ATAR Notes: Forum
National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: Robert243 on September 30, 2013, 08:10:44 pm
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Thanks you guys for reading and complimenting this guide and i've enjoyed helping a lot of you throughout the year . But due to the fact that there has been a lot of views , i'm starting to have an uneasy feeling that i'm providing some kids with an unfair advantage to others . I''ve also been extremely busy in the past couple of months and i don't see it getting any easier so i don't think i will have much time soon to provide many people with assistance . Moderators/administrators if you want feel free to delete this thread .
Have a great day everyone :)
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Really good guide!!!! Hopefully, it will prove to be useful for all future applicants! Good luck to anyone trying out for JMSS in the future!!
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Great guide! :)
Just one more thing on the essays: the topics are likely to be on a subject students will be able to describe/write about. Going through the fundamental topics covered in year 7 and 8 will also help (electricity was one we covered in the year 8 syllabus).
Good luck to all trying for JMSS! ;D
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Really Good Guide!
This really helps a lot! :)
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Really Good Guide!
This really helps a lot! :)
thanks
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Nice guide man! Sure it'll help a lot for all future applicants!
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Really Good Guide!
This really helps a lot! :)
Is it just me or are AN members getting younger and younger xD
It's good to see keen year 8s o.o
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pretty sure they didnt mark the group activities and only the interview
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pretty sure they didnt mark the group activities and only the interview
I think they did becuase there was a lady standing behing me writing on some piece of paper
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This guide is generally informal, which sets it difference from IndefatigableLover's one. Both are great guides, but I would say read the other one if you want a wholesome coverage on the whole process. This one is easy to read and serves as a summary to all the main things mentioned in the other thread.
Also, it's funny how all the skills that are assessed on the Mathematics section of the exam are simply retaught in Year 10 core maths. This year, I've slept through almost all of maths classes. I'm only awake when my teacher is explaining the history of maths or when we are discussing proofs for concepts. I'm pretty sure only my maths teacher does this though, because he's a theoretical physicist who is obsessed with proofs.
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It's good to see keen year 8s o.o
*scary
Also makes me feel really really old.
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*scary
Also makes me feel really really old.
Same dude
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I really don't understand who you feel old compared to, but ok.
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i feel old compared to the year 8's lol . Even thought was only year 8 was last year , it felt like such a long time ago :)
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Fantastic guide!!!
I remember how preparing for JMSS mostly consisted of reading everything on the internet that mentions the test. I went on yahoo and the information provided was a bit vague; so it was hallelujah when i found IndefatigableLover's post. Nevertheless, this guide is useful on its own agenda and future applicants should definitely use it!!!
I agree with how youtube videos can be a valuable resource of preparation. If anyone has heard of the Vlogbrothers (John Green & Hank Green), they'll have heard of their latest channel called CrashCourse. In a nutshell, the channel covers important topics in history, biology, chemistry, physics and literature. I highly recommend watching these videos and many other science dedicated channels like Vsauce and SciShow. Reading books that explains scientific concepts are also great. Bill Bryson has written a novel called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which literally delivers information from atoms to how plane works. I think this will help with the Science Interest and Communication part of the exam. The book explains science in a very neat and succinct manner whilst providing examples to intensify the reader's understanding. In scientific essays, the ability to provide examples is a must-have skill!!! Other important aspects that will be considered are; grammar, spelling, use of scientific language (instead of 'shiny' we use the term 'lustrous') and a fluid structure - quite a fundamental convention in essay writing.
The Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning section was a reminiscent of the MHS/Mac.R test - but slightly harder. You cannot study for Numerical Reasoning but you can train yourself to be better by doing maths puzzles. Knowing your roots/square numbers is also a great asset for identifying numerical patterns. Mathematics contains questions of different topics in maths from year 8-10. Data analysis, trigs, parabolas, Pythagorus, algebraic arithmetics, linear, quadratics, surds and ect.
Science Reasoning ranged from reading scientific passages and applying them to questions; analysing data and answering questions and determining the correct answer to a basic science question (e.g. which is element is most reactive? a. oxygen b.sodium c.nitrogen d. iron e. none of them) This is one of those tests that are unpredictable because it's a concoction of different subjects melded into one. Reading and analytical skills are crucial and understanding basic science fundamentals is also important. My example question was one of the questions from this year's test. For me, this question was easy as I know that sodium is highly reactive when exposed to oxygen. Some people may have to do a little thinking - they could cancel oxygen and nitrogen out as they are nobel gases. Between Iron and Sodium, people could take an educated guess and pick sodium.
