you know how it says to bring your Exam number, would that just be the email with the paper of ur seat number and stuff printed out?

Yep the ENTIRE document printed out. I think there's 5 pages in total? Also don't forget to bring your photo ID!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:16:17 pm
me, but not Hendersons or JAC. I went to JAC in Year 5 for something else tho and it was so useless to me, personally.

I went to JAC when I was like 9.. all we did was go over the homework they gave us.
I went to Hendersons for the exam and it was pretty good I guess.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:16:57 pm
So a passport, the entire 5 page printout, pencils pens ect, water + food and some motivation is all I need to bring?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:19:09 pm
My hand's so shaky oh god lol how am I going to manage my VCE exam in Year 12 like this?

So a passport, the entire 5 page printout, pencils pens ect, water + food and some motivation is all I need to bring?

I'm bringing earplugs as well, apparently it's VERY noisy in there as there are 4000 people coughing sneezing dragging chair etc. I hardly think it's necessary though. And some warm clothes.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:23:09 pm
My hand's so shaky oh god lol how am I going to manage my VCE exam in Year 12 like this?

I'm bringing earplugs as well, apparently it's VERY noisy in there as there are 4000 people coughing sneezing dragging chair etc. I hardly think it's necessary though. And some warm clothes.
You sure that we're allowed to bring earplugs? I'd love to wear them but I've found that it actually makes it harder to concentrate.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:24:57 pm
You sure that we're allowed to bring earplugs? I'd love to wear them but I've found that it actually makes it harder to concentrate.

Wait thinking about it now, I might get caught for cheating if they think it's some hearing device or something lol
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:27:07 pm
Wait thinking about it now, I might get caught for cheating if they think it's some hearing device or something lol
Yeah, I thought you said "earphones" and thought that you were just really dumb xD
I've done a lot of exams at my school( as we start from year 7 ).
The noise really doesn't bother you if you're concentrating.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 05:27:33 pm
My hand's so shaky oh god lol how am I going to manage my VCE exam in Year 12 like this?

I'm bringing earplugs as well, apparently it's VERY noisy in there as there are 4000 people coughing sneezing dragging chair etc. I hardly think it's necessary though. And some warm clothes.
hahaha, you'll get there, but it's good that we're interested in improving our academics at a young age. No way, i thought hall would be super quiet, that would be so annoying for people who can only concentrate in pure silence(me). Well now i have an excuse to borrow my sister earmuffs (not the ones that people wear for construction lol)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:30:28 pm
hahaha, you'll get there, but it's good that we're interested in improving our academics at a young age. No way, i thought hall would be super quiet, that would be so annoying for people who can only concentrate in pure silence(me). Well now i have an excuse to borrow my sister earmuffs (not the ones that people where for construction lol)
I doubt it'll be noisy.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 05:32:45 pm
lmao earplugs and earphones are completely different thing to me, i didn't know some ppl thought earplugs as earphones

I doubt it'll be noisy.



There's much difference to small school exam to big school exam, there are 4000 kids sitting this exam and much less than that for typical yr 7 exam and if you think there's not gonna be much noise with 4000 ppl, then ok :/


Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 05:33:22 pm
lmao earplugs and earphones are completely different thing to me, i didn't know some ppl thought earplugs as earphones
I just read it incorrectly.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 05:34:44 pm
I doubt it'll be noisy.
nice!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 06:21:05 pm
Also just wondering cause I have a packet of Pocky (A cookie stick dipped in chocolate), would I have to throw out the packet and only bring the chocolate sticks in a clear plastic bag since it has labels and stuff on it?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 06:39:55 pm
Also just wondering cause I have a packet of Pocky (A cookie stick dipped in chocolate), would I have to throw out the packet and only bring the chocolate sticks in a clear plastic bag since it has labels and stuff on it?
yeah probs, because of the words(even though they are in japanese)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 06:45:18 pm
yeah probs, because of the words(even though they are in japanese)

Thanks and good luck tomorrow! Hope we both get in to our first pref :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 15, 2018, 06:46:34 pm
Thanks and good luck tomorrow! Hope we both get in to our first pref :)
yeah, GOOD LUCK to the both of us.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 15, 2018, 06:54:52 pm
Good luck, everyone.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 07:05:08 pm
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK FOR TOMORROW!!  ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 15, 2018, 07:37:43 pm
GOOD LUCK!    :D :D :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Aearator on June 15, 2018, 08:29:33 pm
How did you all manage to learn parabolas? I never really understood them lol, trying to learnt hem rn and it’s not making any sense.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 15, 2018, 08:46:01 pm
I didn't learn it fully. JAC taught me bits of it.
Enough so that I could at least attempt the question.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 15, 2018, 08:46:12 pm
How did you all manage to learn parabolas? I never really understood them lol, trying to learnt hem rn and it’s not making any sense.

Maybe check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGz3pkoGPag ? and try https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/quadratics/parabolas-intro-alg1/e/parabolas-intro .
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SomeGuy101 on June 16, 2018, 03:56:38 pm
How did you guys go?
From Easiest to Hardest:
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Analytical Writing
Creative Writing
Mathematics
Numerical Reasoning
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 04:20:44 pm
Oh man I'm so unlucky. Most of the math exam was inequalities  which is the one thing I didn't learn. Other than that I did pretty well. Finished the essays 2 pages with 5 min left.
Creative was a picture of a train and the text we had to use at the beginning was something like "As the train left the station, the man and I pretended that we were strangers."
I wrote about a police officer stopping a serial killer.
Pursuasive was about self diving cars and they gave us points and info that we could use.
How did everyone else do?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 04:25:40 pm
How did you guys go?
From Easiest to Hardest:
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Analytical Writing
Creative Writing
Mathematics
Numerical Reasoning
Easiest to hardest:
The essays
Reading comprehension
Verbal reasoning
Maths
Numerical reasoning

I heard some rumour while waiting outside about the numerical reasoning being changed to verbal questions. It was right. There were only about 10 "order" questions.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 04:28:35 pm
How did you guys go?
From Easiest to Hardest:
Verbal Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Analytical Writing
Creative Writing
Mathematics
Numerical Reasoning
i agree, all my friends said the maths and numerical were hard.

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 04:30:17 pm
i started smiling when i saw the Einstein meme.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 16, 2018, 04:34:21 pm
i started smiling when i saw the Einstein meme.

LMAO I THOUGHT OF U FOR THAT QUESTION and imagined that you'd be laughing rn
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 16, 2018, 04:37:22 pm
I effed up creative so bad, i wrote about this mother and son who could turn into a dragon and some blah blah idek

I found mathematics so hard, i guessed half of them but i thought numerical was pretty easy??
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 04:49:47 pm
I effed up creative so bad, i wrote about this mother and son who could turn into a dragon and some blah blah idek

I found mathematics so hard, i guessed half of them but i thought numerical was pretty easy??
ME TOO
I found mathematics to be so hard I literally repeated “I’m a failure” at the end, then in the last 5 min I managed to do like 15 questions so I only guessed about 1/3 of the questions. Still a lot though but hopefully I got the ones I did right.
I think my essays were really good.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 04:50:52 pm
i started smiling when i saw the Einstein meme.

Hahahaha me too
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:01:58 pm
LMAO I THOUGHT OF U FOR THAT QUESTION and imagined that you'd be laughing rn
when the lady on the mic said, "Fiona is not done collecting papers" i was like, aye Fiona wants pizza.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:04:41 pm
I guess now we play the waiting game and try to forget the exam. Ah, I don't have to stay up until 10pm anymore studying. 8)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: napkin101 on June 16, 2018, 05:12:55 pm
Hey guys!
So as to not clog up this thread with post-exam discussion, I've made a new thread dedicated specifically for that. I suggest posting on there so that this thread is kept only to last minute tips and shit.
Cheers :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:16:57 pm
I guess now we play the waiting game and try to forget the exam. Ah, I don't have to stay up until 10pm anymore studying. 8)
I literally couldn’t sleep last night.
It took me like 2 hours to fall asleep then I woke up at 2 and I was like “damn I haven’t fallen asleep yet I need to fall asleep.”
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:23:25 pm
I literally couldn’t sleep last night.
It took me like 2 hours to fall asleep then I woke up at 2 and I was like “damn I haven’t fallen asleep yet I need to fall asleep.”
i was still wide awake until 4, the only things that were in my mind were thoughts about the exam.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:26:29 pm
i was still wide awake until 4, the only things that were in my mind were thoughts about the exam.
I think I couldn’t sleep because I ate right before bed. I got all thoughts out of my head but still couldn’t sleep so that may be the reason.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:29:31 pm
I think I couldn’t sleep because I ate right before bed. I got all thoughts out of my head but still couldn’t sleep so that may be the reason.
hahaha, i was like the total opposite, i ate too early so i was starving in bed at night time and i had bad thoughts.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:33:46 pm
hahaha, i was like the total opposite, i ate too early so i was starving in bed at night time and i had bad thoughts.
There were like 2 white people around me(including me) and so many Asians and Indians.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: cloudyy on June 16, 2018, 05:36:33 pm
There were like 2 white people around me(including me) and so many Asians and Indians.

