A Year 9's guide to the John Monash Science School Test

[IndefatigableLover]

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

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!

[Truck]

It's a shame nobody who sits the test has done Unit 4 Chemistry or they would nail the question on reaction rates, lol.

[Bhootnike]

Slick post dude! sure this will be very useful for future applicants! thanks for sharing!

[IndefatigableLover]

(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.

[IndefatigableLover]

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)

[Schoyo]

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. 

[IndefatigableLover]

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).

[Scooby]

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 

I'm pretty sure I got a low average in science communication... 

[IndefatigableLover]

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 

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 )

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!

[yoursSincerely]

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

[A Fish Climbing A Tree]

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!!!

[Tiredofexams]

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.

[pi]

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

[Xue]

Nice post man, it's about my tenth time reading this, but yeh, really helpful LOL great job... #fighting 

[Robert243]

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