An important thing to keep in mind is that selective entry tests are aptitude tests. It's designed so you can't 100% prepare for it and JMSS specifically made it to filter out; those who really love science from those who only wants to get accepted because it's a selective entry school.
Lastly, the test is not overly difficult and people shouldn't stress much about it. There are going to be 'those' questions that'll induce a moment of mental blank, but overall; if you know the maths and science that is required at your year level, then you're good to go.
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Fantastic guide!!!
I remember how preparing for JMSS mostly consisted of reading everything on the internet that mentions the test. I went on yahoo and the information provided was a bit vague; so it was hallelujah when i found IndefatigableLover's post. Nevertheless, this guide is useful on its own agenda and future applicants should definitely use it!!!
I agree with how youtube videos can be a valuable resource of preparation. If anyone has heard of the Vlogbrothers (John Green & Hank Green), they'll have heard of their latest channel called CrashCourse. In a nutshell, the channel covers important topics in history, biology, chemistry, physics and literature. I highly recommend watching these videos and many other science dedicated channels like Vsauce and SciShow. Reading books that explains scientific concepts are also great. Bill Bryson has written a novel called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which literally delivers information from atoms to how plane works. I think this will help with the Science Interest and Communication part of the exam. The book explains science in a very neat and succinct manner whilst providing examples to intensify the reader's understanding. In scientific essays, the ability to provide examples is a must-have skill!!! Other important aspects that will be considered are; grammar, spelling, use of scientific language (instead of 'shiny' we use the term 'lustrous') and a fluid structure - quite a fundamental convention in essay writing.
The Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning section was a reminiscent of the MHS/Mac.R test - but slightly harder. You cannot study for Numerical Reasoning but you can train yourself to be better by doing maths puzzles. Knowing your roots/square numbers is also a great asset for identifying numerical patterns. Mathematics contains questions of different topics in maths from year 8-10. Data analysis, trigs, parabolas, Pythagorus, algebraic arithmetics, linear, quadratics, surds and ect.
Science Reasoning ranged from reading scientific passages and applying them to questions; analysing data and answering questions and determining the correct answer to a basic science question (e.g. which is element is most reactive? a. oxygen b.sodium c.nitrogen d. iron e. none of them) This is one of those tests that are unpredictable because it's a concoction of different subjects melded into one. Reading and analytical skills are crucial and understanding basic science fundamentals is also important. My example question was one of the questions from this year's test. For me, this question was easy as I know that sodium is highly reactive when exposed to oxygen. Some people may have to do a little thinking - they could cancel oxygen and nitrogen out as they are nobel gases. Between Iron and Sodium, people could take an educated guess and pick sodium.
An important thing to keep in mind is that selective entry tests are aptitude tests. It's designed so you can't 100% prepare for it and JMSS specifically made it to filter out; those who really love science from those who only wants to get accepted because it's a selective entry school.
Lastly, the test is not overly difficult and people shouldn't stress much about it. There are going to be 'those' questions that'll induce a moment of mental blank, but overall; if you know the maths and science that is required at your year level, then you're good to go.
:) some great advice their
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Good guide man , i am doing the exam next year can you please tell me what types of topics ill need to study for the essay .
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Good guide man , i am doing the exam next year can you please tell me what types of topics ill need to study for the essay .
You can't just 'study' for the essay section. The science essays for jmss are unpredictable, and hence, requires strong basic knowledge of science beforehand. I suggest you just revise over your school's science textbooks. Also read articles on science based websites (http://www.sciencealert.com.au/ ).
Good luck
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I think more importantly, you need to know how write well, and be able to express yourself clearly and coherently. (Crucial for science writing)
I don't think they expect people to throw these huge scientific words in, and explaining first year uni science.... from what I've heard from others, It changes every year so I would be ashame if all that study did go to waste.
I think JMSS want to see what you are capable of, not what you already know. It wouldn't hurt exposing yourself to some science study, but the key here is they wanna see how you think. How you can approach the prompt, logically, rationally, creatively etc. They want to see potential.
So I think writing essays, make sure your structure is solid. Try it out in test conditions as from what I hear, they give you like 30 mins (or was it 15?) to write an essay.
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I think more importantly, you need to know how write well, and be able to express yourself clearly and coherently. (Crucial for science writing)
I don't think they expect people to throw these huge scientific words in, and explaining first year uni science.... from what I've heard from others, It changes every year so I would be ashame if all that study did go to waste.