I only saw like 4 white kids. Rest were Asians and Indians, I didn't know selective schools barely had any white kids lol no wonder why there's a rumour that schools only accept white kids for yr 10 11 entry
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:40:57 pm
I only saw like 4 white kids. Rest were Asians and Indians, I didn't know selective schools barely had any white kids lol no wonder why there's a rumour that schools only accept white kids for yr 10 11 entry
And what are you? White? Asian? Indian?
Most white kids aren’t pressured or motivated(like me).
I studied anyway but most just try just to try.
While many Asian and Indian parents came from poor backgrounds(my parents did too but it was too long ago)
Btw I was the short-ish white boi with the grey jumper and long-ish hair if you saw me
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:54:12 pm
And what are you? White? Asian? Indian?
Most white kids aren’t pressured or motivated(like me).
I studied anyway but most just try just to try.
While many Asian and Indian parents came from poor backgrounds(my parents did too but it was too long ago)
Btw I was the short-ish white boi with the grey jumper and long-ish hair if you saw me
dude no way, were you sitting next to a asian guy that that wore a green puffer jacket.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:54:47 pm
n
How did you all manage to learn parabolas? I never really understood them lol, trying to learnt hem rn and it’s not making any sense.
Parabolas + Circumference were my weakest points
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:55:43 pm
dude no way, were you sitting next to a asian guy that that wore a green puffer jacket.
I was sitting in the row "27--"
I was 2712
Where were you?
Btw I was the last one who was dismissed ><
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:57:30 pm
I was sitting in the row "27--"
I was 2712
Where were you?
Btw I was the last one who was dismissed ><
oh then its not you, i was like one of the people in the middle to get dismissed. I was sitting right in front of the two gigantic doors
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 05:59:00 pm
oh then its not you, i was like one of the people in the middle to get dismissed. I was sitting right in front of the two gigantic doors
I saw all the kids that I went to Hendersons with.
It was pretty cool.
Hendersons didn't teach us inequalities, or maybe I just missed it ;-;
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 05:59:23 pm
I only saw like 4 white kids. Rest were Asians and Indians, I didn't know selective schools barely had any white kids lol no wonder why there's a rumour that schools only accept white kids for yr 10 11 entry
i was sitting with the TRAN'S(Vietnamese surname, not you know)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Albert Einstein on June 16, 2018, 06:00:04 pm
I saw all the kids that I went to Hendersons with.
It was pretty cool.
Hendersons didn't teach us inequalities, or maybe I just missed it ;-;
rip
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Servillian on June 16, 2018, 06:01:24 pm
Lets move this convo to that new "Post Exam" thing
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: horsayneighneigh on September 05, 2018, 04:46:43 pm
Thanks for this, it really boosted my confidence. I really want to get into a good school, wish me luck! Do you have any tips for answering maths questions, and thinking of things to write in case of a narrative in the exam? Thank you :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: kidinthecornergoingforatletico on September 09, 2018, 10:11:16 pm
The selective school tests aren't that difficult to crack, but one can mess up the test in a lot of ways. Here are a few tips to keep you from mucking up your test and not getting into the school you want:
1. DO NOT write in pencil for the writing examinations. The examiners will find it untidy and an eyesore to read, and in general may have a bad first impression on your piece. I think that it may be impossible to get a superior in writing if you use pencil, as it is one of the instructions.
2. Know your weaknesses. Take various practice tests and select the questions that you guessed or were incorrect in and attempt them again. Chances are there are a few handy concepts you didn't know before you did the test, so study them and turn them into one of your strength.
3. RUN to the bathroom during your bathroom break. SPRINT. If you're lucky and fast, you can get an early spot in the bathroom, which is crucial. I know i raced to the bathroom and it definitely took some pressure off me during the exam.
4. REMEMBER that 1/4 of the kids there are just taking the test as if it were just some exam on some Saturday with some results. If you are serious about the test, you've already beaten a quarter of these kids!
5. Do not talk about the test with your friends during the break. I know I did and it really tensed me up and probably took away a few ten seconds of my time (which is a lot in this exam) just thinking about my past tests. And then on the day of the results the people who said they found the numerical easy (as I found it as a sibling of death) got averages for it while I got a superior.
6. Don't be super stressed. A little bit of stress if good for you in a test. Too little can cause a lack of thinking in the brain, just like if you have too much stress.

I took all of these tips, and now I'm off to Suzanne next year via first round with 4 superiors while I barely studied.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: [_gLiTcH_] on September 10, 2018, 07:39:08 pm
What to bring:
-4 hb/2b pencils and two black/blue pens
-confidence
-knowledge that at least 1/4 of the kids there are just taking this test casually
-knowledge not to write in pencils
-knowing that if you found the test hard, don't stress: it's meant to make you feel like a failure in life and make you commit suicide (it's like 2-3 years above your year level)
 I barely studied and I got in with 4 sups. I just wasn't too stressed and stuck to these rules
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SazWaz on October 14, 2018, 10:40:05 pm
Hey Guys,
I'm a year 9 student who received year 10 entry into MacRob. If you have any questions about the year 8 or 9 MacRobertson and year 9 John Monash selective tests or interview process, feel free to reply to ask. I'll be willing to share my experience as well if that assists anyone.

Good Luck to those trying,
SazWaz
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on October 23, 2018, 07:51:42 pm
Hii,I’m a year 7 giving the test next year!I find maths n numerical easy but verbal and reading comprehension r hard.any tips for that?How much people take the test?TY in advance(talking about MHS,MACROB,NOSSAL,SUZANNE TEST)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on October 23, 2018, 07:53:13 pm
Hii,I’m a year 7 giving the test next year!I find maths n numerical easy but verbal and reading comprehension r hard.any tips for that?How much people take the test?TY in advance(talking about MHS,MACROB,NOSSAL,SUZANNE TEST)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SazWaz on October 26, 2018, 08:35:11 pm
Hii,I’m a year 7 giving the test next year!I find maths n numerical easy but verbal and reading comprehension r hard.any tips for that?How much people take the test?TY in advance(talking about MHS,MACROB,NOSSAL,SUZANNE TEST)


Hi,
For verbal comprehension, I'd recommend going to Hendersons as they give you content that would be similar to what appears on the test as well as tips on how to tackle certain questions. For reading, I'd recommend doing some practise tests to improve your ability. As for how many people, when I tried out in year 8, I think there were over 2,000. Hope this was helpful!

SazWaz
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: archie043 on November 14, 2018, 04:23:20 pm


Hi,
For verbal comprehension, I'd recommend going to Hendersons as they give you content that would be similar to what appears on the test as well as tips on how to tackle certain questions. For reading, I'd recommend doing some practise tests to improve your ability. As for how many people, when I tried out in year 8, I think there were over 2,000. Hope this was helpful!

SazWaz

Do you have any links or resources for the practise test?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: SazWaz on November 17, 2018, 04:28:31 pm
Do you have any links or resources for the practise test?

Hi, I will attach a link with some practise tests. These were off the VIC governments selective schools website in case anyone was wondering
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx#

Good Luck,
SazWaz
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: HappyMe on December 13, 2018, 07:08:19 pm
Hey guys! I'm actually new to ATAR Notes and was studying for selective schooling when I came across this..so i had a question in mind for a school that is going to be my first preference, Mac Rob. I am a muslim girl who is currently going to a private school and my question was about the enviroment around Mac Rob and also..(this is so weird but) are there any muslim girls in Mac Rob? and is Mac Rob a religous school that promotes a specific religion by doing religous activites and such? ALso if someone goes there, can you please answer how you feel about going to Mac Rob and if you like being there compared to other schools you have been to. 
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: lacitam on December 13, 2018, 07:31:05 pm
Hey guys! I'm actually new to ATAR Notes and was studying for selective schooling when I came across this..so i had a question in mind for a school that is going to be my first preference, Mac Rob. I am a muslim girl who is currently going to a private school and my question was about the enviroment around Mac Rob and also..(this is so weird but) are there any muslim girls in Mac Rob? and is Mac Rob a religous school that promotes a specific religion by doing religous activites and such? ALso if someone goes there, can you please answer how you feel about going to Mac Rob and if you like being there compared to other schools you have been to.
A very close friend of mine went to Macrob and she said there are things that are bad about the school (as with any other). Note that there has been a student protest (search up 'macrob protests and it should come uo) about the teachers, so that's something to look into.

I can't help with the religion one but for comparison, MelbHigh had a few from religious backgrounds . I don't think we did anything religious tbh either.

