With the John Monash Science School (JMSS) entrance exam on 13th June and the Melbourne Selective Schools exam on 20th June, thousands of Victorian families are now searching for last-minute preparation, quick study strategies, and how to boost results fast.
Understanding the Two Exams
Melbourne Selective Schools Exam Year 9 Entry (20th June)
ACER based exam with the following topics (no calculators allowed):
- Mathematical Reasoning
- English Reasoning
- General Ability – Verbal
- General Ability – Quantitative
- Written Expression (Essay Writing)
John Monash Science School Year 10 Entry (13th June)
EduTest based exam with the following topics (no calculators allowed):
- Mathematics
- Numerical Reasoning
- Science Reasoning
- Science Writing
- Science Communication
Week 1: Diagnose, Prioritise, and Set the Plan
Your goal for this week is clarity and to complete the following:
- Complete a practice exam (not timed)
- Identify the weakest two topics
- Create a daily timetable to work on the weakest topics (1-2 hours each day)
- Understand structure of the exam
Week 2: Build Upon Core Skills
Your goal this week is to strengthen your core skills
- Maths: fractions, percentages, algebra, ratios, worded mathematical problems, etc. No calculators are allowed in the exam
- Reading: inference and vocabulary
- Writing: structure and strong introductions (narrative and persuasive for Melbourne Selective, science for JMSS)
- Practice increasing your overall speed without sacrificing accuracy
- Watch the news to stay up-to-date with world events. This will assist with essay writing
Week 3: Timed Practice
This is where your constant practice should start accelerating your skills
- Use your practice exams and adhere to the time limits
- Every day, complete a timed piece of writing (narrative and persuasive for Melbourne Selective, science for JMSS)
Week 4: Full Practice Test
As the real test is quite long, we want to build up stamina for concentrating for extended periods of time
- Complete a full practice exam. Students can take a 15 minute break after the second topic
- Continue focusing on increasing speed without sacrificing accuracy
- Review mistakes straight after exam is finished
- Create a “Mistake Log”
Week 5: Strategy, Speed, and Refinement
This week is about polishing and fine-tuning. Focus on the following areas:
- Time management
- Review mistake log
- Eliminating careless mistakes
- Improving writing clarity and structure
- For John Monash, practice experimental report writing
Week 6: High Intensity, Low Stress Practice
This is the final push before the exam
- Daily short drills on primary skills
- Continue increasing speed without sacrificing accuracy
- Continue writing practice within time limits
- Continue reviewing mistake log
- Continue watching the news each night
Week 7: Confidence, Routine, and Exam Readiness
This final week is about calm, confidence and consistency.
Do:
- Light practice and continue revision
- One final full practice test
- Review writing templates
- Maintain proper sleep, eating habits, and routine
- Watch the news each night
Don’t:
- Cram
- Introduce new topics to study
- Do long study sessions
