ATAR Notes: Forum

National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: ProbotMelbourne on January 02, 2019, 01:28:59 pm

Title: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 02, 2019, 01:28:59 pm
Hi,I’m giving the test in 6 months :-)!Need some tips for the selective entry exam,idk what else to study for the maths exam(learned parabolas,surds,sohcahtoa,etc).I think I’d be fine with maths and numerical reasoning.
Surprisingly,I’m able to finish an intro,3 paragraphs,a rebuttal{following Pi’s structure(recommended)} so I think I’m fine with persuasive as well,although it’s quality over quantity.
My grammar is trash,so I’ll try to improve on that.
I ain’t good at creative cause I love suspense books and I write suspense a lot,even if the topic is something not related to suspense(try to fit the topic in) and whenever someone is reading my essay,they don’t get what’s happening.I also feel like I’m focusing on the plot TOO much,I include hardly any description.Im REALLY bad at show not tell.
Don’t even get me started on reading comprehension,IM GARBAGE AT IT.Luckily there’s 50 questions instead of 60 lol.
I’ll try to fit in a high average for verbal reasoning.

Thanks for reading,and also any tips and tricks would be appreciated!I can’t find any practice tests on the net either,already done all the free ones!

Btw,I don’t go to JAC or Henderson’s,I go to Spectrum Tuition(really good for preparing in selective).

 
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 02, 2019, 03:09:42 pm
Hi,I’m giving the test in 6 months :-)!Need some tips for the selective entry exam,idk what else to study for the maths exam(learned parabolas,surds,sohcahtoa,etc).I think I’d be fine with maths and numerical reasoning.
Surprisingly,I’m able to finish an intro,3 paragraphs,a rebuttal{following Pi’s structure(recommended)} so I think I’m fine with persuasive as well,although it’s quality over quantity.
My grammar is trash,so I’ll try to improve on that.
I ain’t good at creative cause I love suspense books and I write suspense a lot,even if the topic is something not related to suspense(try to fit the topic in) and whenever someone is reading my essay,they don’t get what’s happening.I also feel like I’m focusing on the plot TOO much,I include hardly any description.Im REALLY bad at show not tell.
Don’t even get me started on reading comprehension,IM GARBAGE AT IT.Luckily there’s 50 questions instead of 60 lol.
I’ll try to fit in a high average for verbal reasoning.

Thanks for reading,and also any tips and tricks would be appreciated!I can’t find any practice tests on the net either,already done all the free ones!

Btw,I don’t go to JAC or Henderson’s,I go to Spectrum Tuition(really good for preparing in selective).
year 9 or year 10 entrance?
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 02, 2019, 03:42:32 pm
year 9 or year 10 entrance?

Year 9 entrance!
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: blackcocoa on January 02, 2019, 05:06:39 pm
You need probably think this way: unless you r exceptionally good at maths, you won't be able to differentiate yourself just doing maths exam well - most people will not have time to finish all the maths questions, plus will get some wrong.

Is your reading or writing at the risk of getting an Average? If so it could be the deal breaker. 
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 02, 2019, 05:21:08 pm
Year 9 entrance!
English/ Writing
https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/23400
https://www.majortests.com/word-lists/ (Intermediate Word Lists)
Those words should help your essay and understanding a lot.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: lacitam on January 02, 2019, 05:46:29 pm
I took the exam in 2014. Honestly don't remember much of it, but I do remember the numerical reasoning was a killer - got an average for it from memory.

Essays were alright but make sure you have enough time to read over (I spent 30 seconds on my conclusion lol)

If time is almost up, start guessing.
Reach out if you need more help 😀
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: Evolio on January 02, 2019, 05:57:29 pm
Hi,I’m giving the test in 6 months :-)!Need some tips for the selective entry exam,idk what else to study for the maths exam(learned parabolas,surds,sohcahtoa,etc).I think I’d be fine with maths and numerical reasoning.
Surprisingly,I’m able to finish an intro,3 paragraphs,a rebuttal{following Pi’s structure(recommended)} so I think I’m fine with persuasive as well,although it’s quality over quantity.
My grammar is trash,so I’ll try to improve on that.
I ain’t good at creative cause I love suspense books and I write suspense a lot,even if the topic is something not related to suspense(try to fit the topic in) and whenever someone is reading my essay,they don’t get what’s happening.I also feel like I’m focusing on the plot TOO much,I include hardly any description.Im REALLY bad at show not tell.
Don’t even get me started on reading comprehension,IM GARBAGE AT IT.Luckily there’s 50 questions instead of 60 lol.
I’ll try to fit in a high average for verbal reasoning.

