ATAR Notes: Forum

National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: IndefatigableLover on October 27, 2012, 11:16:12 pm

Title: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on October 27, 2012, 11:16:12 pm: You know it's been an amazing journey these past two years. I've seen this guide grow from nothing to just over 20,000 views :O
However due to the fact that this has been racking up a lot of views and then the majority of people are viewing it... I think it's about time I deleted it so that everything remains as it was before.

It's unfortunate I know but I've always had this itching thought on the back of my mind ever since I entered the school with this guide and I believe letting go is the best option for me, for the school and ultimately for you as a person. I know if you're reading this then you can easily get into the school. You're one of those kids that are passionate about the sciences and work hard towards your dream goal. With that attitude, you'll be able to get into the school. Just stay true to yourself really.

So that's it from me. Hope everyone has a great day and for the people trying out for JMSS then sorry for deleting the guide but it's for your own good. If you're passionate about the sciences then I'm sure that will carry you through 8)

Oh yeah and I'd also like to thank each and everyone of you who has complimented my guide as well as the users who I've managed to meet through AN. Stay awesome guys! :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Truck on October 27, 2012, 11:29:08 pm: It's a shame nobody who sits the test has done Unit 4 Chemistry or they would nail the question on reaction rates, lol.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Bhootnike on October 27, 2012, 11:32:10 pm: Slick post dude! sure this will be very useful for future applicants! thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on October 30, 2012, 05:56:56 pm: (Sorry for bringing this up)
A few edits to this page including the added information for 'Group Assessed Tasks' and 'Logic Quizzes.'
These tasks do change annually mind you but will be similar in terms of areas in which they would like to assess you.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on November 15, 2012, 08:14:56 pm: Should be the last update but my results came in on 14/11/12 after my test on 28/7/12 and I have posted it above to make this guide credible. Also added 'Names' for the topics that are assessed (which are in orange) :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Schoyo on December 20, 2012, 01:19:29 am: Nice guide. I'm sure it'll help a lot of people. :)

One thing to add though about the interview is that you should also elaborate on extra-curricular participation because the school promotes participation in all aspects not just study. Talk about any sport, music or unique extra-curricular activities you participate in and the interviewer might bring up how John Monash can facilitate your interests. They did in my case anyway.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on December 28, 2012, 01:49:24 pm: Quote from: Yin on December 20, 2012, 01:19:29 am
Nice guide. I'm sure it'll help a lot of people. :)

One thing to add though about the interview is that you should also elaborate on extra-curricular participation because the school promotes participation in all aspects not just study. Talk about any sport, music or unique extra-curricular activities you participate in and the interviewer might bring up how John Monash can facilitate your interests. They did in my case anyway.
Holy crap didn't see this T_T
But you're right, do elaborate on extra-curricular participation if you have any. If you know a bit about about JMSS itself then it'll help you out tremendously because you can interweave your answers with how JMSS can do this to help you.
However, questions do vary between which person you get interviewed by (so the opportunity may not arise) but one trend is that they look through your portfolio of achievements so you can elaborate through there (not the best place though since they do it quickly but something that all interviewees do).
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Scooby on December 29, 2012, 03:46:07 pm: Guys, about the entrance exam - I did nowhere near as well as IndefatigableLover and got in. Don't think you need a superior in every section. I know it's a bit more competitive now, but you still won't need to be that good :P

I'm pretty sure I got a low average in science communication... ::)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on December 29, 2012, 07:50:13 pm: Quote from: Scooby on December 29, 2012, 03:46:07 pm
Guys, about the entrance exam - I did nowhere near as well as IndefatigableLover and got in. Don't think you need a superior in every section. I know it's a bit more competitive now, but you still won't need to be that good :P

I'm pretty sure I got a low average in science communication... ::)
Woah and look at you now Scooby ;)
But in all serious he's right... might put a mention in the guide but I haven't exactly found benchmarks (marks needed to pass) for the exam as of yet since JMSS didn't really tell anyone about getting results. Though I felt the benchmark was slightly lower than MHS/Mac.Rob to get into interviews (I'm saying interviews since majority of people got interviews rather than straight entry) but it's a bit hard to find out... will update when I find out a bit more so stay tuned.

(Off-topic note but I did the exam in July but found out my results in Mid-November at the earliest :P)

On the other hand, you won't be needing superiors in every section as your interview/portfolio will be added towards your exam mark so don't go claiming, "My life's over because I failed the exam" etc. because you'll be graded on your interview/portfolio as well!
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: yoursSincerely on April 16, 2013, 08:37:04 pm: This is really helpful,
im planning on taking it this year, if its not too much trouble could i please have like, exactly what maths to study, for example year 9 or 10 or both, and also could i please have well known umm science topics or like problems in todays society for the essay.
Thankyou :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: A Fish Climbing A Tree on April 27, 2013, 03:07:34 pm: Hello there fellow John Monash Student/ Class mate/ Friend. Nice post regarding tips on getting into John Monash. But one thing I would definitely advise, especially when sitting for ANY exam, is to prepare months ahead and use the two/three days before the the John Monash Exam to relax, rest, and revise. You can't "learn" anything in one week, and so prepare early to build a strong basis. Luckily for me, I didn't even know I was sitting for the JMSS exam until the very day, but it was due to pre-preparation and years of learning I was able to get in with 5 superiors.