I think JMSS want to see what you are capable of, not what you already know. It wouldn't hurt exposing yourself to some science study, but the key here is they wanna see how you think. How you can approach the prompt, logically, rationally, creatively etc. They want to see potential.
So I think writing essays, make sure your structure is solid. Try it out in test conditions as from what I hear, they give you like 30 mins (or was it 15?) to write an essay.
Good news ^.^ it's 30 min for each essay.
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guys does anyone know how to find out our exam results ?
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guys does anyone know how to find out our exam results ?
Towards the start of next year in Term 1 there's like a form you fill in to get your results. If you don't fill it in then you don't (it's not really an 'official' form but that's what happened with my year). If not, just ask/call reception I guess (maybe on Orientation Day or something I dunno LOL)
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Towards the start of next year in Term 1 there's like a form you fill in to get your results. If you don't fill it in then you don't (it's not really an 'official' form but that's what happened with my year). If not, just ask/call reception I guess (maybe on Orientation Day or something I dunno LOL)
Thanks mate
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In the interview try to talk about the application of science today. I quoted so Socrates and Aristotle at least seven times through the interview and I also talked about MRI's which convinced them that I knew science beyond a schooling level.
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Haha, pretty much these were the questions asked. And I did say I wanted to go into the medical field. If you know how to elaborate as to why you want to be a doctor, dentist etc then you'll be fine. Oh and medicine is an applied science (if I'm correct?) so jmss is probably one of the best schools to be at to aim for med
true, but I have heard that JMSS has a lot of students aiming for medical and not enough students exploring other sciences.
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true, but I have heard that JMSS has a lot of students aiming for medical and not enough students exploring other sciences.
There are quite a few people who do have the intentions of doing something in the health and allied fields but there are quite a number of people who want to do other things that aren't related to those field (E.g Theoretical Physicist, actuaries, engineers etc.). I know there's quite a few people interested in becoming lawyers (for pharmaceutical companies) as well. In the end there are probably a lot of people aiming for Medicine but in the end it evens out across the board in the field of science, maths, technology (and even in the arts as well [after JMSS some people may indeed like Humanities better]).
This is sort of distinguishable within the science electives you have in Year 10 (people choose what they enjoy :P)
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why have you deleted the questions they asked Usual Student .
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why have you deleted the questions they asked Usual Student .
IndefatigableLover recommended that I did. I could send them to you but I am not sure if it is a good idea to make them public.
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Hi guys ,
I have updated this thread and added a few things to it . I have added my results which came to me today .
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for the interviews, does every single student need to go for it? Like for example, u had quite a lot of superiors, did u still need to go to an interview, or did you just get in straight away? :-\
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for the interviews, does every single student need to go for it? Like for example, u had quite a lot of superiors, did u still need to go to an interview, or did you just get in straight away? :-\
Yes every single student must have an interview to get in straight away .
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wait so does every single student who passed the exam need to go for an interview? Regardless of their score? Or...?
AHH I am confused :( :( :( Help :(
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Yes.
Passing the test =/= entry
Passing the test = getting invited back for an interview
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[HELP]
how did you sign up for the volunteer work? because I would like to do some of that stuff, but i dont know where to go to look for them.. :(
and also, Im interested/passionate in medical and you know, doctor stuff. would JMSS be the right place for me?
Thankyou!! really good guide as well!!!! :)
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Well basically , i did my volunteer work at a doctors office . The only reason i was allowed to do it because i had family friends who were in charge of the clinic . I didn't do anything much , just sorted out documents . But you can do community service in many different places . However i don't think it really matters , so don't stress about it too much .
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Wait So... Does that mean that regardless if your successful or not, you will still receive an interview. Sorry guys i am actually blank.
P.S applying for John Monash Science School 2015
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Wait So... Does that mean that regardless if your successful or not, you will still receive an interview. Sorry guys i am actually blank.
P.S applying for John Monash Science School 2015
You still need to pass a certain mark (let's call that the benchmark) and you'll be offered an interview. Logically it wouldn't make sense if JMSS were to interview all the applicants if they were successful or not considering there's around about 900+ applicants every year since it would be a waste of time plus then what would be the point of the exam? :P
Good luck with everything though waftj!
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Hey. I am doing the exam this year so it would be great if you could suggest me some topics to study for.
Thanks :)
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Hey. I am doing the exam this year so it would be great if you could suggest me some topics to study for.