Thanks for reading,and also any tips and tricks would be appreciated!I can’t find any practice tests on the net either,already done all the free ones!

Btw,I don’t go to JAC or Henderson’s,I go to Spectrum Tuition(really good for preparing in selective).

 

Hi ProbotMelbourne!
How are you doing?
So for reading comprehension, you should look at the questions first to get a rough idea about what you should be looking for in the text and then after that you should skim the text, looking for the keywords in those questions.  This will make sure that you are looking for the right thing and not for some random bits of information that might be the answer, but definitely isn't. Specifically, what are you struggling with in reading comprehension? This will help with targeting the problem areas.
For verbal reasoning, I suggest you to read the roots, suffixes and prefixes. Trust me, learning these will really help you. You can get a list of these online. There are heaps of websites that have these. Even if you don't know a certain word, you can still get the meaning out as you might know a part of the word. For example, in the word altitude, alti means high and tude usually signifies a noun such as longitude, latitude etc so you can figure out the word is means height.
For creative writing, I suggest you to write short 3 min plans for prompts. You can find prompts online. Orientation, Complication, Resolution. Plot. As you write the plans for these parts, keep going back to the topic to make sure you are on track and not going off topic as you said with the suspense. Practise writing these plans and then with these plans you can write creative pieces.
I hope this helped.
If you need anything clarified or have questions, please ask!
I am happy to help.
 :) :) :)
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 02, 2019, 08:25:39 pm
You need probably think this way: unless you r exceptionally good at maths, you won't be able to differentiate yourself just doing maths exam well - most people will not have time to finish all the maths questions, plus will get some wrong.

Is your reading or writing at the risk of getting an Average? If so it could be the deal breaker.

Reading Comprehension,big risk of taking average!
English/ Writing
https://www.vocabulary.com/lists/23400
https://www.majortests.com/word-lists/ (Intermediate Word Lists)
Those words should help your essay and understanding a lot.

Thanks,I’ll definitely use it!
I tried the word lists out already and they’re great!

I took the exam in 2014. Honestly don't remember much of it, but I do remember the numerical reasoning was a killer - got an average for it from memory.

Essays were alright but make sure you have enough time to read over (I spent 30 seconds on my conclusion lol)

If time is almost up, start guessing.
Reach out if you need more help 😀
Thanks,30 seconds for conclusion is fantastic!Did you get in?

Hi ProbotMelbourne!
How are you doing?
So for reading comprehension, you should look at the questions first to get a rough idea about what you should be looking for in the text and then after that you should skim the text, looking for the keywords in those questions.  This will make sure that you are looking for the right thing and not for some random bits of information that might be the answer, but definitely isn't. Specifically, what are you struggling with in reading comprehension? This will help with targeting the problem areas.
For verbal reasoning, I suggest you to read the roots, suffixes and prefixes. Trust me, learning these will really help you. You can get a list of these online. There are heaps of websites that have these. Even if you don't know a certain word, you can still get the meaning out as you might know a part of the word. For example, in the word altitude, alti means high and tude usually signifies a noun such as longitude, latitude etc so you can figure out the word is means height.
For creative writing, I suggest you to write short 3 min plans for prompts. You can find prompts online. Orientation, Complication, Resolution. Plot. As you write the plans for these parts, keep going back to the topic to make sure you are on track and not going off topic as you said with the suspense. Practise writing these plans and then with these plans you can write creative pieces.
I hope this helped.
If you need anything clarified or have questions, please ask!
I am happy to help.
 :) :) :)

Thanks Evolio!
For reading comprehension,I’m just a slow reader,I’m even so slow at comprehending questions(only for reading comp) and every thing that I do related with reading comprehension is just so slow that everyone is a step ahead of me.
For Verbal Reasoning,I tried word roots with Spectrum Tuition but I wasn’t taking the test seriously then,lol!These holidays,my aim is to learn all the word roots!Thanks for your advice!

Should I upload essays here once in a while?Would someone be there to mark it/briefly check it?

Ty for replying to my post!

I also go to a REALLY un-competitive school,so that’s a bonus!I even write an essay a day to improve!