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: HappyMe on December 15, 2018, 12:20:24 pm
A very close friend of mine went to Macrob and she said there are things that are bad about the school (as with any other). Note that there has been a student protest (search up 'macrob protests and it should come uo) about the teachers, so that's something to look into.

I can't help with the religion one but for comparison, MelbHigh had a few from religious backgrounds . I don't think we did anything religious tbh either.

Ohhh, I see. I did actually hear about the girl that, well, left poop around the school and protested about a specific teacher. Though, I'll look into Melbourne High too. Anyways, thank you for sharing the information, I really appreciate it  :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: AR1472 on December 16, 2018, 07:47:22 am
Hey guys! I'm actually new to ATAR Notes and was studying for selective schooling when I came across this..so i had a question in mind for a school that is going to be my first preference, Mac Rob. I am a muslim girl who is currently going to a private school and my question was about the enviroment around Mac Rob and also..(this is so weird but) are there any muslim girls in Mac Rob? and is Mac Rob a religous school that promotes a specific religion by doing religous activites and such? ALso if someone goes there, can you please answer how you feel about going to Mac Rob and if you like being there compared to other schools you have been to.

Hey! I currently go to MacRob and don’t worry, there are a lot of Muslims here ^^ a lot of my friends are Muslims and there’s no discrimination here at all. Also, MacRob isn’t really religious. I do believe that you can sign up for religion at the beginning of the year but I didn’t and no one I know did, so it’s not a big thing here.

So if I’m honest about coming to MacRob, I will say there are days I regret coming here. I’m not the smartest of students and I often feel like I’m failing school at this point. But the competitive environment keeps me going (so in that sense, it’s a good school). I don’t like the teachers much though. I mostly self study. But I do think leaving my old school was the right choice, because although my old school had better teachers, MacRob is giving me better opportunities simply through the students (because everyone here is keen to do well).

Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: HappyMe on December 16, 2018, 07:25:20 pm
Hey! I currently go to MacRob and don’t worry, there are a lot of Muslims here ^^ a lot of my friends are Muslims and there’s no discrimination here at all. Also, MacRob isn’t really religious. I do believe that you can sign up for religion at the beginning of the year but I didn’t and no one I know did, so it’s not a big thing here.

So if I’m honest about coming to MacRob, I will say there are days I regret coming here. I’m not the smartest of students and I often feel like I’m failing school at this point. But the competitive environment keeps me going (so in that sense, it’s a good school). I don’t like the teachers much though. I mostly self study. But I do think leaving my old school was the right choice, because although my old school had better teachers, MacRob is giving me better opportunities simply through the students (because everyone here is keen to do well).

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for your honest and informative feedback! It's really good to know that everyone there is appreciated and I've had a couple of people message me to reasure me (but it was really good to have someone going to Mac Rob give feedback). I have heard some slight protests against the teachers in Mac Rob (mentioned in the above posts). However, (I believe what you said is quite right) the students there are extremely hardworking and would most definitely be competitive (the atmosphere I'm looking for).

The school I go to now is a good school with kind teachers and students but I feel that I definitely can excel more in some things that are not provided by my school. So in short, I want to get in Mac Rob becasue of the oppurtunuties that it caters the students with.
Again, I thank you for your honest perception of the competitiveness and hardships. I definitely think that would be a problem if I went there too. Though like you said, it would only help the other students to push forward.

Thank you for helping, I really appreciate it!  :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: AR1472 on December 17, 2018, 09:26:47 pm
Thank you so much for your honest and informative feedback! It's really good to know that everyone there is appreciated and I've had a couple of people message me to reasure me (but it was really good to have someone going to Mac Rob give feedback). I have heard some slight protests against the teachers in Mac Rob (mentioned in the above posts). However, (I believe what you said is quite right) the students there are extremely hardworking and would most definitely be competitive (the atmosphere I'm looking for).

The school I go to now is a good school with kind teachers and students but I feel that I definitely can excel more in some things that are not provided by my school. So in short, I want to get in Mac Rob becasue of the oppurtunuties that it caters the students with.
Again, I thank you for your honest perception of the competitiveness and hardships. I definitely think that would be a problem if I went there too. Though like you said, it would only help the other students to push forward.

Thank you for helping, I really appreciate it!  :)

No problem and I’m glad I could help! If you have any other questions about MacRob feel free to ask and I’ll try to answer them to the best of my ability ^^
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 08, 2019, 08:27:34 pm
Hey people, I have a really important selective schools exam coming up very very soon. i just wanted as many last minute tips that I could get for the topics in the maths (equations?), and for numerical reasoning. 
Please reply wen you can.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 08, 2019, 09:35:48 pm
Hey people, I have a really important selective schools exam coming up very very soon. i just wanted as many last minute tips that I could get for the topics in the maths (equations?), and for numerical reasoning. 
Please reply wen you can.
Same lol, what school u going for and what school r u in rn?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 09, 2019, 10:47:41 am
hey I am going for Nossal and I go to a school in Glen Waverley. What about you?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 09, 2019, 12:28:37 pm
hey I am going for Nossal and I go to a school in Glen Waverley. What about you?
Oh, I’m trying out for MHS n Suzanne Cory n I go to a school near sunbury(15 min drive). 2 min drive from the water gardens train station if u heard of that.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 09, 2019, 12:35:13 pm
so do you know of anything major that needs to be done to revise in terms of the maths and numerical portion of the exam?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 09, 2019, 01:00:25 pm
so do you know of anything major that needs to be done to revise in terms of the maths and numerical portion of the exam?
Um, I’m just revising my spectrum tuition work, do u go tutor or no
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 09, 2019, 02:29:26 pm
Yea I used to, but not anymore, but what do spectrum teach you in terms of the maths and numerical?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 09, 2019, 03:08:42 pm
Yea I used to, but not anymore, but what do spectrum teach you in terms of the maths and numerical?
Quadratics, linear equations, rate, financial mathematics, magic squares, missing line grids are the ones I can think from the top of my head.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 09, 2019, 03:34:24 pm
Thanks! And do we need to learn complex worded problems? Have they taught you that as well?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Louis23 on June 09, 2019, 04:05:51 pm
Can anyone please tell me any topics i should know for the selective entry exam (All subjects).


And does anyone have any practice test?

I am trying out for Nossal
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: BAH0003 on June 09, 2019, 05:12:57 pm
Thanks! And do we need to learn complex worded problems? Have they taught you that as well?

Hi there,

I did the selective entry exams a few years ago, is there anything in particular you would also like to know? There are from what I can remember a few worded problems but they only take up a small portion of the maths parts. Most of the questions are from using diagrams and straightfoward questions, but there were some worded ones on triganometry and some financial maths.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 09, 2019, 05:15:11 pm
Thanks! And do we need to learn complex worded problems? Have they taught you that as well?
Um, they have. Worded problems are a must!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 09, 2019, 05:41:14 pm
Hi there,

I did the selective entry exams a few years ago, is there anything in particular you would also like to know? There are from what I can remember a few worded problems but they only take up a small portion of the maths parts. Most of the questions are from using diagrams and straightfoward questions, but there were some worded ones on triganometry and some financial maths.

Hope that helps!
Thanks for that! could you tell me if the trigonometry questions ask you to actually solve a problem or merely just form an equation using soh cah toa? Also with the financial maths, is there compund interest involved or just finding percentages of initial prices and savings, interest, etc? Please reply when you can
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: thatdumbbihh on June 10, 2019, 11:07:24 pm
Hey everybody,
I made an account on ATAR Notes today to ask this question:
Have you guys got any good tips on how to complete the mathematical (mathematics, numerical reasoning) tests in time or to improve the time it takes to do questions?
I find myself struggling with the time aspect for those two but am not worried about the rest as I attend James An (did my last test this sat) and always get the highest category. On the James An mock test, also got superiors for the English stuff. I'm atrocious at the math under pressure and on the mock test got low averages as I had woken up late and was completely stressed out. Usually, in the normal classes we do, I score high average and/or average. The few instances that I do not score between those two is if I get a score higher, or if I daydream during the test.
Sincerely,
A fretting thirteen year-old. :-\
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on June 11, 2019, 05:20:47 pm
Hey everybody,
I made an account on ATAR Notes today to ask this question:
Have you guys got any good tips on how to complete the mathematical (mathematics, numerical reasoning) tests in time or to improve the time it takes to do questions?
I find myself struggling with the time aspect for those two but am not worried about the rest as I attend James An (did my last test this sat) and always get the highest category. On the James An mock test, also got superiors for the English stuff. I'm atrocious at the math under pressure and on the mock test got low averages as I had woken up late and was completely stressed out. Usually, in the normal classes we do, I score high average and/or average. The few instances that I do not score between those two is if I get a score higher, or if I daydream during the test.
Sincerely,
A fretting thirteen year-old. :-\


