Melbourne High exam 2013 statistics:

[marcus11]

Hi, I am a year 8 student who will undertake the Melb. High exam very soon. I already know what to study and I am well prepared, however, I would like to know some statistics for the 2013 exam (competitors (mainly boys)), scores needed to pass (how many superiors, high averages and above averages needed (it would help if past Melb. High students told me their results)), what the approximate average scores are for each section and what I am to expect. I would appreciate some quick responses, as the exam is very soon.

[REBORN]

I had 5 Superiors, 1 Above Average. But I had friends who came in with 2 superiors and I also think it's dependent on your school (3% rule?) unless that's changed.

In terms of numerical marks, no idea. Just do the best you can and let the numbers sort themselves out. GOOD LUCK!

[pi]

I think I had the same as ssNake, it's been a while haha

[Shenz0r]

I did the exam in 2008, but I do know that the administration does not give you back marks. So you will never know the "average scores" for each section. And to be honest, it doesn't make a difference anyway; if you're well prepared, statistics do not mean anything.

Each year, over 1500 boys sit the exam. The scores required to get in are different for every school. I went to Rowville Secondary, and I only needed one superior, two above averages and three high averages to get into the school. I have a friend who also had no superiors and got in. However, this is only the case for really bad schools. If you went to a school like Glen Waverley or Brentwood, people needed at least three or four superiors to get into the school from what I've been told.

My advice? Do your best, focus on exam technique, and don't think about the chances of getting in or not.

[marcus11]

Thanks for the response. I'm pretty sure it has changed to the 5% rule now. I think no one in my school is going but they may be lying! I go to an academically poor school so the benchmark should be pretty low. Thanks for the quick feedback.

[marcus11]

Do you guys know the number of questions in reading comp. , numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and mathematics are? I know the time limits but I am getting different answers in my research.

[thevujic42]

Verbal Reasoning - 60
Mathematics - 60
Reading Comprehension - 50
Numerical Reasoning - 50

[pi]

Verbal Reasoning - 60
Mathematics - 60
Reading Comprehension - 50
Numerical Reasoning - 50

What do you mean by this?

[marcus11]

What do you mean by this?

It's the number of questions in each section. Thanks thevujic42.

[sin0001]

What do you mean by this?

No. Of questions in the respective section

[pi]

Oh ok, my apologies didn't read your question first.

[Sach1_K]

I got 3 superiors 2 maths and verbal
My friend got no superiors and made it in. No discretion or anything either.

[Shenz0r]

Also, just as a last minute thing. While this may be the first "high-pressure" sort of exam that you sit, don't approach it with the mindset that your life will be shit if you don't get in MHS (obviously, it'll be nice if you get accepted though!). I know I did and that increased my stress levels leading up to the exam. It didn't help with so many parents (predominantly Asian) at the venue either.

Looking back at it all, the entrance exam is actually a poor indicator of future academic ability.

[marcus11]

Thanks for the feedback. Another question: What do you guys think the hardest part of the section was in your opinion?

Also, just as a last minute thing. While this may be the first "high-pressure" sort of exam that you sit, don't approach it with the mindset that your life will be shit if you don't get in MHS (obviously, it'll be nice if you get accepted though!). I know I did and that increased my stress levels leading up to the exam. It didn't help with so many parents (predominantly Asian) at the venue either.

Looking back at it all, the entrance exam is actually a poor indicator of future academic ability.

Totally agree with you. Too many students are under pressure to succeed in the exam and probably lowers their academic skills in the exam.

[pi]

Thanks for the feedback. Another question: What do you guys think the hardest part of the section was in your opinion?

From a recent thread:

I personally found verbal reasoning to be the hardest area of the exam. Two words I actually remember coming up were "jihad" and "segue", the former of which I had no idea what it meant. But yeah, verbal reasoning (and English in general, I was never good at it and am still pretty bad) was the hardest for me.

Good luck!