StudyKing
- 3 hours ago
- Joined Feb 25, 2024
- Edited
Aayush
My bad I probably should've made this post closer to the exam date
https://discord.gg/9NPfxPfmStudyKing heyyy the science was pretty much like the icas test but a lot easier, just make sure to have decent observation and reasoning skills, science puzzles/practise papers should prepare you for that , do prepare for the writings and have a semi-broad scientific knowledge spectrum and make sure to have solid reasoning to go with all the points you make in the writing piece. They had this list of what to include for the experimental one, which was pretty helpful. The maths and numerical reasoning tests were also really descent covering mostly yr 9 topics, so no need to stress overly. And on a side note, please don't try to push yourself just because of family pressure, you would best suit the environment of JMSS if you genuinely wanna go there yourself, despite all the hype about 'selective and specialist' schools
- Edited
Hi everyone, recent 2024 John Monash graduate here, I noticed a lack of guides available for the upcoming entrance test for 2026 and wanted to give my two cents on it.
Overview of the Entrance Process
The JMSS selection process consists of three key stages:- Entrance Tests
- Application Submission (including reports and a CV)
- Interview
Here’s a breakdown of each stage so you are more familiar with what to expect.
1. Entrance Tests
Test Format Overview- Science Reasoning (SR): 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Mathematics (Math): 60 questions, 30 minutes
- Numerical Reasoning (NR): 50 questions, 30 minutes
- Science Writing Tasks (2 essays): Each 30 minutes
Science Reasoning
This section tests your ability to apply basic scientific concepts to real-world problems.
What to Know:
- Physics: Forces, motion, light, and sound.
- Chemistry: Periodic table basics, reactions, and states of matter.
- Biology: Ecosystems, food chains, and adaptations.
Preparation Tips:
- Revise Year 8 and 9 science topics.
- Practice interpreting diagrams, graphs, and data tables
- This one is probably the hardest to revise for as it’s more about application than straight up memorisation.
- For this test in particular It might also be beneficial to do some practice tests.
- Scientific context is provided for a lot of the questions (e.g. answer the following questions using stimulus…)
Mathematics
This section involves a mix of quick calculations and problem-solving.
Focus Areas:
- Year 8/9 Algebra: Expanding, factorizing, solving equations (basic linear, quadratic equations and null factor law). If possible, memorise the quadratic formula.
- Trigonometry: Memorise your basic trig ratios/trig triangles if you can and your basic SOH, CAH, TOA and of course pythag.
- Geometry: Properties of shapes, parallel/perpendicular lines.
- Financial Math: Interest calculations and ratios.
- Statistics and Probability: Averages, probability trees, dice scenarios, colour wheels, cards and venn diagrams.
- Simultaneous Equations.
Preparation Tips:
- The test is tech free so try to improve on your quick arithmetic by hand, particularly fractions and percentages (mainly used in financial math questions) as these tend to be the most time consuming
- Time yourself to simulate the pressure of a 30-minute test.
- Prioritize accuracy; it’s better to skip and return than spend too long on one problem.
- Again, practice tests will be useful.
Numerical Reasoning
This section assesses your ability to identify patterns in numbers.
What to Expect:
- Sequences and relationships involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
- Number series with large or awkward values.
- Patterns involving numbers in a grid arranged in a certain way (“magic squares”).
Preparation Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with numerical puzzles (Sudoku and logic puzzles help).
- Learn to spot relationships quickly, such as doubling, halving, or alternating sequences.
- Don't think or worry too hard about this one. Trust. It’s pretty much an IQ test.
Science Writing Tasks
You’ll complete two writing tasks:
Science Essay: Analyze a current issue using provided data and prompts.
- Example: Impacts of pollution on marine life.
- Structure: Introduction, three main points, conclusion.
Practical Report: Write components like a discussion or aim based on experiment results. - Example: Effect of temperature on plant growth.
- Include errors, scientific explanations, and applications.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice essays on science-related topics using the standard format (intro, body, conclusion). - like an English essay.
- Review how to write discussions for experiments, focusing on interpreting data and identifying errors (If you can try to classify errors into systematic and random but could be a bit overkill but if you want to impress your assessor go for it).
- For practical report, revise your scientific method: Intro, Aim, Hypothesis, Method, Discussion/Analysis and Conclusion.
2. Application Submission
- Submit your Year 8 Semester 2 and Year 9 Semester 1 reports (your grades for these aren’t super important as the school recognises that the difficulty for assessments vary from school to school, as long as you aren’t averaging like sub 70 you should be fine)
- Prepare a CV showcasing your achievements in academics, extracurriculars, and leadership (put everything down, even minor achievements don’t hurt, as well as any possible volunteering work)
Standout Tips:
- Highlight science-related experiences: open days, competitions, or projects.