Hey, this might not help very much, but still, literally chill, as stressing out will only impact your score, and with the maths (you know those questions with the really long description), I like to 100% skip those unless I know EXACTLY what to do. I used to have a go at everything and then didn't have time for the questions that I actually could do, which impacted my result severely. Skipping these questions has made me improve and I have come back to them and solved them... eventually.
Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Edi2099 on June 11, 2019, 06:43:03 pm
Hey everybody,
I made an account on ATAR Notes today to ask this question:
Have you guys got any good tips on how to complete the mathematical (mathematics, numerical reasoning) tests in time or to improve the time it takes to do questions?
I find myself struggling with the time aspect for those two but am not worried about the rest as I attend James An (did my last test this sat) and always get the highest category. On the James An mock test, also got superiors for the English stuff. I'm atrocious at the math under pressure and on the mock test got low averages as I had woken up late and was completely stressed out. Usually, in the normal classes we do, I score high average and/or average. The few instances that I do not score between those two is if I get a score higher, or if I daydream during the test.
Sincerely,
A fretting thirteen year-old. :-\
Damn, I went to James An aswell. I usually just skip the hard, lengthy questions and try to find the easy ones (which I find are mostly at the back). Btw, I  usually get 2 sups for both Maths and Numerical.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: thatdumbbihh on June 15, 2019, 08:05:19 am
The test is in a few hours, good luck everyone and I hope you all get your first prefrence!!! ;)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ngupta on June 15, 2019, 05:20:40 pm
Hi, I just wanted to know what is the format of the boxhill high school seal exam and what are the best coachings and where can I get past papers from?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Zuha_x on August 29, 2019, 08:04:25 pm
Hey guyz, I have done this test this yr so I am happy to help any of you guyz. Unfortunately I didnt get in but I will try my best to give u the best of the best advice  ;D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: MAN0033 on September 24, 2019, 11:24:26 am
Hi everyone, I was wondering if i could still get into NHS or MHS.

My results were:

2 superiors
1 above
2 highs

Thank you.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Shxh on September 27, 2019, 10:53:00 am
Hey guyz, I have done this test this yr so I am happy to help any of you guyz. Unfortunately I didnt get in but I will try my best to give u the best of the best advice  ;D
Which school was ur first preference and what were ur scores?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Zuha_x on October 03, 2019, 05:17:29 pm
I got no superiors from what i remember i think i got 2 averages and then 3 high averages or smth like that but yea. My 1st preference was MacRob. Btw it also depends on the school if its really good and has competition. I went to Glen Waverley Secondary College.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: _rohan.r_ on January 14, 2020, 09:50:21 am
Hey, i am planning on going to spectrum as well, overall were you satisfied with it? Did it really help you on going to your prefered school? My parents and i have been looking at the reviews but their reviews are not the best! Thanks



Um, I’m just revising my spectrum tuition work, do u go tutor or no
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: MAN0033 on January 14, 2020, 05:43:21 pm
Hi,

James an and Henderson really helped me and many others I know. Although I didn't make it through many people tell me that James an really helps with time and you can get faster by doing tests. They provide you with resources and online practice tests but they do not teach. I would not recommend this tuition for people who do not self study but other than that this is the best tuition to go to. Henderson mocks are also pretty good as it creates the same atmosphere as the actual test and helps you become better at solving problems under strictly timed conditions. However, Hendersons are quite expensive averaging 200-300 dollars per mock. I prefer James an but it depends what tuition is closest to you. What I learnt is it does not matter how many tuitions you attend it depends on your willingness to study for the exam.

Hoped it help, MAN0033
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Mellow Yellow on February 12, 2020, 08:31:21 pm
hey everyone,
I really need some help with advice on selective entry admission etc. school results, tuition centres I am going to post a further message if someone is willing to answer my question. If you have time please reply and I would LOVE you to answer some.

THANKYOU SO MUCH
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: rakshanaraj06 on February 15, 2020, 03:26:34 pm
hey everyone,
I really need some help with advice on selective entry admission etc. school results, tuition centres I am going to post a further message if someone is willing to answer my question. If you have time please reply and I would LOVE you to answer some.

THANKYOU SO MUCH
Hey, I'd be more than happy to help
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Zenny on February 16, 2020, 10:28:17 pm
Omg my selective is coming in 3 months, im so nervous!
I'm really weak in maths and i dont think i will be able to make it in.
The things that you talked in maths like the 'SOHCAHTOA' i don't know how to do.
I went for tutoring for 1 year now (selective intensive training, and all sorts of other training session), but i feel like im getting worse.
I really want to make it in.  :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Ionic Doc on February 17, 2020, 01:09:59 pm
Omg my selective is coming in 3 months, im so nervous!
I'm really weak in maths and i dont think i will be able to make it in.
The things that you talked in maths like the 'SOHCAHTOA' i don't know how to do.
I went for tutoring for 1 year now (selective intensive training, and all sorts of other training session), but i feel like im getting worse.
I really want to make it in.  :-[ :-[
Purchase a year 10 or 9 Cambridge Maths Book, work though the book.
All you really need to get better at the maths section imo.  ;)

Edit: While you work through the book use Khan Academy ! Great resource. Also, browse youtube cause there are some really great vids and teachers on there.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: v.l.o.n.e. on March 28, 2020, 01:09:12 pm
Hi guys, I have a friend who is trying for jmss year 11 (she doesn't have an acc so I'm asking for her). She was wondering if the school will allow her to do 3/4 chem in year 11 if she did 1/2 in year 10 at her previous school..........
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Undeadeast15 on March 28, 2020, 05:36:20 pm
Hi guys, I have a friend who is trying for jmss year 11 (she doesn't have an acc so I'm asking for her). She was wondering if the school will allow her to do 3/4 chem in year 11 if she did 1/2 in year 10 at her previous school..........

Back in 2016, there were a couple of year 11s completing 3/4 chem with the year 12s. JMSS tends to be quite strict with you completing subjects that are not either methods or biology in year 11. That being said, if she is faring quite well in chemistry and can prove it to JMSS, then there should really be no problem.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: happy121 on April 07, 2020, 01:18:43 pm
Hey guyz, I have done this test this yr so I am happy to help any of you guyz. Unfortunately I didnt get in but I will try my best to give u the best of the best advice  ;D
Hi Zuha,
I have my selective school test in 2 months time and was wondering if you could give me some tips on how I could do the reading comprehension well. Also some basic information on how the questions in the test are like.
Thanks
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: happy121 on April 07, 2020, 09:46:47 pm
Hi,
What school are you trying out for? I am also an applicant for this year. And how is your vocabulary? Vocabulary could help a lot for reading.
Hi,
I am trying out for SCHS and Mac Rob. How about you? Well I guess I am okay with my vocabulary, I know I have to work on it though.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: happy121 on April 08, 2020, 11:43:22 am
First preference MHS, second preference SCHS. I have Currently been revising my mock exams and will be sitting another 30-40 after the holidays. I hope we both get in to our prefered school :)
Hope so,
By the way do you go to any tutoring I go James An, and not going anymore so I am just revising all the things I have learnt about. what about you any tutoring you go to and what are you practising for?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: _rohan.r_ on April 08, 2020, 04:04:56 pm
Hi,
I am trying out for SCHS and Mac Rob. How about you? Well I guess I am okay with my vocabulary, I know I have to work on it though.

Well, vocabulary is a main aspect of the exam, especially in verbal reasoning! The more words you have under your belt, the higher the chance of getting in!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Frostflake on April 14, 2020, 12:59:09 pm
Can someone plz help me? I don’t rly know how to study for this. I mean I have been going to James An for the past couple of months but I don’t know if that’s enough or I’m using it to it’s full extent. And I feel like I also need to study more because of isolation but I’m not sure how. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on April 14, 2020, 01:14:16 pm
Hello guys I would be more than happy to help with what you need to study for, and if you need help with the preferencing of schools and how that affects entry... the end goal is to not stress much, just show the examiners what you got you know!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Frostflake on April 27, 2020, 06:56:33 pm
Does anyone have any free resources that helped them? Also can anyone give me tips on what kind of question to study for?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: MAN0033 on April 27, 2020, 09:22:46 pm
Hi,

Do the government website tests at least twice. Do one before the test day and one the month before. Read the age
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: happy121 on May 05, 2020, 08:14:03 pm
Hello guys I would be more than happy to help with what you need to study for, and if you need help with the preferencing of schools and how that affects entry... the end goal is to not stress much, just show the examiners what you got you know!
hey successismygoal,
I will be sitting the exam this year. if you have discord by any chance please send me your username, because I want to discuss the type of questions which might appear in the test.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: aanyass on June 24, 2020, 11:07:59 am
hi pi,
do you think you have any examples of any ideal essays? (persuasive and creative), maybe from your time or any others that would indicate the expected standard of a superior for the exam? the more exapmples the better.  :) thx
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Linkon on July 01, 2020, 03:12:31 pm
Hey I’m new to the form, and I will be sitting the exam next year. Approximately what scores will you need to get into MHS if u attend an uncompetitive school (only applicant) and what content does the exam cover in each section?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Evolio on July 01, 2020, 06:08:20 pm
Hello Linkon! Welcome to the forums!  ;D

It's really great that you're thinking about this 1 year in advance!
People have gotten in by getting 2 superiors + every other section above average (that is, high average or above average) in the past years but it really varies year to year, especially because as the years go by, the competition is increasing. This means that when you write the exam, this may vary. So, it's better to do the ultimate best you can, because in the end, you will be rewarded and aiming for the highest will put you in a good position to achieve the highest, even if that means achieving superiors in all the sections.

