John Monash Science School questions about entrance exam

[SarahBearah321]

Hello,
I'm from Tasmania, and am starting Year 9 this year. I've always been good at science, but I am not sure if I am good enough for JMSS. I have always gotten Distinctions in the ICAS Science Competition, and for 2 years received HD in Computer Skills (I made a few silly mistakes in last year's which I definitely could have avoided and so only got a distinction); and also have received distinctions in the Australian Maths Competition and ICAS Maths competition. I've done the same for English, but I don't believe that is focused on too much in JMSS.
I have always been interested in Neuroscience, genetics, Biotechnology and just general technology; With influence from my parents, I am also very interested in the human body. I take piano lessons and study Latin, Japanese, and German for my optional subjects, and play several sports in school (and am planning to start volunteering soon, if I'm allowed (not for increasing my chances, I genuinely want to) ). I'm really sick of my school, it is performance orientated and the curriculum last year wasn't difficult at all, not even for the maths classes (which are streamed).
Would I be likely to get in, or is everybody like me/better than me? I don't study for any of the competitions, and haven't tried before. Also, how hard is the entrance exam? Is there a lot I need to know before I apply? Any tips would be much appreciated!
Sarah

[chelonianlover]

Hey there, Sarah!

To answer your questions:

Would I be likely to get in, or is everyone like me/better than me?

I'd say your in a good position, and should definitely apply for JMSS (because we're one of the best schools ever, and we're grounded in one of the best universities ever... no bias). Based on those results, I'd say your good to go. In terms of your competition, there will be people who showed up to the test, doing all their research of what's going to be on the exam, etc. etc. on their drive to the test, and people who started studying for the exam fairly early (as you see on AN from a few of the questions from other users like yourself) like 10 months in advance or something. In the end a mix get selected.

How hard is the entrance exam?

Hmm... well, that really depends on you. You just have to show as much knowledge as you have about the topic in your written pieces, and be quick and fluent in your multiple choice sections. If you like science and maths, you'll enjoy the exam. Just know your year 8, 9, and majority of 10 for maths and science and you'll be fine

Is there a lot I need to know before I apply?

You need to know your year 8, 9, and majority of year 10 for science and maths. If you do, I'll be shocked if you don't get in.

Tips

Except for that, in the interview they are looking for passionate students not just smart. When your in there, show them your passions for science. And just be a friendly person in general. The best interviews are those that are like conversations, so aim for that. 

Also, just because we're a science school, doesn't mean we don't appreciate the beauty of English. You should put your results for your English also in your resume for your interview. It's good to show that you have an aptitude for other subjects, as well. Though, being a science school, we of course favour the science orientated people because that's what we cater for!

Good job on your interest in neuroscience, genetics and biotech! ^_^ (again, I'm totally not biased here) If you come to JMSS, you might want to do bioinformatics

I've always been good at science, but I am not sure if I am good enough for JMSS.

It's not so much if your good at science, but rather if you have a genuine passion.

Good Luck!

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM, I'll be happy to help!

[Shinkaze]

Honestly, with what you wrote and my experience from last year, I think if you do decent in the test, you will get in I personally didn't know that much before I apply so don't worry! You have lots of achievements, now all you have to do is to have a good mood in the test and don't let your emotions affect your performance, you are pretty much guaranteed to get in!
(Can I also say girls get in much easier than guys please)

[chelonianlover]

(Can I also say girls get in much easier than guys please)

Really?

[SarahBearah321]

Thank you for your replies everyone! Is there a boarding option available?

[Shinkaze]

Thank you for your replies everyone! Is there a boarding option available?

There might be but I'm not too sure sorry :/ It's best if you can email or ring the school about this though! I'd love to know more about this option

[Hannibal]

(Can I also say girls get in much easier than guys please)

Debatable

But in all seriousness you have a good chance, especially with those achievments you've mentioned which will allow you to coast through the interview.

[chelonianlover]

I actually really hope you get in, I look forward to seeing you!

Also your from a different state, use that to your advantage in the interview when they ask where your from.