- Include a range of activities to show you’re well-rounded (music, sports, leadership, etc.).
- If you have any extracurriculars, list them and try to stretch it out to make them sound good.
- Certificates might be op
- Try do some science competitions like the ICAS
3. Interview
The interview is the final stage and takes place with two interviewers (Panel Interview). The interview stage is often undermined by people applying for the school (I have two mates who got all superiors on the entrance tests but weren't given an offer).
Example Questions:
- “What’s a recent scientific discovery you find fascinating?”
- “If you were Prime Minister, what would you prioritize in science or technology?”
- “How do you balance school, extracurriculars, and personal life?”
- “Why JMSS over your current school?” (I know it’s cliche and typical but I got asked this one)
- “What do you think is the most impactful invention within the last century?” (have something in mind for this one as I was asked this and it put me on the spot lol)
- “Can you explain the most recent science topic you’re covering in school?”
- There might be some random or confusing questions so be prepared to answer these, for eg “Why do you think anti-vaxxers exist?”
Preparation Tips:
- Reflect on your passions in science and how they align with JMSS’s focus. Make sure to be clear about said passions in the interview and how JMSS will help nurture it.
- Practice explaining your achievements confidently but humbly.
- Prepare insightful questions to ask interviewers about JMSS’s programs.
- If possible do mock interviews with friends and family or another organisation.
- At the end of the interview ALWAYS ask a question, try to do a little bit of research about the school to tailor it to something relevant. For example, I heard about how Monash offered Algorithmics as a year 12 subject (something only a couple schools in the state do), and made sure to express my interest in the subject at the end of the interview.
- Don’t be scared to take pauses and contemplate your answer, in fact it shows that you're truly considering the question rather than a pre memorised response.
- Take some water into the interview room to help calm your nerves
- REMEMBER the assessors are human too, they’ll understand if you’re a bit nervous with your responses, so just try to keep your responses grounded and true to yourself
Final Advice
- Stay Organized: Use a timeline to track test prep, application deadlines, and interview dates.
- Practice under Time Pressure: Simulate the test environment to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Be Authentic: Whether in writing or interviews, show your true interests and personality. However, dress appropriately for the occasion, full school uniform, blazer, and a tie if you have one.
If you are looking for more info, feel free to join this discord server: https://discord.gg/jMwMTXSxuK
We offer free sample questions for Numerical Reasoning, Science Reasoning and Mathematics.
My peers and I are all 2024 John Monash Graduates. We offer mock practice exams written by 99+ ATAR students at $15 each (or even less in our $50 bundles). We also offer in person practice interviews at Monash University to replicate the actual interview environment.The application process for JMSS is pretty vague so hopefully this provides some extra insight into getting in, and best of luck on your preparation.
StudyKing I don't think there are science reasoning test papers. Best advice I can give is just to study the year 9 curriculum.
Hi Angel,
I've just received an offer for the year 10 cohort of 2025, and I am happy to help!
For me the exam was in the JMSS building, but I heard some people also did the test in the Monash university campus (around 200 is my best guess). Personally, I found the JMSS test to be much easier than the selective (idk maybe that's because I didn't study for selective lmao). If I was to tell you what was on the test it was mainly just really basic year 9 maths, like trig (sohcahtoa) linear equations, finding the equation of a parabola and there were a few worded questions about like finance and ratios. For numerical reasoning it was just patterns and worded problem solving, I recommend checking out the Edutest practice numerical reasoning test as that is probably the closest thing to the actual test. For the science aspects it was rather simple, you dont really need much prior knowledge for test as it mostly consists of answering questions for tables and graphs, but If I was you I would brush up on my basic knowledge (just read over your textbooks and do a bit of Khan academy).
As for the interviews, yes it was nerve wracking for me when I first entered the building, I was actually being interviewed in one of the first groups so I really absolutely no time to calm myself. Don't stress though, because after you do the icebreaker you start to really feel comfortable.
There is two parts to the interview, there is the group interview and the one on one.
Group Interview- You are placed into a group of around 5-6 people, and there are two tasks you need to complete as a group
- The first task for me was that we were given a scenario/issue, and a sheet that had different methods of solving that particular problem. The catch is that we had a budget of 20 mil, and we given 5 minutes to basically work as a team and propose which methods on the sheet were (in our opinion) going to be the most effective. In my example, our group had to tackle overfishing, and we were given 20 mil to do our best job at it. On the sheet there were things like policing, which costed 15 mil, education, which costed 1 mil etc.
- The second activity was pretty fun, as a group we had to construct a tower out of common household items and it had to be at least 30 cm tall and be able to balance a hand sanitizer on top of it (weird ik). Apparently the other groups had to like draw something with a pencil attached to a string.