The examination includes 5 tests:
- Verbal Reasoning (multiple choice, 30 mins)
- Numerical Reasoning (multiple choice, 30 minutes)
- A persuasive OR creative writing (30 mins+ 5 mins planning time)
- Reading comprehension (multiple choice, 30 minutes)
- Mathematics (multiple choice, 30 minutes)

On the very first page, in the very first post, there is detailed information about what all the 5 sections involve + additional advice. This is the link: https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=155074.0
This link has the practice tests which will all give you a feel for what type of questions they may ask in each section:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx

Best of luck with the exam!
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Linkon on July 02, 2020, 04:33:28 pm
Did you attend a selective school yourself and if you did which one?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Evolio on July 02, 2020, 04:39:10 pm
Yes. I've pmed you.  :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Alomoac on September 16, 2020, 05:03:29 pm
Hey, I can see that this forum is sort of a ghost town right now, but I still would like to ask a question. How long should a writing piece? No longer than 4-5 paragraphs or no longer than a page and half?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: 010000studyhard on September 16, 2020, 05:46:27 pm
Try doing 4-5 paragraphs each with enough detail and make it interesting show don't tell
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: M-D on September 26, 2020, 08:40:55 pm
Hi,

Can anyone suggest a good book on Numerical reasoning which they have used to practice for a selective school exam or come to know of?

Thanks
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: runa123 on September 26, 2020, 10:23:18 pm
Hi,

Can anyone suggest a good book on Numerical reasoning which they have used to practice for a selective school exam or come to know of?

Thanks
I used ISEE test practice questions
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: M-D on September 28, 2020, 05:39:21 pm
Thank you for your reply.

The ISSE system is used overseas isn't it? But there must be an overlap.

Would you be able to guide to where ISEE test practice questions can be obtained?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: runa123 on September 28, 2020, 10:10:20 pm
Thank you for your reply.

The ISSE system is used overseas isn't it? But there must be an overlap.

Would you be able to guide to where ISEE test practice questions can be obtained?
Amazon, I know people who did the ISEE test and the questions were similar so I got an ISEE book
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Mellow2020 on November 15, 2020, 06:52:59 pm
Hey Guys! I am Rayan :), and am a year 8 student who has just sat the shs exam. Today I hope you give you guys as much information as possible regarding the shs exam which I have recently sat. Hopefully you can gain something from this post! I am writing this, because I had read the forums before i sat the exam, and i found it helpful, plus im sure this may help someone out there. This is for the next year's candidates, because this years exam is over (ik it contradicts the sub - topic) :P.

School Information:
There is a total of 4 selective high schools. John Monash, and Elizabeth Blackburn are considered "School of Sciences".

Melbourne High School [MHS]
•   Students: All boys
•   Location: South Yarra (close to city)
•   Ranking: Within top 5
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Mac Robertson's Girls High School [MGHS]
•   Students: All girls
•   Location: Melbourne (city)
•   Ranking: Within top 5
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Co-educational - opposite ended schools
Nossal High School [NHS]
•   Students: Co-educational
•   Location: Berwick (south east)
•   Ranking: Within top 30
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Suzanne Cory High School [SCHS]
•   Students: Co-educational
•   Location: Werribee (south west)
•   Ranking: Within top 60
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10

ALL TESTS are multiple choice, apart from writing, and run for 30 minutes. Maths, Numerical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning all have 60 questions, and Reading Comprehension has 50 questions.

How the test went/ 2020 test update and information:

SO as i said, i recently sat the exam.

Reading Comprehension - Reading Comprehension this year focused on longer texts. There were about 4 long texts which you had to reach with each comprising of 3-4 questions each. There were about 5 punctuation questions (where you had to select the a question where the punctuation had been corrected, from a sentence that they had provided above). There were above 5 questions where you were required to understand, similes, metaphors, hyperbole questions etc.(persuasive & creative language devices) Regarding cartoons, there were about 3 of them, where you had to interpret the message from a cartoon (some of the cartoon examples were questions where they gave you a drawing, such as a drawing of glasses and two lines above and below it, where you had to interpret the missing word from the message (read between the lines), and you had to choose one of the words (read, between, the, lines), in the answers which was included in the message), and finally they were obviously about 5 - 6 short sentences, where you had to interpret the passage, and choose the appropriate answer.

Tip: Focus on speed reading and trying to build up knowledge of harder texts.




Mathmathics - Maths this year was nothing like what i thought it was. Hardly any of the tutoring questions I had practised for came up. There were some extremely time - consuming indices questions, 1- 2 factorising questions, lots of parabolas, equation of the line questions, graphs, intersection questions, even time, speed and distance equations came up. The most prominent thing was that it was more similiar to numerical reasoning in the way the questions were formated. Lots of linear relationshipsas well and about 3 trigonometry and pythagoras questions. There were not too many mensuration questions this year, which I had learned the formulas for. Lots of worded questions, etc. I ended up doing the first 35 maths ones, whilst also guessing 5 - 10. The rest were quickly guessed as i ran out of time.  :P


Tip: MAKE SURE to focus on paying attention to the time!!! (This is crucial for maths) Instead of focusing on specific subjects like i did, make sure to have a wide knowledge of year 10 subjects so you are not bewildered if they change the test, when over the last 5 years imk the exam has not changed too much, this year, the test was dramatically flipped. If you focus on buidling a strong foundation and going up, instead of focusing on specific difficult topics, when/if they change it you will be prepared!




Verbal Reasoning- Verbal was also different. There were only 5 - 7 gibberish word questions, and only a couple of the standard coded word questions. About 20 percent were synonym and antonym questions. To solve these questions, if there is a really big word, most likely that will not be the answer, if there are two similiar words, that most likely wont be those either, look for a word that fits the criteria and maybe even learn some very basic prefixes and maybe suffixes.

Tip: Make sure to have a wide vocabulary, and try to do the official VERBAL REASONING official practise test, because that is the most accurate. Official Government Tests - https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx



Numerical Reasoning- There were about 7 - 9 sequences questions this year, which were moderately difficult. This year the number patterns and worded questions were tough. The maths and numerical tests kind of took a 360 turn, with numerical incorporating less worded problems than i thought. TONS of ratios problems. The other non - straightfoward number patterns were in weird squares and diamond shapes which made it tough to solve. Also some basic number grids of which there were a few.

Tip: Practise more on time again, whilst also branching out on fundamentals. Try to practise some year 9 sequences tests - https://www.assessment-training.com/number-sequences#:~:text=Number%20sequence%20tests%2C%20also%20called,number%20in%20a%20given%20sequence.


Applicant Chances - As for your chances of getting in, it really depends. About 3000 kids sit each year, with the number rising yearly. If you attend a public school there is a 5% rule, which means that whether or not you are smart enough to qualify for the test itself, if enough of the kids in your school, and in your grade are applying you will need to beat them as well, to get in. Eg. 200 kids in Grade 8. 15 kids applying from your school. Only 10 can recieve entry. You will have to be smart enough to pass the test itself (as if kids in your school were not sitting), whilst also trying to be in those top 10 kids who are sitting in your school out of the 15. Your chances otherwise, are about 1/3 for getting in, in short.

For a good chance to get into Melbourne High or Mac.Rob, you will need to get at least 3 superiors (plus or minus 1), as for Suzzane and Nossal aim for 2 superiors. This number can vary a lot, as i know a friend who got into Nossal with No superiors and another friend who didnt get into Melbourne high when he got 4 superiors. Take into account the 5% rule as well which i talked about above. ALSO do not aim for a score out of 60 to get a superior. A superior is your score based against other kids who sit, so if you do badly, then chances are that others will as well, and vice - versa.  ;D A good rule of thumb is 35 out of 60 for Maths, Numerical and Verbal, with numerical and verbal being more difficult to judge, whilst a 40 out of 50 for reading should get you in a good position to get a superior for Reading.

Conclusion: If you got up to here, Thankyou! ;D I have just written this to help some people, and it is still fresh in my mind, so i do not forget.

