JMSS for entry 2026

trinh

Hi! I'm a year 8 student and I REALLLLLYYYY want to attend JMSS. However I have some questions and would be really appreciate if someone have already sit the test and actually got in in 2024 can help me answer these questions.

Are there any tutor places prepare for the interview part? Like how to answer the interview questions, what should we put into our CV,..? Most people recommended Hendersons, JAC and ICAS past papers, what tutorplace should I choose? I'm pretty ok in Mathematics but NR and Science I still need to improve.
I heard that before doing the test, we have to write an application. Is that true or does that go with cv and interview after the test?
What should we put into our CV? Like I only have music achievements (I do piano + flute. I have a grade 6 ABRSM certificate + accompanying the piano for the choirs at church and playing flute for the band at school) and nothing related to science or leadership. What activities should I do to be impressive? Do they only need us to participate in the activities or some actual achievements? Also is sport important to jmss because I don't really like it. (but if it matters then I'll eager to try)

Thank you for reading and I really appreciate if someone can spend a bit of their time to answer these!

Suhaana

trinh

Hi! I'm Suhaana and I took the year 10 entrance exam for jmss this year and got in!

I've heard that Hendersons offers practice interviews and CV help, so I’d definitely recommend checking out their website for that. During the interview, we were asked a few science-related questions. To prepare, I’d suggest reading books about inventions, scientists, or scientific history to broaden your knowledge. Academically, tutoring isn’t completely necessary, but practice tests can help with time management, which is probably the hardest part. I didn’t do any tutoring and managed to do well by studying Year 9 content and working through a few practice exams. For NR, I’d recommend practice tests, and for SR, try using ICAS papers. If you’re having trouble finding ICAS papers, feel free to message me with your email, and I can send you some with answers!😁

Based on my experience, there’s no need for a written application. The only written part might be your CV for the interview round.

My CV didn’t include anything about musical instruments, so I wouldn’t worry too much about the sports aspect. However, it wouldn’t hurt to join any activities you enjoy! I’d recommend joining science-related activities as they can help showcase your passion for the subject. Academic awards, or any awards for sports, music, or other extracurriculars, are definitely desirable. But don’t stress too much about your CV; they’re looking for people who are passionate about their activities, not just the quantity.

I hope I've covered all of your questions, if not let me know! Feel free to ask for anymore help and gl on your prep. 🫡

trinh

omg thank you so muchhh! I thought no one would reply! Um, my gmail is: trinhnguyen1477@gmail.com. Btw can we add our social media since it was easier to chat (u don't have to if u feel uncomfy) Thank you so much againnnnn!!!!

Suhaana

Yea of course! my snapchat is notsuhaana, if you'd like to add it!

trinh

do u have instagram? I'm sorry but I don't have snapchat. But if u don't, I can make a snapchat account

firld

Hi I took the year 10 JMSS exam and interview this year and was offered a spot.
To answer your questions:

I personally believe that tutoring is not necessary to past the exam, try to self study for it although it may be hard to stay motivated it will feel more rewarding in the end. I often hear that tutoring companies like JAC make their practice tests way harder than the actual exam which can be demotivating. In terms of the interview just practice the questions that are likely to be in there to yourself or with a friend (that’s what I did). Some questions may seem tricky but even if you don’t know the answer that’s okay! I didn’t respond properly to one of the questions because I didn’t know the answer but I was still able to get a spot. As long as you’re positive, honest, and don’t speak like a robot it shouldn’t go terrible. JMSS interviews hundreds of students every year so be authentic because they have to listen to so many kids😭.
To improve in science just cover content through year 9-10 textbooks (That’s probably a lot more than you need), don’t forget to study about geology because I didn’t and there was some questions on that. I’d recommend doing a lot of practice papers for timing especially the ICAS ones they were so good.
The only application you have to do before the test is the one on the edutest website when it comes out. I don’t think it goes to the interview or CV.
You can put on your CV any extracurriculars, clubs, inter-school sports, awards from your school, volunteering, competitions you’ve done, if you attend VSL, science experiences and any leadership roles. Just anything that makes you, you. There’s nothing that can be more impressive than doing what you love with passion. Don’t be too worried about sports, but always be eager to try and maybe try to have just one sport on your CV. It doesn’t matter too much if you don’t though. Try to show that you’re well-rounded and that may mean showing you do something from every category (sports, music, leadership/initiatives).

I hope you are able to successfully complete the journey to becoming a JMSS student!