JMSS Entrance Exam Guide: Complete Breakdown & Preparation Checklist (2025)

Are you a current Year 9 or year 10 student aspiring to join John Monash Science School? The JMSS entrance exam is a crucial step in your journey toward a specialised STEM education. As experienced tutors who have guided thousands of students through this process over the past five years, we'll provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare.

Key Exam Information

Entry Points

• Year 10 Entry: Exam typically held in mid June
• Year 11 Entry: Exam typically held in late May
• Important Note: Only one intake per year for entrance into the following year

Application Process

1. 1. Exam registration (apply via Edutest)
2. 2. Entrance Exam (administered by Edutest)
3. 3. Interview Day (shortlisted applicants only)
   • Group Activities
   • 1-on-1 Interviews

For detailed information on the application process, visit the official John Monash Science School website.

Exam Structure Overview

Year 10 Entry (Current Year 9 Students)

The entrance exam consists of five distinct tests:

Year 11 Entry (Current Year 10 Students)

Similar structure with five tests:

Types of Exams

• Tests of Ability - measure your potential
• Tests of Achievement - assess your performance

Detailed Test Breakdowns

Mathematics

The Mathematics test assesses year-level mathematical knowledge—plus a little extra challenge to see how well you apply concepts beyond the standard curriculum. The year 6-10 curriculum content will most likely be on the exam.

Topics Covered:

• Basics
• Algebra
• Surds
• Indices
• Equations
• Linear
• Non-linear Relationships
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Probability
• Statistics
• Financial Math
• Rates & Proportion
• Measurement
• Kinematics
• Sequences and Series
• Logarithms

Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning is a test that evaluates your ability to think and reason using numbers, focusing on problem-solving rather than memorised knowledge.

Key Components:

• Number Patterns
  • Series
  • Sequences
  • Matrices
  • Shapes
  • Boxes
  • Tables
• Worded Problems
  • Time
  • Motion
  • Financial Math
  • Measurement
  • Statistics
  • Probability

Science Reasoning

Science Reasoning assesses your observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a scientific context.

Topics:

• Biology
  • a. Cells
  • b. Body Systems
  • c. Diseases
  • d. Ecosystems
  • e. Evolution
  • f. Genetics
• Chemistry
  • a. Atoms
  • b. Periodic Table
  • c. Reactions
  • d. States of Matter
• Physics
  • a. Forces
  • b. Kinematics
  • c. Mechanics
  • d. Electricity
  • e. Energy
• Astronomy
  • a. Scale
  • b. Planets
  • c. Orbit
  • d. Satellites
  • e. Time
• Geology
  • a. Plate Tectonics
  • b. Rock Types
  • c. Moh's Hardness Scale
  • d. Cartography
• Experiments
  • a. Variables
  • b. Conclusions

Question Types

• Drawing Conclusions
• Graph Analysis
• Table Analysis
• Estimation/Scale
• Flow Charts
• Contour Lines
• Cross Sections
• Science Equations

Year 10 Entry Specific Tests

Science Interest & Communication (SIC)

Science Interest & Communication includes some background articles or paragraphs followed up with a few questions that a student will need to create arguments. Applicants will be required to express your interest in science and communicate scientific ideas effectively.

Science Analysis & Reporting (SAR)

Science Analysis & Reporting or SAR for short is a 30 minute, written test that includes 5 minutes of reading time and 25 minutes of writing time. This exam assesses your ability to analyse scientific data and present findings in a structured report. For this assessment an incomplete experimental report will be provided and a few questions will need to be answered when coming up with your response.

Year 11 Entry Specific Tests

Science

Science is a Year 11 only, 30 question, 30 minute, Multiple choice test that measures your understanding of biology, physics, and chemistry through visual and written data interpretation. It is very similar to Science Reasoning, but with more emphasis on year level specific content.

Writing Science Skills

Writing Science Skills is a Year 11 only, 30 minute, written test that evaluates your ability to communicate scientific information clearly and logically. It closely resembles the Science Interest & Communication exam from Year 10.

Preparation Checklist

General Preparation

Week Before Exam

Day of Exam

FAQs

Q: How does the JMSS exam differ from other selective school exams?
A: While ACER administers most selective school exams in Victoria, the JMSS exam is administered by Edutest and has a stronger focus on scientific aptitude and communication.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing?
A: Most successful candidates begin preparing 3-6 months before the exam, dedicating several hours per week to practice tests and concept review.

Q: What's the most challenging part of the exam?
A: Many students find the time pressure challenging, particularly in the Mathematics section with 60 questions in 30 minutes. Regular timed practice is essential.

Note: Exam formats and content may vary year to year. This guide is based on past exam patterns and student experiences. For the most current information, always refer to official JMSS communications.