I hope I have given some sort of insight to kids who are sitting next year, and my takeaway is to not be rigid with your expectations of this exam. This year may have been a one off, but just try and get stronger overall, instead of focusing on just maths or english, and build up skill with a strong base in both.

 Regarding my score, the result hasnt arrived yet of course atm, but i would say I am stronger in english (especially Reading and Verbal), so the maths was extra hard for me  :P. They of course removed english this year due to the struggle of marking in time, and us sitting this exam in mid november ( 14th and 15th November (I was 14th)), when normally it would have been done in Mid - June.

Finally, I want to thank Jayce (Di.Dact), whose Channel I will link below (you are probably here from him anyways  :)), who helped me prepare for the exam and whose video regarding the practise for the shs exam helped.

I am planning on possibly making a video on the exam in a bit, and I will link my channel at the bottom as well if you want to check it out! ( The channel is kind of a joke atm, planning on starting uploading more in the future, but my videos rn are shit lol  :P )

I will also link some helpful websites as well, and finally, be confident, prepare for the exam appropriately, DO NOT STRESS, and enjoy the process of preparing! Wishing you all the best, Good Luck!!!

Government Practise Test: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx

Jayce's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JayceBatallones/videos

My Channel ( As i said, dont judge me lol ): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNE1f56mv662qCv5qB8d1nA

NR Practise: https://www.assessment-training.com/number-sequences#:~:text=Number%20sequence%20tests%2C%20also%20called,number%20in%20a%20given%20sequence.

I will try to reply to any feedback and once again, thanks for reading up to here, and good luck for the exam!


Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Alomoac on November 15, 2020, 09:31:13 pm
oi delete that guide people will still be taking the exam in the coming week (people who have covid symptoms)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: _rohan.r_ on November 15, 2020, 09:39:37 pm
Hey Guys! I am Rayan :), and am a year 8 student who has just sat the shs exam. Today I hope you give you guys as much information as possible regarding the shs exam which I have recently sat. Hopefully you can gain something from this post! I am writing this, because I had read the forums before i sat the exam, and i found it helpful, plus im sure this may help someone out there. This is for the next year's candidates, because this years exam is over (ik it contradicts the sub - topic) :P.

School Information:
There is a total of 4 selective high schools. John Monash, and Elizabeth Blackburn are considered "School of Sciences".

Melbourne High School [MHS]
•   Students: All boys
•   Location: South Yarra (close to city)
•   Ranking: Within top 5
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Mac Robertson's Girls High School [MGHS]
•   Students: All girls
•   Location: Melbourne (city)
•   Ranking: Within top 5
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Co-educational - opposite ended schools
Nossal High School [NHS]
•   Students: Co-educational
•   Location: Berwick (south east)
•   Ranking: Within top 30
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10
 
Suzanne Cory High School [SCHS]
•   Students: Co-educational
•   Location: Werribee (south west)
•   Ranking: Within top 60
•   Cohort sizes: 200+
•   Application: Year 8-10

ALL TESTS are multiple choice, apart from writing, and run for 30 minutes. Maths, Numerical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning all have 60 questions, and Reading Comprehension has 50 questions.

How the test went/ 2020 test update and information:

SO as i said, i recently sat the exam.

Reading Comprehension - Reading Comprehension this year focused on longer texts. There were about 4 long texts which you had to reach with each comprising of 3-4 questions each. There were about 5 punctuation questions (where you had to select the a question where the punctuation had been corrected, from a sentence that they had provided above). There were above 5 questions where you were required to understand, similes, metaphors, hyperbole questions etc.(persuasive & creative language devices) Regarding cartoons, there were about 3 of them, where you had to interpret the message from a cartoon (some of the cartoon examples were questions where they gave you a drawing, such as a drawing of glasses and two lines above and below it, where you had to interpret the missing word from the message (read between the lines), and you had to choose one of the words (read, between, the, lines), in the answers which was included in the message), and finally they were obviously about 5 - 6 short sentences, where you had to interpret the passage, and choose the appropriate answer.

Tip: Focus on speed reading and trying to build up knowledge of harder texts.




Mathmathics - Maths this year was nothing like what i thought it was. Hardly any of the tutoring questions I had practised for came up. There were some extremely time - consuming indices questions, 1- 2 factorising questions, lots of parabolas, equation of the line questions, graphs, intersection questions, even time, speed and distance equations came up. The most prominent thing was that it was more similiar to numerical reasoning in the way the questions were formated. Lots of linear relationshipsas well and about 3 trigonometry and pythagoras questions. There were not too many mensuration questions this year, which I had learned the formulas for. Lots of worded questions, etc. I ended up doing the first 35 maths ones, whilst also guessing 5 - 10. The rest were quickly guessed as i ran out of time.  :P


Tip: MAKE SURE to focus on paying attention to the time!!! (This is crucial for maths) Instead of focusing on specific subjects like i did, make sure to have a wide knowledge of year 10 subjects so you are not bewildered if they change the test, when over the last 5 years imk the exam has not changed too much, this year, the test was dramatically flipped. If you focus on buidling a strong foundation and going up, instead of focusing on specific difficult topics, when/if they change it you will be prepared!




Verbal Reasoning- Verbal was also different. There were only 5 - 7 gibberish word questions, and only a couple of the standard coded word questions. About 20 percent were synonym and antonym questions. To solve these questions, if there is a really big word, most likely that will not be the answer, if there are two similiar words, that most likely wont be those either, look for a word that fits the criteria and maybe even learn some very basic prefixes and maybe suffixes.

Tip: Make sure to have a wide vocabulary, and try to do the official VERBAL REASONING official practise test, because that is the most accurate. Official Government Tests - https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx



Numerical Reasoning- There were about 7 - 9 sequences questions this year, which were moderately difficult. This year the number patterns and worded questions were tough. The maths and numerical tests kind of took a 360 turn, with numerical incorporating less worded problems than i thought. TONS of ratios problems. The other non - straightfoward number patterns were in weird squares and diamond shapes which made it tough to solve. Also some basic number grids of which there were a few.

Tip: Practise more on time again, whilst also branching out on fundamentals. Try to practise some year 9 sequences tests - https://www.assessment-training.com/number-sequences#:~:text=Number%20sequence%20tests%2C%20also%20called,number%20in%20a%20given%20sequence.


Applicant Chances - As for your chances of getting in, it really depends. About 3000 kids sit each year, with the number rising yearly. If you attend a public school there is a 5% rule, which means that whether or not you are smart enough to qualify for the test itself, if enough of the kids in your school, and in your grade are applying you will need to beat them as well, to get in. Eg. 200 kids in Grade 8. 15 kids applying from your school. Only 10 can recieve entry. You will have to be smart enough to pass the test itself (as if kids in your school were not sitting), whilst also trying to be in those top 10 kids who are sitting in your school out of the 15. Your chances otherwise, are about 1/3 for getting in, in short.

For a good chance to get into Melbourne High or Mac.Rob, you will need to get at least 3 superiors (plus or minus 1), as for Suzzane and Nossal aim for 2 superiors. This number can vary a lot, as i know a friend who got into Nossal with No superiors and another friend who didnt get into Melbourne high when he got 4 superiors. Take into account the 5% rule as well which i talked about above. ALSO do not aim for a score out of 60 to get a superior. A superior is your score based against other kids who sit, so if you do badly, then chances are that others will as well, and vice - versa.  ;D A good rule of thumb is 35 out of 60 for Maths, Numerical and Verbal, with numerical and verbal being more difficult to judge, whilst a 40 out of 50 for reading should get you in a good position to get a superior for Reading.

Conclusion: If you got up to here, Thankyou! ;D I have just written this to help some people, and it is still fresh in my mind, so i do not forget.

I hope I have given some sort of insight to kids who are sitting next year, and my takeaway is to not be rigid with your expectations of this exam. This year may have been a one off, but just try and get stronger overall, instead of focusing on just maths or english, and build up skill with a strong base in both.

 Regarding my score, the result hasnt arrived yet of course atm, but i would say I am stronger in english (especially Reading and Verbal), so the maths was extra hard for me  :P. They of course removed english this year due to the struggle of marking in time, and us sitting this exam in mid november ( 14th and 15th November (I was 14th)), when normally it would have been done in Mid - June.

Finally, I want to thank Jayce (Di.Dact), whose Channel I will link below (you are probably here from him anyways  :)), who helped me prepare for the exam and whose video regarding the practise for the shs exam helped.

I am planning on possibly making a video on the exam in a bit, and I will link my channel at the bottom as well if you want to check it out! ( The channel is kind of a joke atm, planning on starting uploading more in the future, but my videos rn are shit lol  :P )

I will also link some helpful websites as well, and finally, be confident, prepare for the exam appropriately, DO NOT STRESS, and enjoy the process of preparing! Wishing you all the best, Good Luck!!!

