How to get into melbourne high school

How to Get into Melbourne High School?

Melbourne High School is one of Victoria’s most prestigious and competitive selective entry schools, renowned for its academic excellence, rich history, and vibrant student community. It is a boy's only school established in 1905, known for its academic prowess alongside its variety of extra-curricular opportunities and rich history and notable alumni including the likes of Lindsay Fox, John Gandel, Sir John Eccles, Ruslan Kogan, Keith Miller and more. Securing a place at Melbourne High School is a significant achievement that requires careful preparation and a well-planned strategy. Over 1500 students apply with only 336 places available. In this Blog, we will walk you through the key steps to help you increase your chances of gaining admission to this esteemed institution.

 

Understanding the Admission Process

Melbourne High School is a selective entry school, which means that entry is more based on academic merit rather than general application. The primary entry point is Year 9, with a highly competitive entrance exam that assesses a range of skills. The exam is conducted by ACER and occurs in July, it is a common exam taken by all students trying for the four main selective schools : Melbourne High School, Mac.Robertson girl's high school, Suzanne Cory High School and Nossal High School. Students will be doing this exam whilst they are in year 8. There are entries for Melbourne High in following years which is conducted by the school and includes an exam but also applications and interviews.

 

The exam components:

Reading Comprehension: Tests your ability to understand and analyse various texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. 35 questions need to be completed in 35 minutes.

Mathematics: Assesses your mathematical skills, including problem-solving, algebra, geometry, and numerical reasoning. 35 questions need to be completed in 30 minutes.

Verbal Reasoning: Evaluate your ability to think logically and understand complex concepts presented in words. 60 questions need to be completed in 30 minutes.

Numerical Reasoning: Measures your ability to work with numbers and identify patterns. 50 questions need to be completed in 30 minutes.

Writing: Requires you to produce a piece of creative and persuasive writing, showcasing your ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

Understanding the format and content of these tests is crucial for effective preparation.

 

Starting Early and Plan Ahead

Preparation for the Melbourne High School entrance exam should ideally begin well before Year 8.

Year 6-7: Build a strong foundation in core subjects such as English and Mathematics. Focus on developing reading comprehension, writing skills, and mathematical problem-solving abilities. Trying for SEAL, SEP, excel or other advanced high school classes can be a good step in preparing towards selection.

Year 8: Begin specific preparation for the entrance exam. Regular practice and familiarity with the exam format will build your confidence and improve your performance. iLearn's resources are catered perfectly for the exam and were used by many students who have gotten in and is highly recommended!

 

Enhance Your Academic Skills

Success in the Melbourne High School entrance exam depends on your academic abilities. Here are some tips to sharpen your skills

Reading Comprehension: Read widely and regularly. Include a variety of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and news articles. Practice summarizing texts, identifying key themes, and analysing the author’s intent.

Mathematics: Focus on problem-solving and understanding key mathematical concepts. Regularly practice past papers and sample questions to identify areas where you need improvement.

Writing: Develop your writing skills by practising different types of essays, including narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing. Pay attention to structure, vocabulary, and coherence.

Reasoning: Work on verbal and numerical reasoning skills through practice tests and puzzles. This will help you become more familiar with the types of questions asked in the exam.

 

Time Management and Practice

The Melbourne High School entrance exam is not just about what you know but also how well you can perform under time constraints. Effective time management is essential:

Timed Practice: Regularly practice with timed tests to simulate exam conditions. This will help you develop the ability to work efficiently and manage your time during the actual exam.

Mock Exams: Take full-length mock exams to build stamina and get used to the pressure of the testing environment. Review your performance to identify weaknesses and focus on improving them.

 

 Focus on Writing Skills

The writing component of the exam is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, clarity, and ability to argue a point of view. To excel in this section:

Practice Writing Regularly: Write essays on various topics and receive feedback. Focus on organizing your thoughts logically and using a varied vocabulary.

Understand the Prompt: Carefully read the writing prompt and ensure your essay addresses it directly. Stay focused on the topic and avoid straying off course.

Edit and Revise: Practice editing your work for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. This will help you produce polished writing under exam conditions.

Check out iLearn's AI essay marker which was trained specially by selective entry tutors and teachers!

 

 Prepare Mentally and Physically

Preparing for the Melbourne High School entrance exam isn’t just about academic preparation; it’s also about being mentally and physically ready:

Healthy Routine: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. A healthy body contributes to a sharp mind.

Stress Management: Learn techniques to manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise. Being calm and focused on exam day is crucial to performing well.

 

Application Process

For year 8 students, they need to apply online to attend the exam and preference Melbourne High in their application, this portal typically opens in February. For year 10 applications or later, in addition to the entrance exam, the application process may also require you to submit academic reports and possibly attend an interview. Ensure that your application is thorough and highlights your achievements, both academic and extracurricular. A well-rounded application can give you an edge in the selection process.

 

Gaining admission to Melbourne High School is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Success in the entrance exam requires early preparation, strong academic skills, and effective time management. By following the tips outlined in this guide and approaching your preparation with determination and focus, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a place at this prestigious school. Remember, consistency in your preparation and a positive mindset on exam day are key to achieving your goal. Good luck and Don't forget to check out iLearn's selective resources including our free resources!