It is really important that in the group activities that you participate in the discussion, obviously don't shun the others, provide a healthy contribution. This is an assessed part of the interview ( I had around 4 people taking notes on my group) and it is really important that you make a good impression
There is also a small maths puzzle that you are also required to solve. Don't worry, because if you did good enough on the test to be invited for an interview than this small test will seem like nothing (it was really easy lol)
One on One Interview
This is the most heavily assessed section of the interview process, and is where many people end up screwing up their entry, even if they do really good on the other parts of the interview and the actual test, you wont have a good chance of getting in if you don't do well on this part.
Tips from me would include being confident, they really want to test your passion for science and ability to communicate your ideas. Remember, you need to convey your passion for science through your answers as they will not directly ask you. Act like you have been interested in science for a long time, and are also willing to learn new things. Also, relate your answers to how you can benefit from the school and how the school can benefit from you. saying something like "I would really like to explore the sciences further with JMSS" can show your deep interest in the school and will improve your chances.
As for the questions, they are rather simple, with a blend of questions about you and questions about science as well. The questions I got were... - How did you get interested in science?
- What are some other things you do outside of academia?
- Choose a problem, climate change or overpopulation, explain why this is a problem and propose some solutions
- Choose a scientific invention that is based on a scientific principle. Explain the scientific principle and if you know, explain how the invention works as well
- If I was to go through your report right now, what would be an area that you would be the most proud of?
If you get selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring a Curriculum Vitae (CV). This is basically a record of all your extracurriculars, leadership roles and awards written in the form of a resume. You do have time, so i would recommend joining a few science experiences, leadership roles and sporting teams to boost the quality of your resume!
That is all from me, i have written quite a lot lol Good Luck!!
good conversation
bot le tings
StudyKing Good question
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V! & Shipra28 , you guys recommended math Olympiad, Just would like know if these question are according to the new Acer question as they are tougher but at a more standard time limit. Also, if you guys have any tips on vocabulary or anything we should do on the day, eg. Writing down the alphabet and tips like that, would be very appreciated. Thank you as I am doing the exam this year. If you have any other resources for other subjects please let us know.
lanny That was a great response. Cud u also plz send some practice papers if u have any?
Hey everyone,
I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to reach out to this community for some tips and tricks regarding the 2024 Victorian Selective Schools Exam. As a student who is aiming to get into one of the selective schools, I think that your insights could be immensely helpful in my preparations.I would like to know your experience with the exam. What kind questions were challenging, and how each and every test went. Also I would like to know how did you improve your vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning. Please also share how you went in the exam as it would motivate me and others in a similar boat.
In addition, I am also very interested in knowing how I should effectively prepare for each and every test and how did you stop yourself from getting distracted while preparing. Also how did you manage your time in preparing between school, extracurriculars and other activities
Lastly, I would like to know what common traps or mistakes that students often make in the exam. Are there any specific types of questions to avoid. By learning from your experiences I hope to avoid these mistakes and maximise my chances of getting the best results possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and I hope that you can provide me with the tips and tricks that I need.
Warm Regards
Hi! I also did the test this year and I can tell you that it's not actually very hard. I personally didn't attend any tutoring and overall had about only 3 months of (hardcore) preparation. All you need is one superior (aim for two or more though to stand out) but also make sure the other results support it. I know a friend of mine got two superiors but didn't get an interview because of that. Practice exams definitely help. I'd recommend doing some ICAS science reasoning questions as they were very similar to the ones on the actual exam. You should also familiarise yourself with reading data correctly as most of the science reasoning questions were based on being able to extract information rather than having extensive background knowledge.
As for the mathematics and numerical reasoning, I'd recommend Henderson exams. The mathematics and numerical reasoning exams were definitely more stressful due to the time limit so time yourself while doing the practice exams. Covering the Year 9 and some Year 10 maths topics will be enough. The biggest thing would probably be to not leave any questions unanswered at all, even if it means you're guessing a third of the exam.
A lot of people found writing to be the most difficult and rightfully so, so make sure you know the structure of a lab report well. You should definitely write a few practice ones and get your teacher to mark it if possible. If not, you could just do what I did and ask ChatGPT for feedback. The other writing piece is much simpler and is something of an information report. You're already given all the information so it's mainly just organising and paraphrasing the ideas. The most important thing for both pieces is to read the criteria. You won't have a lot of time so spend the first five or so minutes organising your ideas. Prioritise the points included in the criteria over excess information.
That's pretty much it. Don't stress about it too much but also don't be overconfident. If you've sat SEHS or scholarship exams before, the format will be somewhat familiar to you. I'd also be happy to answer any more questions you have! Good luck!