Thanks :)
Hey, these are the topics I have studied so far: *Please show up on exam* :P
Biology - Cells, Evolution, Anatomy, Classification
Chemistry - Matter, Atoms, Periodic Table, Chemical reactions
Physics - Motion, Electricity, Light, Thermodynamics
Maths - Year 9 textbook chapters
Feel free to add, and best of luck on the test! ;)
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yes and like with Anatomy just study the Skeleton and the Muscles (Y) (CROSSING MY FINGERS IT WILL BE ON THE EXAM) Hahaha good luck to everyone :))
P.S i'm sure most of us did anatomy for health class at school
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wait... is this the yr 9 test for yr 8's??
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wait... is this the yr 9 test for yr 8's??
John Monash is for students in yr. 9 trying out for yr. 10
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I'm really scared for JMSS exam this year. There is going to be so much competition :-X
Can anyone tell me how many people get selected for an interview and what you need to get to receive an interview? :D
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I'm really scared for JMSS exam this year. There is going to be so much competition :-X
Can anyone tell me how many people get selected for an interview and what you need to get to receive an interview? :D
I think there is a certain cut off mark to get accepted for an interview.
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I hope I get an interview.................
At least an interview......
I didn't get into mhs last year because of my writing :(
How much time do you guys dedicate for jmss?
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I try to do 1-2 hours on weeknights and then like 3-4 on weekends. Probably not enough though, compared to the amount I've seen Hannibal studying :P
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Wow.........
I have no chance :(
How late do you guys stay up on weekdays?
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I also did 3-4 hours on weeknights and weekdays, staying up till like 10pm. But now, I am just revising and doing practise essays and exams.
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How late do you guys stay up on weekdays?
I usually get to sleep around 9:30 - 10ish on weekdays.
If I get home at about 4, have dinner around 6:30 - 7:00, I can easily fit in about 4 hours of study (2 before dinner and 2 after)
EDIT: Not that I do that much study... Pfft.
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Haha Rilin, my schedule has been pretty relaxed on weekdays
Monday - 1 hour
Tuesday/Wednesday - 3 hours
Thursday - 1 hour
Friday - 3 hours
Saturday - 6 hours (Record was 9... Went to the library at 11 and came home at 8 :P)
Sunday - 3 hours
Of course pile plenty of hours on top for homework/assignments -.-
I usually sleep at 10:30 :)
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These days, i am TRYING to sleep at 9pm and wake up at 6am, training for the day. Its soo hard tho :'(
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These days, i am TRYING to sleep at 9pm and wake up at 6am, training for the day. Its soo hard tho :'(
Waking up at 6am can be really hard...
The shower feels like a reward for getting out of bed when it's freezing cold though.
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Haha I normally have to get up at 3:50am on a Saturday so it's kinda a sleep in for me... Also guys for last minute study I don't know if it's relevant but
Earth sciences:
Rock formations
Space and basic astronomical terms
Just to add to previous list :))
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Oh man!! It's hard for me to sleep very early... :/
weekdays: 10:45-11:00pm
weekends: 11:00pm
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I try to go to sleep early and wake up early. You feel more refreshed in the morning.
Oh... and what I meant by hard wasn't that waking up early is hard. That's the easy part. Managing to get out of your bed on a really cold morning is tricky. You just want to curl up under your warm blanket because it can be so cold in the morning.
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I went to sleep at 7:20 on Saturday.. Although week before I was looking stuff up and it was 2am I vary a lot
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I tried to go to sleep at 7:30 - 8:30 but I ended up falling asleep at 10:00pm
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Great Study Guide Bullet! :D
Luckily I saved a copy of it on a word document :P
Even though I hardly followed the guide, I think the interview bit is important :D
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Great Study Guide Bullet! :D
Luckily I saved a copy of it on a word document :P
Even though I hardly followed the guide, I think the interview bit is important :D
Ahaha, I had the same idea after IndefatigableLover deleted their guide to copy this into a word document. :P
Good luck everybody with the interview! :D
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Haha Rilin, my schedule has been pretty relaxed on weekdays
Monday - 1 hour
Tuesday/Wednesday - 3 hours
Thursday - 1 hour
Friday - 3 hours
Saturday - 6 hours (Record was 9... Went to the library at 11 and came home at 8 :P)
Sunday - 3 hours
Of course pile plenty of hours on top for homework/assignments -.-
I usually sleep at 10:30 :)
Wow Hannibal, you study heaps! Nine hours?! :o I should really start doing that! ;D
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Wow Hannibal, you study heaps! Nine hours?! :o I should really start doing that! ;D
Don't worry, right now it's next to nothing on weekdays, and 2 hours on weekends :P.