Government Practise Test: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/selective-entry-practice.aspx

Jayce's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JayceBatallones/videos

My Channel ( As i said, dont judge me lol ): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNE1f56mv662qCv5qB8d1nA

NR Practise: https://www.assessment-training.com/number-sequences#:~:text=Number%20sequence%20tests%2C%20also%20called,number%20in%20a%20given%20sequence.

I will try to reply to any feedback and once again, thanks for reading up to here, and good luck for the exam!

Might be best for you to take down this post temporarily as there are still a few people sitting the exam later this week...
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: TRYHARD6666 on November 16, 2020, 07:48:52 pm
Im taking the test next year do the tests really change every year by a lot.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: _rohan.r_ on January 01, 2021, 04:39:34 pm
Im taking the test next year do the tests really change every year by a lot.

Yes, they do.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: successismygoal on January 05, 2021, 11:00:13 am
Hey,
I think that if the whole covid thing passes by June then they will make the test similar to the tests before 2020, as 2020 tests were most likely changed because the students got around 5 months extra study time and stuff. So I suggest asking successful candidates (you can ask me if u like :)) who sat the test before then.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: JZou276 on January 05, 2021, 06:07:33 pm
Hi,
Last year I took the selective entrance exam and unfortunately could not get in despite getting 3 superiors and a high average. I think the main reason more this is because I went to a really competitive and smart school. A strategy to getting in is to just move schools so that you can have no competition, you only really need to deal with the school for one year.  Nevertheless, I think you should still try hard in your studies so that you will be confident when you sit the test. I will write about my experience during the test so hopefully, you get an idea:

Verbal Reasoning-This was the first test, and normally I am terrible because my vocabulary sucks. I had practised verbal reasoning for the past few months, trying to improve my vocab and thinking skills. The easiest way to improve your vocabulary is to read. However, it was sort of too late for me since the test was a few months away so I just learnt some root words in the hope I can do well on the test. On the test, there was also again a lot of word problems. An example was like Bob, Jill, Michael and Jeff are sitting on a round table. Bob is sitting on the left of Jill and etc. Who is sitting opposite Michael? There was probably like twenty of these questions. There wasn't a lot of vocab but I think it's still best to learn to get those extra marks. Because this test was more like problem-solving I got a superior in this guessing around 5 questions.

Numerical-this test was second and I believed I was strong in numerical before I did the test. However, as soon as I started answering them I was getting really nervous. The questions were all like one paragraph with a few of them being patterns and other stuff. I remember when the person said 15 minutes left I was still on question 20. I realised that I should start skipping these really long questions. I really screwed up the test but I was confident at least I got around the first 25 questions right. Overall I skipped like10-20 questions. My results-I got a superior in this and I was actually super surprised considering I was panicking and guessed a lot. The average of this test was probably like 30%.

Reading comprehension- this test was actually pretty easy. There wasn't always a massive chunk of writing for like a few questions. The grammar and punctuation questions in comprehension are also usually pretty easy. I think the main issue was deciding which answer the best fit. I always was able to chop off two of the multiple-choice answers but then I would get stuck on which of these two options and couldn't decide which one I think was the answer. This can usually take a lot of time and its best to just instantly go with your gut feeling so you have more time towards the end. I found this test quite easy despite my English is terrible. However, if I found it easy I think everyone else also found it easy so I got a high average on this test which basically destroyed my chances of getting into a selective school considering the school I was in.

Maths-this test was the last test of all of them and after realising how hard the tests were I switched up my strategy. I skipped a lot of the questions which were very wordy and came back to them after. Overall I think I guessed around 5-10 questions. The test questions were overall pretty hard but I was stronger in maths so I found it fine. . I remember some questions were such as a trigonometry question which I had no idea about. There was a lot of surds and quadratic as well. Overall, I got superior in this though.

This test was extremely difficult, it was a lot harder than all the practice questions I have done. I believe the reason this was hard was that we had no writing. I was extremely sad I couldn't get in despite having the three superiors. To get in from our school you needed all superiors or one above average and the rest superiors. Even some students got three superiors and one above average and didn't get in. However, they eventually got in with second-round offers and PD. I believe is best to study really hard for the test may be only playing games one to two hours a day on weekdays with the school. Even if you think you're confident you can make it still study hard. I hope you can learn about my experience sitting the selective test. If you have any questions reply back:)

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Einsteinium on January 08, 2021, 09:36:20 pm
Hi,
Last year I took the selective entrance exam and unfortunately could not get in despite getting 3 superiors and a high average. I think the main reason more this is because I went to a really competitive and smart school. A strategy to getting in is to just move schools so that you can have no competition, you only really need to deal with the school for one year.  Nevertheless, I think you should still try hard in your studies so that you will be confident when you sit the test. I will write about my experience during the test so hopefully, you get an idea:

Verbal Reasoning-This was the first test, and normally I am terrible because my vocabulary sucks. I had practised verbal reasoning for the past few months, trying to improve my vocab and thinking skills. The easiest way to improve your vocabulary is to read. However, it was sort of too late for me since the test was a few months away so I just learnt some root words in the hope I can do well on the test. On the test, there was also again a lot of word problems. An example was like Bob, Jill, Michael and Jeff are sitting on a round table. Bob is sitting on the left of Jill and etc. Who is sitting opposite Michael? There was probably like twenty of these questions. There wasn't a lot of vocab but I think it's still best to learn to get those extra marks. Because this test was more like problem-solving I got a superior in this guessing around 5 questions.

Numerical-this test was second and I believed I was strong in numerical before I did the test. However, as soon as I started answering them I was getting really nervous. The questions were all like one paragraph with a few of them being patterns and other stuff. I remember when the person said 15 minutes left I was still on question 20. I realised that I should start skipping these really long questions. I really screwed up the test but I was confident at least I got around the first 25 questions right. Overall I skipped like10-20 questions. My results-I got a superior in this and I was actually super surprised considering I was panicking and guessed a lot. The average of this test was probably like 30%.

Reading comprehension- this test was actually pretty easy. There wasn't always a massive chunk of writing for like a few questions. The grammar and punctuation questions in comprehension are also usually pretty easy. I think the main issue was deciding which answer the best fit. I always was able to chop off two of the multiple-choice answers but then I would get stuck on which of these two options and couldn't decide which one I think was the answer. This can usually take a lot of time and its best to just instantly go with your gut feeling so you have more time towards the end. I found this test quite easy despite my English is terrible. However, if I found it easy I think everyone else also found it easy so I got a high average on this test which basically destroyed my chances of getting into a selective school considering the school I was in.

Maths-this test was the last test of all of them and after realising how hard the tests were I switched up my strategy. I skipped a lot of the questions which were very wordy and came back to them after. Overall I think I guessed around 5-10 questions. The test questions were overall pretty hard but I was stronger in maths so I found it fine. . I remember some questions were such as a trigonometry question which I had no idea about. There was a lot of surds and quadratic as well. Overall, I got superior in this though.

This test was extremely difficult, it was a lot harder than all the practice questions I have done. I believe the reason this was hard was that we had no writing. I was extremely sad I couldn't get in despite having the three superiors. To get in from our school you needed all superiors or one above average and the rest superiors. Even some students got three superiors and one above average and didn't get in. However, they eventually got in with second-round offers and PD. I believe is best to study really hard for the test may be only playing games one to two hours a day on weekdays with the school. Even if you think you're confident you can make it still study hard. I hope you can learn about my experience sitting the selective test. If you have any questions reply back:)

Yeah i also moved schools because of that reason.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: JZou276 on January 08, 2021, 09:44:03 pm
lol, did you get in? what were your scores?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Einsteinium on January 08, 2021, 10:01:44 pm
lol, did you get in? what were your scores?
Whoops,
I am in year 8 in 2021.

I am doing the test in 6 months or so.

Sorry about the confusion
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Jaybird on January 09, 2021, 01:49:58 am
So I'm year 9 this year (2021) and considering applying for JMSS. Any advice? Already on planning doing Hendersons. Also, how similar would it be to a scholarship exam?
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: JZou276 on January 09, 2021, 12:17:51 pm
Hi,
I'm in Year 9 as well, but I think the maths test will be around the same. The exams are still provided by Edutest. The only difference is the science stuff.1
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Sanju271 on February 11, 2021, 10:40:24 pm
Hi
My name is abhi and I am going to sit for SHS this year . Sorry to hear that you did not able to make to SHS even you got three superiors. 5% rule is really a killer rule.

Can you please advise me the best books or texts for each one of verbal, numerical , reading and maths tests preparations. Also, which coaching is best - like james ann Henderson etc

Regards
Abhi
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Alomoac on February 12, 2021, 12:04:00 pm
Hi
My name is abhi and I am going to sit for SHS this year . Sorry to hear that you did not able to make to SHS even you got three superiors. 5% rule is really a killer rule.

