Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?
Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.
Hey, I'm quite new to atart notes, so I'm not even sure where this will go, but I did the selective exam last year but sadly failed cuz I'm dumb aha. But I got some tips. I also did the year 10 entrance exam today and it was surprisingly easier than year 9 for some reason ( but of course me been me had to f it up, smh) . Last year for year 9 entrance, the maths and the numerical was absolute bullshit. The practice exams online were a complete joke compared to the real exam. For the year 10, the maths was quite easy and most people finished.
For the year 10 entrance we got a creative today. I'm not sure if it will be the same for year 9's but I feel that you guys might get a creative too. Idk doe, cuz I'm honestly the last person you should take advice from, ahah but yeh. (Don't trust it, Edu test is unexpected)
Our prompt for today was some pictures of a building and 2 quotes and 1 phrase. I struggled with this tbh. I bet I'll get a below or something.
Anyways one of the main tips I can give you is to seriously control your nerves. Pls, I seriously cannot stress this enough. I totally mucked up my reading comprehension test today because of nerves. When you are nervous you can't comprehend what you are reading. Do not think about other people. Do not even look at other people. I'm serious. I'm saying this from experience, because i looked up and the person next to me was already finished and it just stressed me out soooo much. I know it's easier said than done but pls find a way somehow.
During the 10 minute planning time, write down all your ideas, arguments, evidence, vocab words that you really want to include in your writing. You will get 3 A4 pages worth of writing paper and about 1/4 of a page to plan. <------- this is what happened with us today, it could be different for you guys.
Also, if you guys get a creative. Pls do not do an obvious story. Try writing something sentimental (Examiners love emotional stories) Also if it fits the prompt, try writing in an animals perspective or an object like a pencil. You will score well for creativity as I doubt many people would do that. Use the prompt metaphorically if you can. But most importantly, do something you are comfortable with.
When there's one day left, pls do not cram anything as this will stress you out more. Read a book or something. Revise lightly but do not do any heavy study. AND make sure to wear gloves or something cuz it's really cold and I couldn't even feel my fingers when i got inside the building last year. Last years creative and persuasive was not that hard. But due to the increase in time, they could possibly make it harder this year. Not sure, but just be prepared for everything.
If you muck up one test. FORGET IT!!!! If it was really hard, most likely other people might have found it difficult too. FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND ONLY YOURSELF DURING THE TEST. Also when they call out 5 minutes, skim through the paper and answer easier questions you see. Last year for the reading comp, there were some of those "choose the option with the correct punctuation" stuff at the back.
The space you have to do the test is quite small so only take out the stuff that is required. Keep in mind some of the staff will go around and place your next test on your desk half way through each test which will limit the space even more. --- does that even make sense?, excuse my grammar
I'm really sorry, i bet you guys already know all these stuff and some of these information may not even matter to you. I really hope you guys get in as the school is honestly so beautiful.
Also, this is random but --- we got the word 'obsequious' for the verbal reasoning test today. AHha, sorry I just wanna be useful smh.
You guys are all capable of passing and i wish you all the best.