[SarahBearah321]

Hey there, Sarah!

To answer your questions:

Would I be likely to get in, or is everyone like me/better than me?

I'd say your in a good position, and should definitely apply for JMSS (because we're one of the best schools ever, and we're grounded in one of the best university ever... no bias). Based on those results, I'd say your good to go. In terms of your competition, there will be people who showed up to the test, doing all their research of what's going to be on the exam, etc. etc. on their drive to the test, and people who started studying for the exam fairly early (as you see on AN from a few of the questions from other users like yourself) like 10 months in advance or something. In the end a mix get selected.

How hard is the entrance exam?

Hmm... well, that really depends on you. You just have to show as much knowledge as you have about the topic in your written pieces, and be quick and fluent in your multiple choice sections. If you like science and maths, you'll enjoy the exam. Just know your year 8, 9, and majority of 10 for maths and science and you'll be fine

Is there a lot I need to know before I apply?

You need to know your year 8, 9, and majority of year 10 for science and maths. If you do, I'll be shocked if you don't get in.

Tips

Except for that, in the interview they are looking for passionate students not just smart. When your in there, show them your passions for science. And just be a friendly person in general. The best interviews are those that are like conversations, so aim for that. 

Also, just because we're a science school, doesn't mean we don't appreciate the beauty of English. You should put your results for your English also in your resume for your interview. It's good to show that you have an aptitude for other subjects, as well. Though, being a science school, we of course favour the science orientated people because that's what we cater for!

Good job on your interest in neuroscience, genetics and biotech! ^_^ (again, I'm totally not biased here) If you come to JMSS, you might want to do bioinformatics

It's not so much if your good at science, but rather if you have a genuine passion.

Good Luck!

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM, I'll be happy to help!

Year 10 as well? I suppose it doesn't surprise me. Also, how do the subjects work? Of course there'd be the core subjects but are there optional science extension (eg biotech, computer studies) as well?

[chelonianlover]

Year 10 as well? I suppose it doesn't surprise me. Also, how do the subjects work? Of course there'd be the core subjects but are there optional science extension (eg biotech, computer studies) as well?

Yes! Check out the school's website: http://www.jmss.vic.edu.au/jmss/2913/emerging-science-electives/?frm_id=63&toptags=emerging%20sciences

Not biotech, but bioinformatics

Well, year 10 maths is really, to me, an extension of year 9 - so stuff year 9, focus on year 10 for science, do chem and bio mainly (well for our exam anyway, I was lucky!) yours could focus on physics instead!

But dw, your chances are high!

[Shinkaze]

My prediction is that it will be Chemistry and Physics because of previous trend but just study whatever you are passionate about really

[chelonianlover]

My prediction is that it will be Chemistry and Physics because of previous trend but just study whatever you are passionate about really

Hmm, nah I think they'll have bio... some element of bio in one of the written...

[SarahBearah321]

Well, as soon as I mentioned 'Melbourne' my parents said no. I didn't ask why but I plan to today. This is off topic, but if anyone could help me convince them otherwise (once I learn why they oppose it) I would be so thankful!

[southmelbdimsim]

Thank you for your replies everyone! Is there a boarding option available?

There is no boarding option available as such however the school does assist in placing rural/interstate students with appropriate host families.

Well, as soon as I mentioned 'Melbourne' my parents said no. I didn't ask why but I plan to today. This is off topic, but if anyone could help me convince them otherwise (once I learn why they oppose it) I would be so thankful!

Tell them that it is an investment in your future and JMSS will open up opportunities not available in Tasmania or anywhere else in Australia and possibly the world.

[SarahBearah321]

There is no boarding option available as such however the school does assist in placing rural/interstate students with appropriate host families.

Are there any other possible options, or will I have to do that? My older sister is going to University next year (and hopes to go to a melbourne one) but she will stay in a college if that happens.

Tell them that it is an investment in your future and JMSS will open up opportunities not available in Tasmania or anywhere else in Australia and possibly the world.

Alright, thanks! Right now my problem is accommodation [/suspicious]