Mod edit: Deleted and merged multiple posts. If you need to say something after your first message, instead of posting after yourself, click the 'modify' button on your first post and edit it in. You can read more about posting etiquette in the rules. --Calebark
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: vox nihili on January 02, 2019, 08:51:15 pm
Please don't post so much in a row. One post at one time will suffice. You can quote multiple messages in the one post by scrolling and hitting the quote button.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 02, 2019, 08:54:27 pm
I also go to a REALLY un-competitive school,so that’s a bonus!I even write an essay a day to improve!
btw don't stress too much for numerical reasoning if you're good at maths, you will just need to quickly be able to recognise patterns and apply them in current equations. So if you are competent in the basics of maths, you should do well Numerical Reasoning
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 02, 2019, 09:36:15 pm
btw don't stress too much for numerical reasoning if you're good at maths, you will just need to quickly be able to recognise patterns and apply them in current equations. So if you are competent in the basics of maths, you should do well Numerical Reasoning

Yeah,I was giving the St. Albans secondary college SEAL test(didn’t get it,got average for reading comp) and I didn’t even know what Numerical Reasoning was.I remember myself asking my friend about what Numerical Reasoning was lol.He just told me magic squares and I’m like”what are those”😂.Well,at the end I managed to get a superior in maths and numerical reasoning lol.
I’m just super scared that my reading comp will give me an average!
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: lacitam on January 03, 2019, 01:15:04 am
Reading Comprehension,big risk of taking average!
Thanks,I’ll definitely use it!
I tried the word lists out already and they’re great!
Thanks,30 seconds for conclusion is fantastic!Did you get in?

Thanks Evolio!
For reading comprehension,I’m just a slow reader,I’m even so slow at comprehending questions(only for reading comp) and every thing that I do related with reading comprehension is just so slow that everyone is a step ahead of me.
For Verbal Reasoning,I tried word roots with Spectrum Tuition but I wasn’t taking the test seriously then,lol!These holidays,my aim is to learn all the word roots!Thanks for your advice!

Should I upload essays here once in a while?Would someone be there to mark it/briefly check it?

Ty for replying to my post!

I also go to a REALLY un-competitive school,so that’s a bonus!I even write an essay a day to improve!

Mod edit: Deleted and merged multiple posts. If you need to say something after your first message, instead of posting after yourself, click the 'modify' button on your first post and edit it in. You can read more about posting etiquette in the rules. --Calebark
Yes I did get in. However, I recorded MHS lowest atar so me getting in didn't have any value lol
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 03, 2019, 12:09:27 pm
Yes I did get in. However, I recorded MHS lowest atar so me getting in didn't have any value lol

Oh rip,which school did you go before MHS,and was it better?
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: lacitam on January 03, 2019, 03:03:37 pm
Oh rip,which school did you go before MHS,and was it better?
Went to a school with a really bad reputation and ranking, so I only needed one superior pretty much
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 03, 2019, 04:25:15 pm
Went to a school with a really bad reputation and ranking, so I only needed one superior pretty much

Oh,my school is pretty trash as well,people don’t care about anything.Just gave the practice maths test on the website and scored 44 out of 60,idk if that’s good considering it’s my second strongest subject(first being numerical reasoning)
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: e3lo on January 05, 2019, 04:56:05 pm
First off, I would focus very hard on the subjects you aren't good at, afterall raising a 70% to an 80% is easier than 90% to 100%.

The most important thing I found in the selective school test was that unless you get all your subjects above average you probably won't make it in, however this is coming from probably the most competitive school for MHS(Box Hill High School).

Do lots of practice tests, like 1 or more of them every day. They take like 30mins and really do make a difference. Make sure to review what you got wrong after each test though.  You can find alot of these practice resources online for free, it doesn't matter if it is not the selective schools practice test, just any test at around your year level is fine. I know I did a lot of the NSW practice tests.

Anyways, good luck and make sure you don't put too much pressure on yourself.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 06, 2019, 11:29:07 am
First off, I would focus very hard on the subjects you aren't good at, afterall raising a 70% to an 80% is easier than 90% to 100%.

The most important thing I found in the selective school test was that unless you get all your subjects above average you probably won't make it in, however this is coming from probably the most competitive school for MHS(Box Hill High School).

Do lots of practice tests, like 1 or more of them every day. They take like 30mins and really do make a difference. Make sure to review what you got wrong after each test though.  You can find alot of these practice resources online for free, it doesn't matter if it is not the selective schools practice test, just any test at around your year level is fine. I know I did a lot of the NSW practice tests.

Anyways, good luck and make sure you don't put too much pressure on yourself.

