Hello,
I'm sharannya , studying in a Seal Program for yr 9 at my current school ( will be in yr 9 next yr). I REALLY REALLY want to get into JMSS because I want to persue science as a career and they have amazing electives. I have started preparing for the test since August, but I need more info for the interview process ( list of achievements). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
JMSS 2025 Entry
cshar
Hey Sharannya,
I was actually school captain of John Monash in 2023 (im cameron btw) so I do know the interview process well.
From memory, they ask you to provide a resume with all of your academic achievement and extracurricular activities (leadership, sport, music etc.). During the interview they then look at your resume and will ask you one or two open ended questions about this list. The teachers are looking for well rounded students who have had experience, not just in the classroom, but also participating in their school and local community, so if you can show evidence of this they will love you.
They also ask other questions in the interview (however they change every year, so they are difficult to guess) that aim to test your quick thinking, ability to communicate, and moral character. For example, in my interview they presented me with two words, 'science' and 'scientist', and asked me to explain what one of those words meant to me.
I hope this helps
Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Thanks for replying Cameron! I'm really grateful for the insights you provided on this. I was also wondering about the written part of the exam and if there is any way to prepare for this. I'm currently going through my Maths and Science syllabus from school and some of the topics mentioned here at ATARNotes, but I'm not sure whether it will be enough to pass the test. And regarding time management, do you recommend doing practice tests from now? (and do you know any providers?).
Thank you again for your time~ sorry for so many questions!
cshar
Hey apologies for the late response (i may have been on holiday )
In terms of the written part of the exam, make sure you are confident with your prac report skills. i remember for one of my sections, they gave us an introduction (with background info) and a methodology of a prac, and they asked us to write an aim, hypothesis, discussion and conclusion which suited that information.
Make sure you know:
Independent and dependent variables
Precision and accuracy
Validity, reliability and repeatability of an experiment
This content can be found in any VCE science textbook (generally chapter one).
In terms of time management, I found the test to be fairly manageable (no where near as hard as the melbourne high/macrob test) because the philosophy of the principals is to find students with a genuine passion for science and learning, so they make the interview more difficult instead to help find individuals with these traits.
As for the confidence in your ability to do well enough in the test, I remember going through ATAR notes forums when I was in your situation a few years ago. I read something that kind of stayed with me which was "if you have gone to the effort of finding this discussion page, you are already showing more determination and enthusiasm than most of the other applicants. This part of your character will shine through in your application, so while this process is stressful and difficult, you'll get in if you have what they are looking for."
When I was preparing for the test, I used Strive for Excellence. Looking back, they weren't great because their questions didn't simulate the questions on my test very well. However, doing mock exams under timed conditions did give me experience and confidence going into the real thing, so I would recommend doing some prep that aims to simulate the real experience. As long as you have a good background knowledge in year 8-10 maths and science, you will be more than ok
Oh and in terms of when you should start your preparation, I guess any time from now really. If I were to study for it again, I would ensure my fundamental maths and science skills were good, and then put a lot of emphasis on my prac writing skills right up until the actual test.
Let me know if you have any more questions, and good luck for your application. My email is contact.domaineducation@gmail.com if you would like to ask anything more personal
Hey, thanks for replying. Sorry for responding so late, I was actually trying to get my stuff together as the start of Year 9. But anyways, thank you for your advice. Also if it is possible, could you provide me some examples of clubs / achievements/experiences you were involved in (not too detailed tho ) so that I can build on them.
I currently attend JMSS tutoring at James an college. MY tution teachers tell me that the test will be easier than the mock tests that they give, Is this information true or is it just a hoax.
JMSSaspirant
The information is true. They give harder tests so that the actual test is much easier. This is what one of my JMSS friends told me. (I'm not in JMSS and I haven't written the actual exam yet)
ッUSAッ Thanks mate!
No Problem
Hi, I am also doing the exam this yr for 2025 entry. I currently use strive for excellence jmss papers, can someone tell me if they are as hard as the actual exam?
Hi,
I'm a yr 9 student this year and am taking the test this year to get into john monash in 2025. I actually really want to get into the school since i know the teachers are much more dedicated than my current school, and i'm really really interested in the electives that JMSS offers as well as all the opportunities that a lot of schools can't offer.
I'm currently preparing for the test in june, but I'd REALLY like some advice on the interview, including the types of questions they ask (because i heard that they ask about recent science news but i'm not sure if it IS true), your passion in maths and science, and what they are looking for in a student.
The previous replies in this forum are really informative, but I'm a bit worried about the interview in particular and am mainly looking for advice on this!!
I hope someone will reply
cyl_b
hi there i am on the same boat do you have any tip or recourse you willing to share
hey everyone im trying out for the jmss exam this year too, im a bit worried about the maths bit is i hard to do, im usually above standerd at maths in school but idk how ill do, and how is the science reasoning usually like, and when is everyones exam gonna be????
- Edited
hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any tips, resources, advice, anything will help (I rlly want to get into jmss but i only have a week to prepare/study for it)!
I average a 90% across my school grades and used to do many extracurricular sports
lifesfullofjoy:) i personally havent done it but i know someone who has done it and all this info is great if u get an interview so try focusing on the test
IDON'TGIVEUP I wish i did, but since i've never took the test before, i don't have anything to share unfortunately
hey, does anyone have the JMSS Information Night 2024 recording because for some reason the link won't work and when it takes me to yt it says set abt it being taken down for copyright reasons?