Also, in the interview, be honest. I was asked 'Are you going to school after this interview?'. Well firstly, I wasn't in school uniform and instead of stressing about making excuses, just diverge the question into a conversation. And trust me, it works, considering it was the principal what interviewed me.

Good luck with all future students who wish to try out for JMSS!!! :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Tiredofexams on May 03, 2013, 03:14:36 pm: Hi

This is very helpful. Thanks for posting. Since you mentioned MHS, Mac Rob select entry tests, am curious as to whether I need to follow the same essay formats as for those exams or since it is science topics, I can choose any format relevant to it. is one topic on issues and other on what you know on science. Pls reply if you have time to.Thanks dude.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: pi on May 11, 2013, 05:43:57 pm: Quote from: Tiredofexams on May 03, 2013, 03:14:36 pm
Hi

This is very helpful. Thanks for posting. Since you mentioned MHS, Mac Rob select entry tests, am curious as to whether I need to follow the same essay formats as for those exams or since it is science topics, I can choose any format relevant to it. is one topic on issues and other on what you know on science. Pls reply if you have time to.Thanks dude.

Similar format, but no science. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/secondary/Pages/practicetests.aspx

In terms of essay topics, back in my day (which was a while ago now haha) is was one topic on an issue (so "argumentative") and one creative topic. I think it's still the same deal now.

Spoiler
On a side note, Re: your username, buddy you haven't even met exams yet :P
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Xue on May 16, 2013, 12:16:28 am: Nice post man, it's about my tenth time reading this, but yeh, really helpful LOL great job... #fighting ;)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Robert243 on May 20, 2013, 08:36:25 pm: great post dude im doing this test this year , just wondering did u do the melbourne high test , becuase i did it last year and just missed out. Also do i need to be a genius in science to get in , or can i just know the science i learn at school to get in . thanks man hopefully ur post helps me
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on May 22, 2013, 06:57:20 pm: Alright so it’s a month away till the exam… are you all pumped for it? ;)

No but seriously for anyone that has applied for the JMSS exam (Year 10 entry), you’ve got a month left and time is ticking by. The days are getting shorter and in no time we’ll reach June 22nd.
Don’t be scared that we’re approaching this date though! Don’t worry that time is running out and don’t fret about making/failing the exam. Just try your best and if you’re happy with the effort that you’ve put in then you’ll surely get accepted (along with passion for Maths/Science).

I know most of you guys taking this exam have prepared for it (you’re reading this guide now LOL) but don’t slow down! You’re so close to the finish line so don’t ease up just yet! Once when you’re a week or two away from the actual test day, start to ease off studying because I don’t want you guys to burn out just from studying for this exam… have a rest and sleep. It’s one of the recommended ways in preparing for the exam and on the actual day of the exam, just have a quick skim over your notes and so forth but nothing too serious that’ll screw your head over. And when you’re doing the exam, don’t be nervous or feel anxious as that’ll put you off BIG TIME. Getting rid of those negative thoughts is vital because you’d just be restricting your potential and so forth.

I know most of you guys have questions so if you do then do PM me and I’ll try to answer them to the best that I can! And if you’re wondering why I haven’t answered the questions on this guide… that’s because I’ve answered them through PM’s (to prevent clutter on this guide).
Best of luck to you all :)

Also a shout out to the Year 10’s trying out for Year 11 entry! I know what you’ve been through and the exam is in 10 days but don’t let last years’ experience haunt you… Learn from that experience and make sure that you don’t make the same mistake! Hopefully you know (reflect about your experience) where you went wrong and work on those weaknesses and you should be fine.
Wish you guys all the best (:
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Miss_nacii101 on June 22, 2013, 10:55:10 pm: I was one of the 1055 students who did the exam today. I just want to say thank you so so much for your helpful guide. It gave me a sense of direction on what to study and what to be prepared for :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: KyubixD on June 24, 2013, 10:43:17 pm: Hi! I also participated in the exam on June 22nd, it was quite easy! I was just wondering how did you know that there was 1055 people?? Because it didnt seem like it.. =='
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Miss_nacii101 on June 28, 2013, 06:17:14 pm: There was a sign that said 800-1055 ;)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Codobox on July 17, 2013, 09:45:07 am: Has anybody heard anything about an interview yet? O.o
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: GeniDoi on July 19, 2013, 05:20:06 pm: Quote from: Codobox on July 17, 2013, 09:45:07 am
Has anybody heard anything about an interview yet? O.o

I'm not sure about others (IndefatigeableLover can confirm) but I got my interview email for JMSS on the 15th of august, and we had our exam one week later than you guys, so theres still 2-3 weeks before you should be getting the email. Make sure to check your inbox and spam as much as often as possible! I had a friend who sat the test, got an interview email but didn't see it because it landed in his junk mail, so his spot was forfeited after a week.