Thanks,congrats for making it in MHS
Do you think it’s better to write 2 paras and a rebuttal or 3 paras and no rebuttal?My grammar is also really bad.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: MemeMaster on January 08, 2019, 12:56:26 pm
Hello people I have a question. A friend just told me that they made it harder for us to guess on the questions by changing it from 4 options to 5 options, is that true? Cos I thought that there were always 5 options on it.
Thx   8)
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 08, 2019, 01:27:57 pm
Hello people I have a question. A friend just told me that they made it harder for us to guess on the questions by changing it from 4 options to 5 options, is that true? Cos I thought that there were always 5 options on it.
Thx   8)
Is that true though?
I'm pretty sure it's always been 4 options. (A, B, C and D)
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: MemeMaster on January 08, 2019, 01:55:41 pm
Is that true though?
I'm pretty sure it's always been 4 options. (A, B, C and D)
Yeah I’m pretty sure it’s 5 options now, even in the practice tests and stuff

edit: I just found a post from 2014 which said there are five options
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 08, 2019, 03:34:19 pm
Yeah I’m pretty sure it’s 5 options now, even in the practice tests and stuff

edit: I just found a post from 2014 which said there are five options

It has never been 4 options,it was always 5 options.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 14, 2019, 02:15:41 pm
Oh,my school is pretty trash as well,people don’t care about anything.Just gave the practice maths test on the website and scored 44 out of 60,idk if that’s good considering it’s my second strongest subject(first being numerical reasoning)
Was just reading this and I just want to say 44 out of 60 would most likely me around a High Average. Have you tried out the numerical reasoning? If you do the numerical reasoning in exam time (30minutes) and score at least 58, you are set for Numerical Reasoning. No more revision for that needed.

Considering Math is your second strongest subject, IMO 44 out of 60 is average.. Just below a 75%.
Have you tried the Verbal Reasoning practice test also?
If you need any PERSONAL help, PM me if you do not want to post it.
Here to help!
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 14, 2019, 05:16:48 pm
Was just reading this and I just want to say 44 out of 60 would most likely me around a High Average. Have you tried out the numerical reasoning? If you do the numerical reasoning in exam time (30minutes) and score at least 58, you are set for Numerical Reasoning. No more revision for that needed.

Considering Math is your second strongest subject, IMO 44 out of 60 is average.. Just below a 75%.
Have you tried the Verbal Reasoning practice test also?
If you need any PERSONAL help, PM me if you do not want to post it.
Here to help!
Oof,average for 44/60?Shocking
For Numerical I got like 44/50
Verbal I got 40
Reading comprehension I got 32 :-[

For maths,i got the area n volume questions wrong since I haven’t memorised all of em yet and some ending questions(last 5-10) since I didn’t have time.

Thanks for helping  :)
Which school do u go?
The Numerical is out of 50 btw(I think,if not,let me know)
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: aspiringantelope on January 14, 2019, 08:33:08 pm
Oof,average for 44/60?Shocking
For Numerical I got like 44/50
Verbal I got 40
Reading comprehension I got 32 :-[

For maths,i got the area n volume questions wrong since I haven’t memorised all of em yet and some ending questions(last 5-10) since I didn’t have time.

Thanks for helping  :)
Which school do u go?
The Numerical is out of 50 btw(I think,if not,let me know)
Yes a 75% would be considered average.
Oh and yes, Numerical was out of 50 sorry. 44 is okay but you would still need to secure more points in order to obtain a Superior.
I currently attend a private school in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
From your reading comprehension, it is evident that a lot more work is needed. Reading more books would help; stopping at the end of each chapter and recount the events that occurred in them.
For Maths, some topics would include Quadratics, (Null Factor Law would be useful), Index Laws, Trigonometry (only SOH CAH TOA, exact values aren't needed for this level) and Algebra at a higher level.
Remembering 2D / 3D shape formulas would also be extremely beneficial. Also angles like; Corresponding Angles etc. of which can be all found online.
Title: Re: Selective entry(MHS n SCHS)2019.Any tips?
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on January 14, 2019, 08:40:11 pm
Yes a 75% would be considered average.
Oh and yes, Numerical was out of 50 sorry. 44 is okay but you would still need to secure more points in order to obtain a Superior.
I currently attend a private school in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
From your reading comprehension, it is evident that a lot more work is needed. Reading more books would help; stopping at the end of each chapter and recount the events that occurred in them.
For Maths, some topics would include Quadratics, (Null Factor Law would be useful), Index Laws, Trigonometry (only SOH CAH TOA, exact values aren't needed for this level) and Algebra at a higher level.
Remembering 2D / 3D shape formulas would also be extremely beneficial. Also angles like; Corresponding Angles etc. of which can be all found online.

Thanks for the tips!You’ve helped a lot:)
Recently learned null factor law,it’s really beneficial ;)
Need to improve on quadratics tho and area/volume for shapes.
I do this thing called read theory for reading comp and that’s pretty good