Hi!
I am a year 9 student who has tried out for JMSS. I have a 87.25 percent average in Science with one B+ and the rest As and A+s. I also have 92 percent grade average. Do you think JMSS will be ok with that?
Thank you
does school grade matter?
okaay thaankyou
How many superiors do you need for an interview
JMSSaspirant I think it depends on your school and who tried out. But I've heard from my sister( she goes to JMSS) that her friend had no superiors like 5 above averages(one right before superior) but did Steller on the interview and got in.
what are they going to ask on the interview??
.. Do you think i could get an interview with an average in SR, and in math and NR superiors, and writings above and high average?
Guys can anyone remember any SR questions?
JMSSaspirant Make this chemical equation balanced:
O2 + H2 -> H2O
A) double oxygen molecules
B) Double water molecules and double oxygen molecules
C) Double water molecules and double Hydrogen molecules
D) Double Hydrogen molecules
Answer is C btw
Do you remember any other ones? ..
broooo, look all i know is that apparently the maths test was pretty hard and theres literally like on in which u have to answer 60 questions in 30 mins, science was kinda free like my mates said, heres some more highly useful info:
The entrance exam at JMSS is considered more holistic than those of other selective schools, as it is only the first step in a multi-stage selection process. This approach ensures that students who are genuinely passionate about science and technology are given a chance to shine beyond their exam scores.
Exam Components and Preparation Tips:
Mathematics (Multiple Choice):
Covers topics from Year 8-10: data analysis, trigonometry, parabolas, Pythagoras' theorem, algebraic arithmetic, linear equations, quadratics, and surds.
Preparation: Regular practice of these topics using textbooks and online resources like Khan Academy, Mathletics, and IXL. Focus on problem-solving skills and time management.
Numerical Reasoning (Multiple Choice):
Tests your ability to identify numerical patterns and solve problems quickly.
Preparation: Engage in daily math puzzles and logic games. Strengthen your knowledge of roots and square numbers.
Science Reasoning (Multiple Choice):
Involves reading scientific passages, analyzing data, and answering questions based on fundamental science concepts.
Preparation: Improve your reading comprehension and analytical skills. Utilize resources like BBC Bitesize and CK-12 for diverse scientific topics.
Science Analysis and Reporting (Writing):
Requires you to interpret scientific data and write a report.
Preparation: Practice writing clear and concise scientific reports. Focus on interpreting graphs, tables, and experimental results.
Science Interest (Writing):
An essay that explores your interest in science and your understanding of scientific issues.
Preparation: Write essays on various science-related topics and current issues. Get feedback from teachers to improve your writing skills.
Selection Process Overview
Initial Testing:
Five Test Papers: Mathematics, Numerical Reasoning, Science Reasoning, Science Analysis and Reporting, Science Interest.
Shortlisting:
Top 500 students from over 1000 applicants are selected for interviews.
Interview Stages:
Group Activity: Four students work together to solve a riddle or problem. Assessors observe teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Individual Math Puzzle: Solving a math puzzle alone to demonstrate individual problem-solving abilities.
One-on-One Interview: A 10-minute session discussing your achievements, interest in JMSS, and a science-based question.
CV and Supporting Documents:
Submit two current school reports and a CV highlighting your top five achievements, awards, extra-curricular activities, and leadership roles.
Final Selection:
Students are ranked based on their performance in all stages. Only the top 100 boys and 100 girls are offered admission.
Interview Tips
Be Authentic: Show genuine enthusiasm for science and technology.
Demonstrate Teamwork: In the group activity, be cooperative and supportive.
Show Problem-Solving Skills: Approach the math puzzle methodically.
Communicate Clearly: In the one-on-one interview, express your ideas confidently without appearing overconfident.
Additional Preparation Resources
Edutest Practice Exams: Edutest Shop.
Academic Assessment Services: Practice Tests.
Khan Academy: Khan Academy.
Mathletics: Mathletics.
IXL Learning: IXL.
BBC Bitesize: BBC Bitesize.
ik its a lot of info but thats like all u need, guys don't stress too much, to be fair u just need above averages and kinda nothing else, so i maybe suggest getting a tutor and actually trying hard in class, im trying out for JMSS in 2025 for 2026 year 10, im kinda chill ngl
Here are my predictions
SR: 18/30
NR: 40/50
Report: 13/20
Maths:54/60
Interest and communication: 14-17/20
Do I have a chance at the interview
JMSSaspirant Nah cuz most of them use diagrams and information you can't get off the web or generate. Sorry.
JMSSaspirant brother nobody really knows, plus, your predictions are probably inaccurate, but you're smart, so assume you can make it to the interview.
- Edited
Hello folks, anyone knows when is the result supposed to be out?
Wikipedia says this year 5000 students appear in the exam. Is it true?
StarOfTheWorld half of the shit that Wikipedia spits out is dogshit there were around 1300
StarOfTheWorld maybe like in 4 days cuz last year on the 36th July they got released
Thanks JMSSaspirant
hey has anybody gotten interview offers
uzi I don’t even think they’re gonna accept any student in 2025 the way things are going