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Wow! Am I the only one who didn't study for the entrance test?! I feel so lonely... anybody else like me? We can be friends at JMSS next year, aha :)
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Wow! Am I the only one who didn't study for the entrance test?! I feel so lonely... anybody else like me? We can be friends at JMSS next year, aha :)
You're not the only one!
I never did study for it!
All that helped was what I learned in school!
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haha same! There is nothing much to worry about if you don't study much or like hannibal lol :D
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Its really good to have a firm grasp of basic year 10 maths.
I kind of left the science writing tests to chance, but you need to be good at writing persuasively.
Good luck for all those who are trying out! :)
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haha same! There is nothing much to worry about if you don't study much or like hannibal lol :D
yeah, it is much easier than the mhs exam. And more fair as they interview you before they accept so they can determine if you're a well rounded student.
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yeah, it is much easier than the mhs exam. And more fair as they interview you before they accept so they can determine if you're a well rounded student.
yep,
if your marks are not spectacular on the exam, you can make it up in the interview. They really like all sorts of extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, Scouts, Cadets etc. Your NAPLAN and UNSW results help a lot (if they are good, like band 9 (year 7) or distinction/high distinction). Though this all helps, they are really looking for your passion in science (which they will look for in the interview) so get really good at answering questions such as What sort of science are you interested in? or Where do you see yourself 10 years in the future?. If you get in and want to do Methods, you will have to sit an exam (it was pretty easy) on basic year 10 maths, but you will probably have to choose between VCE physics and VCE methods cause they really don't like people doing 2 VCE in year 10.
Hope this helps!
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Can one of your pls share the word document - 'A guide to study for JMSS "? I could not find this attachement in this thread. If any of you have a copy, pls do share ,
Thanks,
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the author of the guide took it down as the examination for JMSS was nearing and that he thought it'd be an unfair advantage to students who didn't have the guide as a study resource. if you contact the author, it's possible he could summarize it for you in a PM.
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for the science essay, how long do we have?
im doing the test for year 10 entry in 2015 :)
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for the science essay, how long do we have?
im doing the test for year 10 entry in 2015 :)
25 minutes each with 5 minutes planning time for each! So all together 30mins each.
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can i get the guide
pleaseee
im trying for it
pleaseeee
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can i get the guide
pleaseee
im trying for it
pleaseeee
me too! well I'm not trying out
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I studied for JMSS day in and day out with specialised tutoring once a week. In the end, it didn't help much at all. The test attempts to measure your aptitute for science and mathematics. If you try to cheat the system, the system will cheat you - meaning you will have a very hard time trying to enjoy this school.
Guys don't sweat it. Seriously.
(But thats just my humble opinion. ::) )
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can i get the guide
pleaseee
im trying for it
pleaseeee
The user deleted the guide, no one can "see" it. Best of luck with your exam.
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Does anyone still have this guide? I know it got deleted but it would really help as I'm totally stuck on things to study!
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Are the writing format going to be similar to the one with selective high school???
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help with jmss
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What do you need to study for the JMSS for yr 11 entrance exam: like start from the being whats tests are there and what do I need to do in order to achieve the best I can possibly achieve?
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Thanks you guys for reading and complimenting this guide and i've enjoyed helping a lot of you throughout the year . But due to the fact that there has been a lot of views , i'm starting to have an uneasy feeling that i'm providing some kids with an unfair advantage to others . I''ve also been extremely busy in the past couple of months and i don't see it getting any easier so i don't think i will have much time soon to provide many people with assistance . Moderators/administrators if you want feel free to delete this thread .
Have a great day everyone :)
Where is this guide can u please post a link
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Oi if there anyone wants advice for next year's tryout, add me on discord "paulthekiller123#4251". Im making a server so i can help you guys out
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Oi if there anyone wants advice for next year's tryout, add me on discord "paulthekiller123#4251". Im making a server so i can help you guys out
Hey can you help me out, for yr 11 entrance
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Great guide! :)
Just one more thing on the essays: the topics are likely to be on a subject students will be able to describe/write about. Going through the fundamental topics covered in year 7 and 8 will also help (electricity was one we covered in the year 8 syllabus).
Good luck to all trying for JMSS! ;D
It doesn’t work!!!!