Best of luck :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: IndefatigableLover on July 19, 2013, 08:00:55 pm: Quote from: Codobox on July 17, 2013, 09:45:07 am
Has anybody heard anything about an interview yet? O.o
LOL I actually didn't see this so sorry for the late reply Codobox but I'll do a bit of 'investigation.'
So like GeniDoi said before, last year we got given our interviews fairly quickly but that was because there was no school holidays... I say this because Edutest correct the tests before sending them back to JMSS for 'analysis by senior JMSS staff' Source.
Although people could work in the school holidays, the most senior (or important ones like principal/assistant principals) were away on a Science Fair trip beginning 2nd week of the holidays whilst preparing for it the week before so they'd have no time to analyse it just yet so (my hunch) you'd expect it in the next fortnight by the earliest LOL

Again this is just pure speculation and from my own understanding of things so don't take them too seriously :P
Quote from: GeniDoi on July 19, 2013, 05:20:06 pm
I'm not sure about others (IndefatigeableLover can confirm) but I got my interview email for JMSS on the 15th of august, and we had our exam one week later than you guys, so theres still 2-3 weeks before you should be getting the email. Make sure to check your inbox and spam as much as often as possible! I had a friend who sat the test, got an interview email but didn't see it because it landed in his junk mail, so his spot was forfeited after a week.
Might just point out one thing. Firstly we did the exam not a week but a month and a week before (our exam was in July whilst there's was in June) but yes those are some good points that you mentioned GeniDoi (although my JMSS one wasn't in my junk mail, my MHS one was so do beware).
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Codobox on July 20, 2013, 04:55:24 pm: Thanks!!! :D
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: united_007 on July 26, 2013, 07:05:20 pm: Hi guys

I received a call from Melbourne high school for an interview for year 10 entrance next week. Can someone please advise me what its like. I have been told that it will go for an hour and 45 mins and we will be interviewed as pairs in a group of six and participate in group activity. Lastly there will be a one on one with senior staff.

Anything else I should be prepared for or what type of group activities will there be?
Thanks
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Awesome Username on August 19, 2013, 04:39:29 pm: Why hasn't this thread been stickied?
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: pi on August 19, 2013, 09:19:06 pm: Quote from: Awesome Username on August 19, 2013, 04:39:29 pm
Why hasn't this thread been stickied?

Because there is a link to it in this multi-purpose thread: Useful links and posts regarding select-entry school tests
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Hannibal on May 05, 2014, 07:29:20 am: Quote from: SKGUN11 on May 04, 2014, 09:57:35 pm
Hey Everyone,
I respect indefatigable lover's reason for deleting this post and really appreciate all the help from PM each other! :D Thanks!! :D

However, it has occurred that everywhere I search, it comes with links to your guide because it is extremely assisting. Haha, I am trying for JMSS this year and I when I saw that it was taken off, I was like.... NOOOOOOOO! :)

Does ANYONE remember anything from the guide? Anything at all? Or anything to rlly help me?
Bullet, Butterscotch and Indefatigable Lover are all brilliant with their advice, it is just always when I look for further help, it links me to this guide! Haha, any help will be appreciated!!

Thanks :D
I doubt there was anything on their you don't know, it was just written in an inspirational way :P.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: RAJ0001 on January 30, 2016, 01:30:49 pm: Hey Guyz, I am trying out for the John Monash Science School Entrance Exam this year. I would like to know what to expect during the exam.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Sil on January 31, 2016, 02:38:58 pm: Quote from: RAJ0001 on January 30, 2016, 01:30:49 pm
Hey Guyz, I am trying out for the John Monash Science School Entrance Exam this year. I would like to know what to expect during the exam.

Year 9->10 entry or Year 10->11 entry?
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: osporth on March 04, 2016, 09:05:59 am: Quote from: RAJ0001 on January 30, 2016, 01:30:49 pm
Hey Guyz, I am trying out for the John Monash Science School Entrance Exam this year. I would like to know what to expect during the exam.

Hey if you're trying for year 10 I would highly recommend creating a testing thread to meet other potential year 10s. It was really cool knowing a bunch of people prior to going into the school and now we're all really good friends.
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: jin0016 on July 25, 2016, 05:01:27 pm: Hi Guys

I just wanted to know what you should study for the JMSS test and what are the components of the test? I am a year 8 student so I have another year to go. Is it harder than Melbourne High? If anyone goes to JMSS, can you tell me if it is a good school? Thanks!
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Kiririn on November 14, 2017, 02:28:51 pm: you're kinda late now :-\
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Orb on November 14, 2017, 09:15:03 pm: This was posted one and a half years ago.................... please check the dates :)
Title: Re: A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test
Post by: Abstheking on May 09, 2020, 07:56:50 pm: Hi, i am willing to write the exam for the John Monash Science school exam this year. It would be very helpful if you guys could send me some practice materials and give me some input on how the test feels like and how many people does JMSS take.
I am in year 9 and I go to Nossal High School, so I have already written the Selective entry high schools exam. Is this test similar to that or not?