Can you please advise me the best books or texts for each one of verbal, numerical , reading and maths tests preparations. Also, which coaching is best - like james ann Henderson etc

Regards
Abhi

the best text book is jayce battalones
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Meg210706 on February 13, 2021, 08:23:19 am
Hey so I sat the selective test last year and I got into Mghs with 3 sups and a high average. Only 2 people in my entire cohort sat the test and I was the only one to make it in. As many people have mentioned before me I think your school really impacts whether you get an offer or not but of course that doesn’t mean that just because you go to a non competitive school you can slack off a bit, you still need to receive at least 2 or more superiors and no averages to get an offer.

Personally, practice tests are the best way to prepare. After you’ve learnt the basics of the year 10 curriculum I suggest that you either sign up for a tutor who supplies practice tests such as James An or buy online practice tests from workshops like Hendersons.

This might sound a little hypocritical but last years test was nothing like the practice papers I had done in the past, all of the tests except Reading Comp were insanely different and numerical and maths really stuffed me up since I wasn’t fully prepared for the questions they gave. I won’t repeat what the questions were since a couple of people already explained them in detail before me.

Many people probably have told you not to try and work towards a mark out of 60 but my tutor would always tel me to aim for a 100% in every test so that I’d end up with say 40/60 or something along those lines which should be enough to gain u a spot for a superior but in the end it dose really depend on how the rest of the students do on the test. For example, I absolutely ruined the math test haha I guessed like 20 questions and perhaps all the other students found it hard as well because I ended up getting a superior on it and even tho I found the numerical hard too, everyone else did way better than me and I ended up with a high average.

Just because you don’t get an offer for a school doesn’t mean that you aren’t intelligent or worthy. More often than not the 5% rule is quite harsh and I know lots of people who were worthy of achieving a spot that didn’t make it even with 4 superiors.

Not getting into a selective school isn’t the end of the world and honestly there are so many private or even public schools out there that receive nearly If not the same atar results as selective schools.

I hope everyone who sits the test this year gets to do it in June unlike last year lol if anyone needs some practice tests or advice I’ll be happy to help :)

Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: JZou276 on February 13, 2021, 05:54:34 pm
yep, you are correct. I got the same as score as you but didn't get in.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ureba on February 27, 2021, 05:54:34 pm
Hey everyone!! I read the whole thing on this thread and wanted to ask if anyone is giving the test for 2022?? Drop some tips and topics you should cover for the test as I am giving the test this year too!!
Hoping to get some replies!! :))
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Sanju271 on March 01, 2021, 11:52:31 pm
Hi Ureba
I am going to sit for selective school test in 2022.

Will be very thankful to you, if you can give me some tips, especially for verbal reasoning and writing .

Thanks in advance

Sonu
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ureba on March 04, 2021, 07:28:19 am
I am also personally stuck with verbal reasoning and writing lol but I do know that you should read novels and then learn the vocabulary in them or see how verbs, adjectives, nouns, etc end in so when they ask for similar meanings for a word if it's from the same group like if both of them are verbs they are similar. You can see if they are verbs by how they end or start. Hope this makes sense in I am confusing!:/
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Einsteinium on March 25, 2021, 09:03:42 pm
Hi, I am also doing the test this year. Actually quite nervous but I know I have put in the work and effort and I will continue to do so. I go to JAC and I am doing better in verbal reasoning than numerical reasoning even though this week it was the opposite. I did badly in verbal but excellent in numerical. I just did Henderson numerical reasoning before that and I don't know if it was because of that or not but yeah. Yay Hendersons I guess🥳. For writing, I just write an essay a week for JAC and they mark it so I am improving that. Although you can just post it on the writing sub-post( I don't know what it is called sorry, if I find out I will put it in) and they will give you tips to improve. Hope that lead helped.😊✌️👍😎😂😇
Hope we all get in.
😀
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: sj33584 on March 31, 2021, 05:58:19 pm
what to study for maths and how to write analytical at superior level
How many sups for mhs/nossal
Words for the test such as pique and random words
this is for year 8 into year 9 exam
1 superior for principals discretion
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Flight350 on May 09, 2021, 04:10:21 pm
hi pi,
please help me. i am in year 8 and my maths and English levels are currently year 8 level as well. the selective school I am applying for requires me to get a 60% in a year 10 advanced test as well as be the top 5% from my school, although I don't think anyone is applying from my school.  i only have 6 weeks to prepare for the test.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Einsteinium on May 09, 2021, 08:27:35 pm
hi pi,
please help me. I am in year 8 and my maths and English levels are currently year 8 level as well. the selective school I am applying for requires me to get a 60% in a year 10 advanced test as well as be in the top 5% from my school, although I don't think anyone is applying from my school.  i only have 6 weeks to prepare for the test.
Hi,
I know I am not pi but pi isn't around much anymore. The best advice I can give for your situation is just to try your best. Most people including me have been preparing since last year and that is a massive advantage. Don't give up tho. Just reading through ATAR notes will be a big advantage for the test. I recommend learning how to handle time pressure and just learn as much as you can.

Also, I hope this link helps. It helped me a ton.
https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=193899.0

Good luck.
Hope you get in. I'm also doing the test his year so stress levels are high. Haha :D
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Vrari on May 17, 2021, 09:29:18 pm
Hi, I am a year 9 student doing the Nossal exam to get into year 10 in 2022. I know spaces are limited, however, I still want to try. I tried to find practice papers, but they are for the year 8s going into year 9s. I also searched youtube but they only speak about year 8s going into year 9s too xD I don't know where I could get any information about this. I want to know what sorts of things will come for the year 10 exams for Literacy, verbal, writing and math. I don't know what I should be expecting, does anyone have an idea? I would also like to know what sorts of things (topics) there will be for maths.
Thanks :)
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: TRYHARD6666 on May 18, 2021, 09:13:27 pm
Most people havent been studying from last year tho im guessing 25% of people havent done any studying and maybe 15% have done since last year
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: CurryMan22 on May 31, 2021, 04:34:05 pm
Does anyone know if this year there is 2 essays or just one because the Hendersons practice one only had 1 30 minute one
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: AnxiousInd on June 01, 2021, 09:06:21 pm
I think it is only one 30 min piece which is either creative or persuasive, much like Hendersons.
Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: Selective User on October 12, 2021, 07:30:55 pm
Hi All (particularly people who did the Victorian selective exam last year),

I am doing the SHS test this year to go to Nossal High school, from year 8 to year 9. Like last year, the test has been postponed three times already and the writing has been taken out. The date has not been confirmed yet, but it is soon and I think it will go ahead now because they cant postpone it more than November and the vaccine rates are high. I was wanting to ask some questions regarding the exam:

1. What would be a good score for the exams? I know that the test is only compared with other students, but is there some passing score or a number of superiors you need to obtain in order to get in? Can you get in with only 1 or 2?

2. Is it true that the reasoning exams (numeric and verbal) are worth more than the achievement tests (maths and reading ​comp)?

3. What tuitions are good? I go to a less-known tuition, North shore coaching college, and James an. I feel the tests at james an are all pretty accurate except for verbal (it is quite easy), whereas north shore has easy maths/numeric tests, but the verbal/reading are reasonably accurate. I read that James An has accurate maths and numerical, and hendersons has accurate reading/verbal.

4. Is james an similar to the real exam - is it harder or easier etc? I heard that james an is easy and hendersons is harder than it, but is that true? Also, has anyone else gone to north shore coaching college before?

5. Could anybody who has done the exam before please make a short test of 5 questions for the 4 subjects that would suit how the real test is? If not, could you at least tell me how hard they are?

6. For maths, I have heard different things at different places - some say all you need to know is basic year 9 math (like pythagoras, basic trig, statistics like mean, mode, IQR etc , factorising, quadratic graphs and financial interest). Others say that you need to spend ages studying for it and only got raw scores of 35/60 or so.

7. For reading comp, both my tuitions make it quite hard, but everywhere I read that it is so easy in the test and the texts were pretty short? The test should be similar to the 2020 one because there are similar circumstances, right?

8. What is the hardest test of the lot? How is the best way to study for it? I have got some notes for maths and have some word definitions for verbal, which I ask my parents to test me on? How can you study for numerical (I heard you can't really study for it)

9. Lastly (sorry if this entire post is long-winded), since there are only 4 subjects now, if you get only 2 superiors, do you have a chance of getting in?


Could someone who got in please post their scores if you would feel comfortable to? I would really appreciate a quick response as the exam is drawing very near. Thank you! :) :D
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Title: Re: Last minute tips for the selective school exams
Post by: ani2022 on February 08, 2022, 09:42:07 am
I also got all superiors and got into the school of my choice. I wanted to share my experience on the exam and some tips and tricks so see below for a Youtube video I made.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5xPea-Q4xY